Youth Advisory Committee

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.

Eligibility

• Must be a City of Menlo Park resident
• Be entering grades ninth through 12 for the upcoming academic year and committee term
• Be willing to commit time and energy (about 6 hours per month for meetings and events)
• Must commit to a one-year term (September to May).

Application and membership

• Applicants must submit a YAC application form and supplemental questionnaire
• Applications are accepted April through August for the committee year that starts in September
• The Committee will run with no fewer than 10 and a maximum of 18 members
• A term is one-year, from September through May. Committee members may stay on for up to four terms, however a new application must be submitted each year.

Selection

The selection of the committee members shall be made according to the following guidelines:

• Selection shall be made in a fair and impartial manner
• Reasonable effort shall be made to assure that nominees are representative of the Menlo Park teen population by ensuring that the diverse interests of teens are represented on the committee
• Reasonable effort shall be made to ensure that a diverse YAC is representative of the various high schools that serve Menlo Park
• Applications must be submitted to the City of Menlo Park Library and Community Services Department
• City staff will be responsible for reviewing applications, scheduling interviews and making the final selection for all candidates.

Meetings

Meetings will be held twice a month. Regular meetings are on the first Wednesday of the month from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Arrillaga Family Recreation Center. Additionally there will be various committee and event meetings dependent on assignment. Required attendance at various evening or weekend Youth Advisory Committee-hosted events throughout the year. Committee members must attend at least 75 percent of the meetings to remain in good standing.

Officers

The Youth Advisory Committee shall elect from its membership a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Secretary.

Chairperson

The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the Youth Advisory Committee and shall appoint standing or special committees as may be necessary to carry out the Youth Committee's business, and shall supervise the efficient and responsible operation of the Youth Advisory Committee.

Vice-Chairperson

The Vice-Chairperson shall preside at Youth Advisory Committee meetings in the absence of the Chairperson, shall assume specific leadership responsibilities as determined by the Chairperson, and shall assist the Chairperson in fulfilling his/her responsibilities as needed.

Secretary

The Secretary shall be responsible for all communications for the Youth Advisory Committee meetings, and shall solicit and keep records of the minutes of the Committee.

Sub-committees

• Sub-committees shall be formed, as the Youth Advisory Committee deems needed
• Youth Advisory Committee members shall be expected to participate in at least one sub-committee at any given time
• Sub-committee work will be eligible for community service credits.