What's New?

The latest news, resources, and stories to help cities and counties with developing and promoting youth public engagement.

Huntington Beach Youth Considering Careers in Local Government

The City of Huntington Beach Youth Board has coordinated the annual “Youth in Government Day” for the past 26 years with the goal of introducing local high school students to the importance of civic engagement, as well as exposure to career paths in local government. This year approximately 125 students from four local high schools participated. Students were each matched with the local agency department they were most interested in learning more about.

Representatives from the City Manager’s Office, City Council, City Attorney’s, City Clerk, Economic Development, Finance, Human Resources, Police, Fire, Library, Community Services, Planning & Building, Public Works, and the Marketing & Visitor’s Bureau all participated and led tours, gave an overview of current projects and answered questions from inquiring students.

The program has consistently received excellent feedback from students who leave “Youth in Government Day” with a newfound enthusiasm for potentially working in the public sector. Click here to see the itinerary from Huntington Beach Youth Board’s 2011 program.

If you would like more information about the City of Huntington Beach Youth Board and its activities, please contact Ashley Wallace, Graduate Management Intern and Youth Board Liaison, at Ashley.wallace@surfcity-hb.org.

Despite Budget Cuts, San Leandro’s Youth Advisory Commission Still Makes a Difference

The City of San Leandro’s Youth Advisory Commission had its operating budget cut in 2010; it still remains active.

The YAC had previously run a mini-grant program to offer small grants to youth serving organizations in San Leandro who were in need of funds. When the Youth Advisory Commission’s budget was cut, the YAC decided that it’s most important objective was to continue this mini-grant program. The YAC spent the entire 2010-2011 year soliciting donations, running fundraisers, and helping at special events around the city in exchange for donations, raising $1211.35 in the process. The money raised provided needed funding to four San Leandro youth serving organizations.

If you would like more information about the San Leandro Youth Advisory Commission and its activities, please contact Veronica Tracy, Recreation Supervisor, at VTracy@ci.san-leandro.ca.us.

New Civics and Municipal Literacy Projects for Young People

Learn about civic education and municipal literacy projects for young people in Colorado, Maine, and Kansas.

The Civic and Political Significance of Online Participatory Cultures among Youth Transitioning to Adulthood

This working paper from Youth & Participatory Politics examines youth engagement in nonpolitical online participatory cultures as a gateway to participation in important aspects of civic and political life. Youth & Participatory Politics is an interdisciplinary network of scholars working together to understand the ways youth participation in online networks is shaping and reshaping youth civic and political engagement in the public sphere.

Youth Engagement and Local Planning: Ideas for Youth Commissions

This is the third in a series of Briefing Papers for youth commissions and youth councils that illustrates how youth can become involved in local community planning.

Youth Commissioners Take on Climate Change

This article provides examples of youth actively involved in their communities on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Opportunities for Youth in La Mirada

Innovative programs have been implemented in the City of La Mirada to promote youth public engagement and to provide opportunities for young people to develop professional skills and foster personal growth.

Youth Dialogues Inform and Develop Local Leaders

This article provides examples of youth-led dialogues recently held in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.

Safely Harnessing the Power of Social Networking Technology

Read examples of youth commissions using social media to communicate and interact with peers to promote youth involvement in activities.

Teens Help Plan the Future of their Communities

Learn how local leaders are going beyond "the usual suspects" to include teens and older residents in local planning public engagement processes.