The D.C. Youth Advisory Council of the Executive Office of the Mayor (DCYAC) is not the meet-and-greet organization it used to be. Today, its actions are more focused and structured.
“DCYAC has taken it to another level,” says Sean Gough, its director for 18 months.
“When I first came in, we only convened one meeting a month. We have since amended the bylaws to establish subcommittees to focus on education, public safety, health and human services, labor and employment,” said Mr. Gough, 37.
This subcommittee breakdown enables members to focus on their specific interests, experiences and knowledge areas. The subcommittees meet independently and then make reports, whether to propose an event or partnership, to the committee of the whole to review and take appropriate action, Mr. Gough said.
DCYAC “mirrors the structure of the city council,” he added, in applying Robert’s Rules of Order, and the committee of the whole meets twice a month.
The new structure also creates a need for more dedicated youth participants.
DCYAC is accepting applications for the 2010 council from young people between the ages of 13 and 22.
The DCYAC is made up of 32 council members selected from various youth constituencies of the District (three members from each of the eight wards and eight at-large representatives who have experience with the District’s juvenile justice and foster care systems). Membership is diverse in ethnicity, location of residency, religion and gender
The DCYAC advises the mayor, D.C. Council, D.C. Public Schools, key decision-makers in District government, and other adult leaders in the city. Responsibilities include commenting on legislation and policies, presenting methods to resolve youth-related conflicts, proposing recommendations to improve the lives of youths, monitoring and measuring the effectiveness of youth programs and policies, partnering with neighborhood and youth organizations, and providing youths with leadership development training.
Throughout the year, DCYAC members will meet and work with other D.C. youths through numerous programs and collaborations. Members also have the opportunity to travel and participate in national conferences and events.
The idea for DCYAC was an outgrowth of the City Is Mine Youth Summit held at the University of the District of Columbia in November 2000. Former Mayor Anthony A. Williams fielded recommendations from more than 1,000 young adults who advocated for an increased voice in city government. Mr. Williams signed legislation in April 2002 establishing the DCYAC to give young residents a body to influence legislation and policies that impact youths and that develop partnerships between youths and adults.
Mr. Gough says Mayor Adrian M. Fenty has “a sincere commitment” to DCYAC that resulted in his swearing in the current class.
Representatives from the juvenile justice and foster care system are especially encouraged to apply and will be given priority consideration.
Applicants must be residents of the District. The application is available at www.dcyac.dc.gov. The deadline for applications is Friday. For more information, call 202/ 727-7966.
• John Muller is a writer and photographer living in Montgomery County.
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