Jose Juan Cruz, 15 from Denver Colorado

Are you tired of being that kid who's always left on the outside of any conversation or group activity? Jose Juan Cruz was before he joined YouthBiz in Denver. The organization was founded in Denver's Five-Points neighborhood by an adult activist and eight teens in 1992. YouthBiz has many programs to offer, including classes that teach teens how to run their own businesses.

Initially shy and quiet, Jose Juan is now a youth leader and teaches others about computers and their applications. His new self-confidence also compelled him to join the Mayor's Youth Commission, where youth take on various leadership roles in the community. For example, youth commissioners helped interview candidates for the school board last year.

How would you describe your work with YouthBiz?

I would describe my work with YouthBiz as a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Before YouthBiz I was the quiet kid in the corner and everyone wondered, "Who is that?" "Why don't they participate?"

Now I'm a lot more outspoken. I actually talk more. I want to be known. YouthBiz gave me those leadership skills and also the people skills as well. I can get in front of a crowd.

What do you see as the most important issue of 2008?

I think it would be youth and jobs. I have recently heard the statistics that there's over 800 youth in Denver, Colorado, and only about 400 of those youth are getting hired and maybe not even 400. If youth want to get more involved in the community or the world and society, they can't because there's not enough programs. If we do want to get a job or something related to a job, maybe volunteer or entrepreneurship, we don't have experience because there's a lot of competition out there.

If you could pass any piece of legislation, what would it be?

I think I would try to change the age requirement for working. I would try and change it to where you would have to be 16 years old to work. Nowadays 15-year-olds are growing way too fast and are maturing quicker.

Do you see yourself politically involved in the 2012 election?

I do see myself right now. In the Mayor's Youth Commission, we are empowering young voices who try to get involved with the community and make a better Denver. We run our own meetings. We have what we call co-chairs. We have an adult co-chair and a youth co-chair. We were trying to have one of the youth members write a speech to actually get involved with this year's DNC. We didn't really follow through with that because of the time commitment.