Note: please note that this page should (a) link back to the issue overview on this topic, (b) be focused either the local, state, national, or global level, and (c) be neutrally presented, based on facts, and include footnotes for each of the items.  See the Research Guide and Information Sources to assist you. 

 

 

• Link here to the Youth Voice at the State Level overview page for the goal statement related to this issue brief 

 

Goal Statement

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The goal is to involve youth in meaningful state level public decision-making in Wisconsin.  The inclusion of youth as age and maturity allows should become the norm at all levels of state public decision-making.  It is further expected that these efforts fully include youth of diverse backgrounds and interests.   

 

 

Scope of the Problem 

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There are widespread beliefs that youth are incapable of handling adult responsibilities. Young people are typically perceived as “problems to be solved” as opposed to “resources to be nurtured.”  Youth are aware of these perceptions: research demonstrates that many young people do not feel valued by their communities.  Indeed, there are limited opportunities for youth to meaningfully contribute to their communities.  This lack of opportunity weakens the development of young people’s civic-minded attitudes, skills and behaviors.

 

There are clear benefits to engaging young people in meaningful decision-making.  Youth engagement in decision-making empowers young people and makes them aware of their ability to effect change.  Youth are able to develop leadership skills while taking on responsibilities to change their worlds.  Communities also benefit from engaging young people in meaningful decision-making because it helps prepare a new generation of community leaders.  In addition, youth participation strengthens the ability of current leaders to effectively address youth issues.

 

Fortunately, many creative approaches have been developed to engage youth in their communities.  Five specific opportunities for youth participation have been identified: public policy consultation, community coalitions, organizational governance, youth organizing, and school based service learning.  A healthy society needs youth involved in all these ways.  This brief focuses specifically on participation in governance and policymaking through the development of statewide youth councils.

 

Youth councils are formal bodies made up of older youth who advise elected officials and public decision makers.  Statewide youth councils can be implemented to advise the legislative branch, the executive branch, or an agency within the executive branch.  Thirteen states have active statewide youth councils.  Wisconsin, however, does not. 

 

It’s important to note there is also visible international support for youth voice.  The belief in youth voice is evident in Article 12 of the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of the Child.  Put simply, Article 12 states that young people are capable of expressing views and they have the right to be heard on all matters affecting them, including policy matters.  Youth councils are one way to solicit young people’s input on matter affecting them.  Although the United States has not ratified the Convention, thirteen states have created youth councils, demonstrating their support of youth voice.

 

Wisconsin is missing critical opportunities where youth voice can and should be heard.

 

Past Policy for more information.  

Wisconsin has no statewide policies requiring or encouraging youth voice in public decision-making.

 

 

Current Policy

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No current statewide policies requiring or encouraging youth voice exist.  However, there are some independent initiatives to increase youth voice.  The Department of Children and Families, Department of Public Instruction, Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of Justice all include youth voice in their decision-making processes. These departments are currently the exceptions, not the norm.  The inclusion of youth voice needs to become the norm.

The above youth councils need to be supported by adult staff.  For example, the Department of Children and Families’ Youth Advisory Council is supported by the state department living coordinator, independent living specialists, contracted adult staff, foster parents, and adult volunteers.  In addition, it is critical that youth councils encourage a diverse pool of members to ensure a broad array of voices, experiences and talents.  Diversity leads to a more complete and thought out decision-making process.

Thirteen other states (Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Washington) have implemented youth councils.  Programs in other states demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of youth councils and offer valuable models.

 

Key Organizations/Individuals   contacts for public and private organizations and key individuals

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* Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development

* Forum for Youth Investment

* Innovative Center for Community and Youth Development

* National Conference of State Legislatures

* National Center for Learning and Citizenship, Education Commission of the States

* Wisconsin Youth Voice

  

 

Bibliography   web sites, reports, articles, and other reference material 

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Calvert, M. & Allen, S. (2009).  Advancing youth voice in Wisconsin: A white paper.

 

Camino, L., & Zeldin, S. (2003).  From periphery to center: Pathways for youth civic engagement in the day-to-day life of communities. Applied Developmental Science, 6(4), 213-220.

 

Center for the Study of Social Policy. (2007). Engaging youth in community decision-making, p. 21. Retrieved January 25, 2009, from http://www.cssp.org/uploadFiles/Engaging%20Youth%20in%20Community%20Decision%20Making.pdf

 

Eccles, J. S., & Gootman, J. A. (Eds.). (2002). Community programs to promote youth development.  Report for the National Research Council and Institute of Medicine, Committee on Community-Level Programs for Youth, Board on Children Youth, and Families. Washington, DC: National Academies Press.

 

English, J., Piscatelli, J., Rautio, A., and Whitten, H. (2007).  State Policies on Youth Engagement in Policymaking.  Denver, CO: Education Commission of the States.

 

Foster Care and Adoption Resource Center. (2009).  Youth Advisory Council. Retrieved August 6, 2009 from http://www.wifostercareandadoption.org/snav/304/page.htm

 

Gaines, E., Ravindranath, N., Folliard, J. (2007, December). State Children’s Cabinets and Councils 2008 Directory. Washington, D.C.: The Forum for Youth Investment.

 

Martin, S., Pittman, K., Ferber, T. and McMahon, A.  (2007).  Building Effective Youth Councils: A Practical Guide to Engaging Youth in Policy Making.  Washington, D.C.: The Forum for Youth Investment.

 

New Mexico Forum for Youth in Community.  (2009).  New Mexico Youth Alliance. Retrieved April 5, 2009 from http://www.nmforumforyouth.org/youth_alliance.htm