Youth Council Vision

January is marching on, but I'm still not ready to articulate goals for 2008. I share instead the vision of the various members of the American Fork City Youth Council.

At the urging of now-Youth Council Mayor Evan Nuttall, the City has refreshed the group's charter and appointed a dynamic set of youth to serve. The youth will form a shadow government whose goals include service to the community, youth leadership development, local government experience and increased communication between youth and adults in the American Fork community. (Read all about it in the January 17 Daily Herald.)

These kids, Council Member LeBaron says, are a "highly energetic group of high school students wanting to make a difference in their community." I can attest to that. Already, one of their number has served the City on a selection committee to pick the designers of the City's new Web site. But the kids' goals -- the goals they listed in their applications -- these goals really speak about their intelligence and insight into leadership.

It's not just that they understand the community, but that they get it about making a difference as youth. As you read these goals, see how well-matched they are to both the energies and the limitations of youth.

• Clean up skate park and help maintain it.
  
• Utilize City parks more. Hold activities, sports, and games in parks. Involve youth in clean-up and beautification projects.


• Finish sidewalks by schools and and on streets around schools. Hold fundraiser to build new sidewalks in areas that have none.


• Increase community and teen awareness of City events and activities to increase participation.


• Teach youth how to be involved in their current and future communities. Provide opportunities for community involvement and service.
  
• Hold a book drive.


• Hold a community talent show, with student performers, to raise money for charity.


• Raise political awareness of teens. Teach voter registration and other concepts.


• Learn about City planning, water shares, etc.


• Partner with the National Honor Society on service projects. The National Honor Society has more members than service opportunities.


• Create opportunities for youth to serve at the Senior Center.


• Figure out how to do something with the old abandoned school [the Harrington] and save some of our history.

I'm interested to see which projects they choose and eager to watch their success. One thing's certain: If our future is in the hands of leaders like these, then we're in good shape.