A program designed to provide input from young people to local governments in California, and to expand participation of young people and families in community affairs, is presented in this proposal. Funding is sought in the proposal to develop materials to implement a pilot program in San Diego County (CA) that would involve more than 100,000 children each year, many of whom are members of cultural minorities. The Youth and Government project involves a survey of public school students in grades 3-12 in which students are asked to give input about problems in the community and to say how they would like to change things. From an essay writing contest a number of students are selected to participate in a community-wide mentoring program with business and government officials. One essayist is selected to be "mayor-for-a-week." Social studies teachers discuss results of the survey with their classes, and direct students in small groups. The groups take on projects to: (1) investigate problems mentioned in survey responses in relation to their own behavior; (2) find solutions to problems pointed out in the survey responses; and (3) prepare and deliver recommendations for solutions to city government. This proposal report contains the following sections: brief description of the project, introduction, scope and use of funds, project goals, background, survey technique, how a community youth survey is conducted, survey interpretation and report generation, items in the youth government kit, "Making Changes" synopsis, "Making Changes" chapter outline, and a guide for educators that includes: suggested lesson plans, details of a practical lesson, student practice guides, and a history of the San Diego KidsPlace Survey. Three appendices also are included: (1) 1990 survey forms; (2) 1989 press clippings; and (3) 1989 survey report summary. (DB)