May with NLC

The month of May was a very exciting and interesting time for the NLC Council on Youth Education and Families as we met in Savannah, Georgia in order to discuss some of the pressing issues facing youth today. Some items we discussed in depth were the impact of economic climate on youth, Safe Neighborhoods, youth violence prevention, and authentic youth civic engagement. One very enlightening event that the Council participated in was a poverty simulation hosted by Step Up Savannah, in which Council members and NLC Staff had to step in the shoes of impoverished family units and navigate the mazes of job finding, social security, and more in order to “survive.” Simulations such as this one are excellent activities for youth councils and other organizations to either host or participate in. Get involved and host one in your community!!!

Tampa Mayor's Youth Corps

The City of Tampa Mayor’s Youth Corps is an influential organization made up of 9th, 10th, and 11th grade empowered, caring students selected from City of Tampa Schools who are dedicated to making community service a life-long commitment. The Corps has a voice to the mayor, leadership development and community service opportunities, as well as a monthly, youth oriented television show on CTTV. One of the most recent projects the Tampa MYC just completed was Paint Your Heart Out, an annual event where the Corps lends a helping hand to low-income, elderly citizen in our community by assisting them with much needed home repairs, painting, and landscaping. This is a great event to get started in any city! What are you doing in your community?

Hey Friends!

Well, the Texas heat is something fierce! But the Burleson MYC is working hard. We are currently switching over to the new year with 8 new council members. We are very excited to be starting a new year with fresh faces and ideas. Our first project as a group will be identifying the major key issue facing teens in our city and what we can do to help eliminate it. Previously, we visited the state capitol to talk with state representatives and congressmen. It was a very educational experience and we definitely felt more connected to how the state works with individual cities, as well as regions. They respected our opinions and listened very closely to what we had to say. This gave us courage to keep pressing onward because our voices will be heard! One person can make the difference. You just have to keep talking until someone listens. Never forget: EVERY OPINION COUNTS. 

So what do YOU think? Do adults really listen to the youth? 

Peace.Love.Caitlan.