CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA
                 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA



  Agenda Date:         May 16, 2022

  Action Required:     Report

  Presenter:           Hans Bai, Youth Council Member
                       Zaneyah Bryant, Youth Council Member
                       Harrison Greenhoe, Youth Council Member
                       Caroline Jaffe, Youth Council Member
                       Eve Keesecker, Youth Council Member
                       Nicole King, Youth Council Member
                       Christopher Procino, Youth Council Member

  Staff Contacts:      Misty Graves, Director Dept. of Human Services

  Title:               Youth Council Year End Report


Background:

In 2012, Charlottesville Alliance for Black Male Achievement, City Council, and the City
Manager prioritized Black male achievement. The Alliance believes that when we all utilize our
individual talents, and work together as a mighty fist, we can knock out the defeatist attitude of
some, and empower our young men! Charlottesville Alliance for Black Male Achievement is
dedicated to tackling long-standing systemic barriers to Black Male Achievement, so all young
Black men have equal opportunity to lead successful and meaningful lives. The role of the Youth
Opportunity Coordinator is to create equitable access to opportunities within the city and
dismantle systemic barriers to achievement for our young people. The Youth Opportunity
Coordinator also oversees the Youth Council. This group advises Council, informs the
community about issues that affect youth, and makes recommendations on how they feel
Charlottesville can be a better city. Youth who serve on the Council meet monthly, receive
leadership training, are given opportunities to travel to national Youth Council conferences, and
have the chance to make a real difference in our community. Currently, Youth Council is
comprised of seven Charlottesville City residents between the ages of 13 and 17. They attend
Charlottesville High School and St. Anne’s Belfield.


Discussion:

This year’s cohort of Youth Council wanted to gain a greater sense of what is going on in the
local community and look for ways to become ambassadors and advocates for local causes. The
intention of the final report is to share the knowledge they gained with their community as well
as to help local organizations with recruitment and volunteering. Youth Council intentionally
chose to engage in learning outside of the school system and to create opportunities to branch out
and learn about the rich resources Charlottesville has to offer.
Alignment with City Council’s Vision and Strategic Plan:

The Youth Council supports City Council’s “Community of Mutual Respect” vision. It
contributes to Goal 1: an inclusive community of self-sufficient residents specifically objective
1.1 prepare students for academic and vocational success and 1.5 intentionally address issues of
race and equity. It also contributes to Goal 5: A well-managed and responsive organization,
specifically 5.4 foster effective community engagement.


Community Engagement:

Over the course of this year, Youth Council hosted a variety of community organizations not
only to gain information and insight about resources, but also to dive in to how these
organizations impact and intersect with youth. Presentations included:
    H.E.R Sports
    Community Attention Youth Internship Program
    Police Civilian Oversight Board
    Blue Ridge Health District
    Prolyfyck
    Sexual Assault Response Agency
    Shelter for Help in Emergency


Budgetary Impact:

This report has no budgetary impact.


Recommendation:

Staff recommends continued support of Youth Council efforts.


Alternatives:

N/A


Attachments:

N/A