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Click here to download an application and here for some more info.

What is a Youth Council?

Youth councils are a form of “youth voice” engaged in community decision-making. Council members are responsible for listening to their peers and bringing such information back to the council for advising, planning and communication purposes. Youth councils exist on local, state, provincial, regional, national, and international levels among governments, schools, and other entities.

What is The Brooklyns’ Youth Council?

The Brooklyns’ Youth Council, established October 2008, is a 21-member organization comprised of sophomores, juniors and seniors representing school districts in Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park as well as nine at-large high school-aged members who will represent these cities. The Council serves as an advisory, planning and communicating body in partnership with the Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth and each city’s adult Coalition and Collaborative serving youth.

What does the Council do?

Goals for the Council will be determined by the Council and its advisors each year in preparing for the year ahead. Priorities for the Council will be to:

• Represent area youth on issues important to them
• Allow teens to have a voice in planning for positive youth development
• Identify ways to improve the community for its youth
• Act as an advisory board to the Brooklyn Bridge Youth Coordinating Board
• Serve as representatives at local, regional, and state summits and conferences.

Members of the Council will be selected by representatives of the Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth based on a balanced representation reflecting each city’s population and schools where residents attend. School advisors will also assist the Council in coordinating and facilitating activities within each school’s setting, as needed/determined by the Council and/or Brooklyn Bridge Alliance representatives. Students will be made aware of this opportunity at the beginning of each school year and will submit applications (by the end of the third week of school) for a one-year term.

How much time will it take?

Applicants must be willing and able to commit to attend regularly-scheduled work sessions, committee sessions, and public meetings. Meetings are held (at a minimum of) twice per month on a day and time designated by the Council in each year’s preparatory process. All applicants will be considered regardless of religion, race or ethnicity. Applicants must present a balance of enthusiasm with dedication and respect for this opportunity.

How do I apply?

Applications may also be submitted to school advisors or to the Council Advisor, Kelsey Schonning. You may call Kelsey at 763-493-8345 or email kelsey.schonning@prooklynpark.org.

What if I have other questions?

Please call 763-488-6388 or email.