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

 

 

Goal Statement   one sentence that further defines the topic 

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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.     

 

Policy Options / Model Programs   specific policies or program models, grouped by type, that are profiled 

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Youth Voice Policy Options

 

State Resolution: State legislatures can use a Resolution to support youth voice.  A Resolution would declare the worth of youth, urging all public institutions, agencies and systems that serve youth to include their input to the extent of the young person’s maturity.  No definitive policy change is needed and it does not cost anything, but it sets a standard.  A Resolution can then be used as a rallying tool for activists and a catalyst for further action to be taken. 

 

Executive Order: For a Governor, an Executive Order can accomplish the same goal as a state resolution.  An Executive Order can declare the worth of youth voice, urging public institutions and systems to include youth input, and can also set a framework for a Governor’s Youth Advisory Council.  No definitive public policy change is needed and a declaration of value does not cost anything, but it sets a standard. 

 

Enact State Youth Council:  Direct action can be taken by the state legislature, executive office or state agency without a Resolution of Executive Order.  A youth council can be enacted without a State Resolution or Executive Order through another act of government or in accordance with a previously passed Resolution.  See Model Youth Council Programs for examples.   

 

Model Youth Council Programs

 

Legislative Youth Council: a council established through a legislative resolution, adopted by one house or both, or a bill to advise members of the legislature on issues that matter to youth.  Five states (Maine, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Washington) have formed legislative councils.

 

     Model Advantage:  Youth from all state regions have the opportunity to participate and network with state leaders.

     Disadvantage: It may be challenging to gain majority support to implement a youth council.

 

     Example of Legislative Youth Council:

     Maine’s Legislative Youth Advisory Council began in 2002 through a statute to advise the Legislature on proposed and pending legislation and      state budget expenditures. Youth Council members are expected to conduct seminars on leadership and government for other youth, hold public      hearings and annually report to the legislature.  The Council also has the legal authority to propose legislation to implement their      recommendations. The Council is co-chaired by a youth member elected by the council and of an appointed legislative member alternating      between a member the Senate and a member of the House of Representatives.

     The Legislative Council provides staffing assistance within its existing budgeted resources and reimburses the youth members for reasonable      expenses incurred in order to serve the council.  The council may seek outside funds to support the council. 

 

Executive Youth Advisory Council: a council established to advise the Governor on issues impacting youth.

 

     Model Advantage:  This model does not require the majority support and thus can be easily implemented by a motivated governor.

     Disadvantage:  Youth representatives only advise one individual, narrowing their potential influence and tying the council’s existence to the      motives of the executive.  Councils may not continue when another administration is elected.

 

     Example of Executive Youth Advisory Council:

     Arizona Governor’s Youth Commission is a 40-member commission of 10th-12th grade students.  The Commission’s goal is to make youth      policy recommendations to the Governor on issues related to substance abuse prevention, youth homelessness, education, and domestic violence      prevention.  In the past these youth have been involved in policy reports, administering youth mini-grants, hosting a Youth Leadership day, and      making policy recommendations to the Governor and Governor’s Office for Children, Youth and Families.

 

     The Commission is housed in the Governor’s Office for Children, Youth and Families and is supported by one full-time staff person with      additional support from two other adult staff.  The Commission receives funding from the Governor’s office, Safe and Drug Free Schools and      Arizona Parent’s Commission. 

 

State Agency or Department Youth Council: the council advises a specific state department or agency.  Executives can encourage this action though an Executive Order or individual agencies can take the initiative to develop programs specific to their work.

 

Model Advantage: Youth can become engaged with agencies and issues that best suit their personal interests. 

Disadvantage: Youth are limited to a scope of issues and not exposed to broader statewide policies.

 

     Example of State Department Youth Council:   

     Pennsylvania State Board of Education has two student members and two student members-elect serve on the Board as non-voting members.       The Chairperson of the Board appoints all student members.  One student member, currently attending a Pennsylvania high school, serves on the      Council of Basic Education.  The other student member, currently enrolled at Pennsylvania institution of post-secondary education, serves on the      Council of Higher Education.  Each member serves one year as a student elect and then one year as a student member.  Members and elects are      entitled to attend all Board, council and committee meetings.  Student representation was made possible through a grant from the National      Association of State Boards of Education and a corporate foundation gift.

 

Local/State/National Information    additional information on this topic at the local, state, national, global level

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• Youth Voice at the State Level - Wisconsin 

 

 

Glossary of Terms   key words or phrases that the layperson needs to know to understand this issue 

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• Article 12: an article within the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child that states young people are entitled to be active agents in their own development, they are capable of expressing views, and they have the right to be heard in all matters affecting them, including policy matters

• Executive Order: a declaration made by a President or Governor that has the force of law within the Executive branch, according to the Executive’s jurisdiction, and does not require action from the Legislature.

   

• Resolutions: proposals from the Legislature to take action affecting its own procedure that does not require action by the Governor if adopted by one house of the legislature or both. 

   

• United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child: first international law that formally acknowledged the rights of children

   

• Youth councils: formal bodies made up of youth (typically ages 16-18) who advise high-level decision makers and elected officials

• Youth voice: the participation of youth in decision-making processes

 

Bibliography    

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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