In 2007, The Forum for Youth Investment in collaboration with The National League of Cities’ Youth, Education, and Families, and The National Conference of State Legislatures, published Building Effective Youth Councils: A Practical Guide to Engaging Youth in Policy Making, as part of the Youth in Engagement Series for Municipal and State Leaders.

The Guide is designed to help state and local leaders create or strengthen their own youth councils. It provides a rationale for engaging youth in policy and decision-making processes; describes 6 keys to creating effective youth councils; and provides case stories of youth councils enabling legislation, basic information about a range of youth councils, and other resources.

The Forum for Youth Investment is a nonprofit, nonpartisan “action tank” dedicated to helping communities and the nation make sure all young people are Ready by 21 – ready for college, work, and life. The Forum’s mission is to create greater opportunities and outcomes for young people.

The Guide is available for download on the right under “Documents & Resources.” You may also visit The Forum for Youth Investment at www.forumfyi.org.