Youth Advisory Council (YAC)

Mission

Serve as a conduit between city government and younger constituents. The Youth Advisory Council's core focus is youth civic engagement by way of community programming and youth-oriented activities; a contribution of at least 40 volunteer hours per school year to government-related initiatives, projects, and programs; the dissemination of information to the community regarding topics that are important and relevant to the youth in our community; and to advise the City Council and the Human Relations Department on matters that relate to the community's youth population.

Purpose

To provide a venue for youth between the ages of 14 to 18 to have an active means of civic engagement in local government, and become involved in the community by participating in community activities a minimum of 40 hours each year. General duties will include, but will not necessarily be limited to:

• Actively promoting the participation of the youth in city government programs and activities;
• Promoting positive human relations among all youth;
• Providing channels of communication among all populations;
• Encouraging youth to become better trained and qualified for employment opportunities;
• Performing duties consistent with general law as may be assigned it from time to time by the City Council; and
• Performing such other duties as necessary to enforce the powers assigned to it.

Annual Project

Each year, the Youth Advisory Council selects a project to complete by year end. This year the council is working on Public Service Announcements for youth in Winston-Salem about positive image and positive choices.

Past Annual Projects:

• Baskets for Habitat for Humanity Families
• Community Garden
• Everyone Matters Day Celebration
• Gift Bags for children at Brenner Children's Hospital
• YAC PACKS, bags for Homeless Youth
• Youth Expression Wall

Authority for Creation

The City Council unanimously approved establishing the Youth Council at its meeting on March 6, 1989.

Method of Appointment

The City Council, upon the recommendation of the Mayor, will appoint one student from each of the fourteen high schools in the system, and one student from six of the private schools, with membership open to all interested high school students.

Additional Information

Contact chief staff person Wanda Allen-Abraha, Human Relations Director, at 336-734-1226.

Newsletters

Access Youth Advisory Council (YAC) newsletters.