Forming a Youth Council

Youth Councils provide youth with an experience that can create a sense of belonging, build their interpersonal skills, develop leadership and enhance their resume for future college and career opportunities. Starting a Youth Council in your community will bring positive changes for years to come.

How to Get Started

1

Determine the Best Adult Mentor

  • Find adults who have a passion for youth and a willingness to let them lead
  • Consider placing youth with a staff person who can provide long-term sustainability
  • Some municipalities form a mayor’s youth council and have a member appointed by council members after they review applications
  • Other options include your local 4-H office, your school district or high school, and/or a municipal department such as parks and recreation, public information, assistant manager, or clerk
2

Align the Council within the Municipality

  • The youth council should be aligned with the manager’s office for the purposes of housing the youth council’s meetings and funding initiatives
  • The youth council should be viewed as an essential part of the local government structure
  • It should not simply be relegated to one department or extension
3

It Starts with Why

  • Consider the purpose and role of your youth council
  • Students can advise your council or commission, implement initiatives and events to reach other youth, and bring a different perspective on issues
  • Students will know their voices are heard and respected
  • Students will become valued participants in your municipalities work
  • A youth council can introduce information on municipal government and leadership that its members may not receive elsewhere
4

Determine Student’s Needs

  • Talk with a guidance counselor at a local school, a leader at your recreation center, and/or a youth pastor
  • Learn what issues student’s face and ask about challenges your municipality might experience in working with local youth
  • Assemble student’s to share ideas
5

Make it Official

  • A locality should adopt a resolution or ordinance that establishes a youth council
  • Seek the advice and counsel of your attorney
6

Items in a Resolution/Ordinance Establishing a Council

  • Establishment of the youth council
  • Membership composition
  • Explanation of how members are selected
  • Length of terms
  • Responsibilities of members
  • Whether the council will be placed in the government or an outside agency
  • Organizational and leadership structure, meeting requirements and procedures
  • Budget: How will it be funded and whether you will allow sponsorships and fundraising
7

Use Available Resources

Set your council up for success by using the following resources: