DCYAC Accepting Applications Online Now!

The DC Youth Advisory Council (DCYAC) is pleased to announce that we are currently accepting applications for the 2008-2009 council. 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; and
* Providing youth with leadership development trainings.

The 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 will have the opportunity to travel to different cities and participate in national conferences and events. Please note that applicants must have been residents of the District of Columbia for at least one year. The application is available on our website at http://rrc.dc.gov/dcyac. Clink on the "Become A Member" link. The deadline for applications is Friday, October 3, 2008. Apply today!

DCYAC Kicks Off School Year With Beautification Day

Desiree and Ashley working hard


Lynae and Ashley smile for the camera


DCYAC Program Manager Rebecca Thompson pitching in


DCYAC Summer Participants Atiya, Courtney,
Ashley, Desiree, and Lynae taking a break


This weekend DCYAC staff, summer participants, DCPS students, parents, and volunteers from across the city participated in the DC Public Schools Annual Beautification Day. Our day began bright and early at 8am at Fletcher-Johnson. Due to the low turnout, we headed over to Eastern Senior High School. There were a lot more volunteers and we were even greeted by the Eastern Band. We spent the day cleaning up litter, planting flowers, raking leaves, and cleaning up the area around the school. While we only worked for a few hours we helped make a big difference.