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DC Youth Advisory Council
“Youth Leading and Influencing Change in the District”
The DCYAC is responsible for influencing change on legislation and policies that impact youth, and for creating more youth-adult partnerships. DCYAC is made up of 32 diverse members from across the District, ages 13 to 22.
Contact our office at (202) 727-7966
or email us at dcyac@dc.gov
About the DC Youth Advisory Council (DCYAC)
In April 2002, Mayor Anthony A. Williams signed legislation establishing the DC Youth Advisory Council (DCYAC). The DCYAC is located within the Executive Office of the Mayor. It was created by District youth and officials in order for young people throughout the District to have an official ongoing voice in the policies, programs and actions within the city. The DCYAC is responsible for influencing change in legislation and policies that impact youth, and for developing more youth and adult partnerships.
History
The DCYAC was established as a result of The City Is Mine: Youth Summit held in November 2000. There, Mayor Williams met with more than 1,400 young people and listened to their suggestions about improving the District. Just as the Citizen Summit gave District residents a hand in shaping the city’s policy and budget priorities, the Youth Summit gave youth a voice in shaping these same priorities. At the Summit, DC youth identified three priority issues of safety and violence, education, and jobs/training. An overwhelming message from the Summit was the need to change the way young people interact with their government. The DCYAC empowers youth by giving them the legislative mandate to participate meaningfully in District governance. Through the Youth Advisory Council, youth can play a purposeful role in government decision making.
Structure & Support
The DCYAC consists of 32 council members, between the ages of 13 and 22, selected from various sectors of the District (3 members from each of the 8 wards and 8 at-large representatives who have experience with the Juvenile Justice System and Foster Care). Membership reflects a broad range of diversity encompassing, but not limited to, relevant differences such as ethnicity, location of residency, religion and gender. The Youth Advisory Council advises the Mayor, the District Council, DC public schools, other key decision makers in the District government, and other adult leaders in the District by:
- Commenting on legislation and policies that impact youth;
- Presenting methods to resolve youth-related conflicts between youth and between youth and adults;
- Proposing recommendations to improve the lives of youth;
- Monitoring and measuring the effectiveness of youth programs and policies;
- Partnering with neighborhood and youth organizations on shared issues; and
- Preparing youth for leadership through appropriate training.
Members of the DCYAC have a background in community-based activities with a sincere interest in and motivation to work for the community. As youth leaders, they bring real and fresh perspectives about youth issues, and act as effective communicators between the District and their home communities. The DCYAC meets twice a month and publishes a yearly report, to be publicly distributed, of its activities, recommendations and accomplishments.
Membership
DCYAC membership benefits include influencing the District’s youth-related policies and programs; creating legislation that aids youth; serving as a representative for District youth; interacting regularly with District officials and other local leaders; and developing leadership skills. DCYAC is a wonderful way for young people in the District to gain experience in community service, civic participation and youth advocacy. Throughout the year, DCYAC members will be able to meet and work with other District youth through numerous programs and collaborations. In the addition, DCYAC members may have the opportunity to travel to different cities and participate in national conferences and events.
The DC Youth Advisory Council is currently accepting applications for the 2008-2009 council!
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Do you want to bring attention to issues you care about?
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Are you ready to be a leader in your community?
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Are you between the ages of 13-22?
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Have you lived in the District for at least one year?
More information:
For more information, contact DCYAC office at (202) 727-7966.
**Note: Some links provided on DC.Gov or other DC government websites may display vendor logos, banners, or similar identification. Such links are used for operational reasons only and do not constitute or imply any endorsement of any vendor or its product.
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