Children and Youth Voice, Youth Involvement, Youth Engagement, Youth Organizing and Youth Participation

in Local Nonprofit Agencies

INTRODUCTION: Many youth-serving and community-oriented nonprofit organizations have realized the benefits of including young people on their board of directors and in youth action councils.

POINT TO PONDER: “Youth involvement has moved forward. It is no longer seen as a rebellious act, the way it was a few decades ago.” - Maureen A. Sedonaen, executive director of the Youth Leadership Institute, as quoted by Domenica Marchetti here.

RESOURCES: The following are groups of special groups of youth-only decision-makers in local nonprofit agencies across the US.

Examples

American Lung Association Sacramento-Emigrant (CA) Trails Youth Advisory Board

United Way Fox Cities, Wisconsin Youth Board

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Youth Advisory Board

California Adolescent Health Collaborative list of Youth as Participants and Advisors

Greenville, Michigan Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council

Bay Area Community Foundation Youth Initiative Advisory Group

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council

Cedar Valley Promise Youth Advisory Committee (Iowa)

Comprised of middle school and high schools student (along with an adult co-chair) who serve in an advisory capacity to the rest of the CVP Task Teams. The involvement

of YAC in the operation and direction of CVP ensure that the organization is not just working FOR youth, but WITH youth. YAC is open to any middle school or high school student in Black Hawk County.