DCYAC Kicks Off 2008-2009 Council!

Last week, the DC Youth Advisory Council (DCYAC) kicked off its first meeting of the 2008-2009 year. The new class is comprised of the most amazing young talent that the District of Columbia has to offer and we are confident that we are on our way to becoming the best youth council in the country.

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.

Be sure to check out our blog regularly, because each month we will highlight a councilmember of the month.

DCYAC Registers Voters at the Columbia Heights Day Festival

Yesterday, the DCYAC participated in the Columbia Heights Day Festival and had the opportunity to register new voters. Last summer DCYAC members participated in extensive voter registration trainings and the festival provided them with an opportunity to put their new skills to work. The festival included a moon bounce for the kids, a cupcake eating contest, arts and crafts, and a petting zoo with lots of animals. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty was also on hand to join in on the fun too.