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About the Youth Commission On the May 15 primary election in Philadelphia, the Youth Commission was approved by a majority of the city. The Youth Commission will begin serving on January 1, 2008. Application process will begin soon.
What is a Youth Commission? A Youth Commission is a panel of young Philadelphians who would review legislation and policies that affect youth and advise the Mayor and City Council on those issues. The Commission would consist of 21 young people between the ages of 12 and 23. Each City Council member would appoint one Youth Commissioner. The Mayor would appoint four. On June 15, 2006, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown introduced legislation that would create a Youth Commission for the City of Philadelphia. It was then passed unanimously by City Council. Read a copy of the Resolution passed by City Council HERE.
Young people will apply directly to a new Youth Commission office. They will be recruited from schools, after-school programs, advocacy groups, community centers and other youth serving organizations. Each youth will complete a standard application which will be reviewed and considered for appointment. Recommendations will be forwarded to City Council and the Mayor. Each Council person will appoint one person and the Mayor will appoint 4 members to the Youth Commission.
What will the Members of the Youth Commission do? In addition to regular meetings of the Commission, Youth Commission members will meet monthly with their appointing Council Members and/or the Mayor’s Staff. They will be able to hold hearings on specific issues and they will meet regularly with other youth groups to keep up with the needs and desires of the community in which they live.
Does the Commission have the Ability to Initiate or Vote on Legislation? Youth Commissioners will not be able to vote on legislation. They will have the opportunity to write legislation which can only be introduced if sponsored by a City Councilperson.
How Much will this Cost? We estimate that the Commission would have a budget of under $250,000 which would pay for two full time staff members (a Director and a Youth Empowerment Coordinator) and for all trainings, events, supplies and other expenses.
We need YOUR help. Outreach is extremely important right now so that we get the right young people on the youth commission. So read what we are up to and Contact us to find out more. |
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