On Dec. 10, 2019, City Council approved the formation of a Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) to advise city staff and the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Role
The Menlo Park YAC exists as a citizens’ group to advise and respond in all matters related to the needs of youth in Menlo Park or those referred to it by the Parks and Recreation Commission or City staff and, as appropriate, make recommendations on those matters.
Purpose
The YAC’s purpose is to engage the future leaders of Menlo Park by encouraging youth to take an active leadership role in the community. It aims to foster a greater involvement of youth in municipal government and civic affairs. The YAC will advise the Parks and Recreation Commission and City staff on activities, events and programs to meet the needs of youth and teens in the community.
Charge
The City Council gave the YAC the following charge:
- Act as an advocate for youth and teens
- Act as a liaison for teen issues to governmental and private organizations
- Empower youth to have a voice in their local government, get involved and make a difference in their community
Foster a greater involvement of youth in municipal government and city affairs
- Advise and inform City staff and the Parks and Recreation Commission on the various issues relating to the teens, outlining the needs of the population
- Advise the Parks and Recreation Commission and City staff on activities, events, programs and with current youth trends to meet the needs of youth in Menlo Park
- Assist in planning, promoting and implementing programs and services for youth
- Plan and participate in community services activities which benefit the Menlo Park community
- Promoting leadership skills through service learning experiences and volunteerism
- Identify problems of teen services and recommend appropriate solutions.
Activities
The YAC will learn first-hand about the various aspects of Menlo Park’s local government. It will develop, promote and host a number of youth specific events throughout the year, as well as have a presence at a number of the citywide annual events. The YAC will have the opportunity to provide an advisory role to the Parks and Recreation Commission and City staff on youth-related projects. Lastly, as a group, the YAC will identify its yearlong focus, which will culminate in a special project, event or initiative. Serve as an ambassador for the Community Services Department and promote youth-related events to peers and via social media.