Engaging youth in city government
Abstract
In Boise, Idaho, youth have become actively engaged in civic volunteerism, which has benefited the city, the youth and the adults they work with. A 1999 study of the city's youth found only 20 percent felt valued by the community. In response, an ordinance was passed to allow youth to serve as voting members on nine boards and commissions and as non-voting members on two boards.Issue
In 1999, the City of Boise participated in the Search Institute's Youth Attitudes and Behavior Study. The study showed that only 20 percent of youth felt valued by the community.Action
In response to the 1999 study, the City of Boise made a commitment to empower youth by appointing them to various city boards and commissions.
The City of Boise passed an ordinance allowing youth to serve as voting members of nine boards and commissions and two boards as non-voting members. Youth submitted letters of interest. The mayor interviewed applicants and recommended one youth for each position to the City Council, which confirmed the one-year appointments.
Sensitivity trainings were developed for the youth and the adults who would be working with the youth on the boards and commissions. The training focused on improving intergenerational communication.
All youth appointees attended the "How to Be a Successful Board Member" training and all commissioners and most of the City Council were required to attend the youth sensitivity training. All had specific training on the 40 developmental assets for youth, which have been identified by the nonprofit Search Institute as the positive experiences and qualities that influence young people's lives and choices. According to research, the 40 developmental assets help young people make wise decisions, choose positive paths, and grow up competent, caring and responsible.
The training for adults focused on the following learning outcomes:
- Explore the realms of youth culture and attempt to define and understand its diversity
- Examine various viewpoints and enhance their understanding of discrimination, prejudices, and stereotypes, and how they create barriers to our effectively relating to young people
- Generate thoughts and/or ideas on how we can become more youth sensitive in our organizations, especially as it relates to providing customer services to our young people
- Gain awareness of the "reasons" behind many of the attitudes our youth display; and how humor and tolerance can positively work to better our relationships with them
Outcome
The mayor's effort to encourage civic participation among youth has benefited youth and adults in the community. The adults are more responsive because they know they are setting an example for young people. Youth are given an opportunity to help plan their community and be heard by the city's civic leaders.
The majority of the city's department heads have invited young people to be on various planning boards and have tried to incorporate young people in as many activities — business and community — as possible. The police chief started a youth academy and added young people to the police department's 2020 planning board. The Planning and Zoning Commission is collaborating with the Healthy Community Healthy Youth Council to build a multigenerational cafe. Other organizations in the city have also taken the opportunity to add young people to their boards. The United Way, YMCA, local school district, and hospitals are attempting to add youth. The Boise School District added young people to their curriculum development teams for counseling curriculum and academic curriculum. The young people will even help to teach the counseling curriculum.
Posted On
April 23, 2001For More Information