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DRAFT
Proposed Youth Advisory Commission
In 2000, the Mayor saw a need in the City of Lakewood to create a "youth commission," to give the young people in our city a way to become involved in their community. The Mayor appointed Councilor Wise to head up an exploratory group of community members to investigate the need and ways to implement a commission. The creation of a commission was unfortunately shelved at that time due to budgetary constraints. The subject of the "commission" was brought up again at the City Council retreat in February of 2002. Discussion took place and according to the notes taken, Councilor Herbst volunteered to continue the process that was started by Councilor Wise. Councilor Wise spent a great deal of time researching and compiling information that has been instrumental in this proposal. The development of this proposal would not be complete without the contribution from Councilor Wise.
This proposal is based on input from JeffCo R1 administrators, teachers, support staff, staff members from the State of Colorado Department of Education, community members, but most importantly, a very diverse group of youth from various parts of the City. There is definite support from the community to establish a "Youth Commission" in the City of Lakewood.
The main purpose of the Youth Advisory Commission is to serve as a resource
to City Council and City Staff on youth related items. This commission will
serve in an advisory capacity only and will not set policy.
Objectives, Goals and Benefits of a "Youth Advisory Commission"
Create a mechanism for youth to communicate with their local government.
Based on the previous research into a possible youth commission and subsequent
meetings with various agencies and individuals, there is an incredible need
in this city to establish lines of communication between City officials and
the youth population. Young people need to have a way to advise City Council
on issues affecting the youth in Lakewood.
Create a mechanism for youth to communicate with various City departments.
The City has a need to include ideas and input from the youth. Various departments
could use this commission to get suggestions and input.
**Community Resources --Solicit input on youth programming, recreation facilities,
parks, cultural events and community events. The youth commission will be a
great way to be advocates and promote awareness of activities and events.
**Housing and Family Services--The youth employment programs were eliminated
during the Council's budget cuts in the spring of 2001. Businesses and the "commission"
can connect to create a network of information regarding jobs for youth. It
can be used as a volunteer network for HFS and the clients they serve. The commission
can also be a resource to other youth by providing information about services;
i.e. counseling, housing and homelessness, etc....
**Community, Planning and Development--The youth would be an asset to neighborhood
programs such a SCRUB, neighborhood cleanups and neighborhood activities.
**Police Department--The commission would benefit from having a way to engage in positive communication with the School Resource Officers that are already placed in the schools, as well as the Neighborhood Action Team.
Create the opportunity for youth to contribute to their community and provide
them an opportunity for community service.
Public middle schools and high schools within Lakewood require community service
hours for different organizations and some of the high schools require these
hours for graduation. Most of the youth that have been consulted are not sure
where to locate programs or places where they can be of benefit.
Liaisons and volunteers for other established City commissions.
**Heritage, Culture & the Arts Commission--There are no youth liaisons
to the HCA at this time. The creativity and difference of perspective could
prove to be of enormous value in this area. Youth input on cultural events,
art exhibits; fund raising and volunteers are a few ways that the members can
contribute to the HCA.
**Senior Citizens' Advisory Commission--There is a generation gap that exists
in Lakewood. Senior citizens have fears and misconceptions about young people,
as do the young people have about seniors. The social aspect alone, in bridging
this gap is of great importance.
**Commission of Cultural Diversity--There are currently two youth representatives on this commission. Our youth are probably the most exposed to true diversity on a daily basis. Young people know first hand the daily challenges of accepting and promoting diversity on a broad scale. They not only have insight in ethnic diversity, but also socioeconomic, diversity of family dynamics, stereotyping from among themselves with different interests, as well as the stereotyping that they are faced with by adults. The youth representatives from the Cultural Diversity Commission will have additional support from the Youth Commission to promote understanding and awareness of all diversity within our community.
These are just some examples of benefits. There are many possibilities to explore.
Budget
There is really no need to establish a budget for this commission. The commission does not require any funding.
There is a need for some minimal staff time to keep uniformity with the other established City commissions.
The members of the commission, with assistance from staff, will be responsible for keeping records of meetings, agendas and notifications of meetings. They will establish their own method of communications with each other. It will be the responsibility of the members, staff and the City Council liaison to see that proper methods are put in place.
The commission will need a meeting space. There are a number of options for meeting space. The Lakewood Link is the ideal location for meetings. This facility is designated to be a youth facility. Another option would be rotating the meetings to the various recreation centers in Lakewood. There are several of the public schools in Lakewood that willing to help with meeting space, if necessary.
There will be minimal cost incurred for copies of minutes and agendas.
Once the commission is established and operating, it will require a minimal
amount of staff time.
Criteria and Selection Youth Commission Members
The commission will consist of 15 youth members from around the City. Applications may be submitted by any youth between 7th and 12th grade who reside within the City of Lakewood.
The members will elect a chairman, vice chairman and a secretary.
They may also elect members to coordinate and oversee other items that may be brought to them. They may also solicit other youth to be involved in certain discussions or items that may come up. These youth would not be members, they would be volunteers. (Similar to the organizational structure of the Heritage, Culture and Arts Commission.)
There will be a City Council liaison appointed to the commission by the Mayor. The Council liaison, with the assistance from staff, will provide direction to the commission regarding the appropriate areas of involvement.
Applications and letters of recommendations will be submitted to the City Council Screening Commission. Selection will not be based on high GPA's. It has been recommended by all involved in this process that all youth are encouraged to apply so that the commission will be represented by a broad base of youth. It is recommended that members should be based on their individual merits. Development of the actual application is still in process and input from City Council would be helpful to finalize the criteria.
Terms will be for 1 & 2 years. Appointments and reappointments will occur in August or September.
The founding commission members would establish meeting time and frequency.
Summary
We are asking for approval to move forward on establishing the Youth Advisory Commission. If the Mayor and City Council approve this proposal, the exploratory group, along with teachers and school administration, will begin soliciting applications within the schools immediately. The first commission members will be appointed by March and the commission will begin meeting by April. This group will look at setting additional guidelines that could be implemented and also adopt a set of bylaws.
The Commission will submit a final copy of guidelines and bylaws to City Council
for their review and approval. City Council will also receive the minutes from
all meetings as well as an update regularly from the City Council Liaison. An
annual written and oral report will also be compiled and presented to City Council.
Acknowledgments
Charlene White-Principal, Deane Elementary School
John Compton-Teacher, O'Connell Middle School
Nettie Morano-Parent & former staff at Alameda High School in special education
programs
Vickie Quinn-Parent
Michael Rameriz-State of Colorado, Department of Education
Staff members and volunteers who participated in roundtable discussions
Gwynne May-Former Youth Pastor, Phillips United Methodist Church
Shilah Hipps-College Junior and Alameda High School graduate
Nicole Wong-Sophomore, Lakewood High School
Megan Quinn-Freshman, Alameda High School
Darcie Herbst-8th grader, O'Connell Middle School
Participants of the JeffCo R1 High School Leadership Conference
Cadets Girl Scout Troop #1386
Participants of the exploratory group coordinated by Councilor Cheryl Wise in
2000
Many other people (youth and adults) have contributed to this proposal in many different ways.
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