“…To advise the Board of Commissioners, and others within county government, on issues relating to young

people throughout the county.”

Created by:

Raven Odom and Zachari Cahimba – Members of the 2009 ICYC

A diverse group of young people in A diverse group of young people in Ingham County ranging from 12Ingham County ranging from 12--18 18 years of age who meet biyears of age who meet bi--weekly to weekly to

discuss youth issues.discuss youth issues.

The purpose of ICYC is to advise to Board of The purpose of ICYC is to advise to Board of Commissioners and others within the county Commissioners and others within the county government on issues relating to and government on issues relating to and concerning the youth in the county. concerning the youth in the county.

Some of our goals include:Some of our goals include:Showcasing the youth voice on issuesShowcasing the youth voice on issues

Developing leadership skillsDeveloping leadership skillsEducating youth about local issuesEducating youth about local issues

The Board of Commissioners were prompted The Board of Commissioners were prompted to start a youth commission because of the to start a youth commission because of the lack of youth input. They felt that the best lack of youth input. They felt that the best way to compensate for youth issues is to way to compensate for youth issues is to

give them to the people who understand give them to the people who understand them the mostthem the most-- the youth.the youth.

Members of ICYC are appointed by the Members of ICYC are appointed by the Ingham County Board of Ingham County Board of

Commissioners.Commissioners.Individuals submit an application and Individuals submit an application and

are interviewed by the Board of are interviewed by the Board of Commissioners.Commissioners.

As much as possible, membership is As much as possible, membership is balanced amongst age groups.balanced amongst age groups.

Word of MouthIngham County ListservPress Release to Ingham County media outletsPresentations to youth serving organizations including schools and community centersInformation booths at local eventsWeb (Ingham County website and social networking sites)

Standing Committees:

Community ServiceGovernment

EducationPublic Relations

Community Issues:

Education

Health

Juvenile Justice

Provides youth leadership opportunitiesProvides youth leadership opportunitiesYouth provide a fresh way of thinking and Youth provide a fresh way of thinking and

11stst hand knowledgehand knowledgeICYC offers a better understanding on issues ICYC offers a better understanding on issues

pertaining to youth in the communitypertaining to youth in the communityAdults gain a better knowledge on issues Adults gain a better knowledge on issues

and can use youth as a resource to reach and can use youth as a resource to reach their peerstheir peers

ICYC members are recognized as a ICYC members are recognized as a positive group working to better the positive group working to better the

communitycommunityGiven a sense of power and Given a sense of power and

importance in the communityimportance in the community

Understanding relationship with the Understanding relationship with the Board of CommissionersBoard of Commissioners-- equal decision equal decision

makingmakingYouth voice isnYouth voice isn’’t always respectedt always respected

Getting community to understand our Getting community to understand our rolerole

Schedules of youth that adults must be Schedules of youth that adults must be willing to accommodatewilling to accommodate

Youth Voices Youth Voices (Michigan(Michigan’’s Children, Community s Children, Community

Coalition for Youth)Coalition for Youth)Children Mental Health Awareness Day Children Mental Health Awareness Day

(Impact Systems of Care)(Impact Systems of Care)4 UR Future 4 UR Future

(MSU Extension Ingham County)(MSU Extension Ingham County)ICYC Logo ContestICYC Logo Contest

Youth and Adult PartnershipsYouth and Adults working together as partners in planning, implementation and evaluation of projects and programs relevant to the needs and issues of youth.The relationship allows both the adults and youth to have equal decision making power

ChallengesYouth and Adult’s traditional perception of working together within the groupStereotypes of youth and adults that inhibit the ability to move forward on a projectBuilding youth initiative so that they develop a respect for older adults without dependence upon them

Youth Commission in Action

Teen Forum 2008 Holiday Project 2008

Leadership Training

Great Start Literacy Event