Philadelphia Youth Commission

How are the young people in Philadelphia represented?

The Youth Commission represents Philadelphia’s youth in public hearings and gives testimony that reflects the youth perspective. We work with the city, non-profit organisations, community organizations, and private entities to develop strategies to improve the lives of Philadelphia’s youth. The Commission serves as a medium for youth action no matter a young person’s background. The Commission also advises the Mayor, City Council, Philadelphia Public Schools, and other key decision makers inside and outside of city government. Shortly after the Youth Commission was created, in 2008, it began holding monthly meetings that are open to the public. These meetings are designed to encourage youth from across the City to come and join in the dialogue. For those that cannot attend in person, the Commission has formed a partnership with Channel 64 to have all meetings broadcasted live or taped. During these meetings, youth commissioners are briefed on recent reports or issues that are facing youth and young adults in our city. Commissioners and youth in attendance are able to pose questions to policy makers and stakeholders about these pressing issues. Youth Commission meetings have grown to become an opportunity for youth to engage in the policy process, while learning about various issues. The monthly Youth Commission meetings have helped stabilize the Commission and raise its profile across the City. Long-Term Planning With the support of the William Penn Foundation the Youth Commission was able to fund the completion of a three year strategic plan, which was completed in May 2012.  Additionally, we regularly engage youth through various social media outlets such as Twitter (@phillyyc) and Facebook (Philadelphia Youth Commission). To keep in regular contact with our constituency we have formed a partnership with Instarta Inc. which provides us with the capability of sending mass text messages and text message polls. Projecting Youth Voices The legislation that created the Youth Commission calls for the Commission to advise and comment to the Council, the Mayor, Agencies and Departments of the City on proposed ordinances, and other legislative matters which are of concern to the children and youth of the City. Over time, the Commission has increased by fourfold its presence by commenting or advising on legislative matters or policies which are of concern to the youth of our city for the last five years. The Commission has commented and will continue to comment via testimonies before Council, through letters to the Mayor, in recommendations to other City Agencies and in opinion articles. Engagement Beginning in 2012, the Commission was restructured to increase its capacity to create informed and engaged youth throughout the City. To achieve this goal the Commission created four sub-committees. These committees are open to any youth in the city that would like to be a part of the process. Additionally, since its inception in 2008, the Commission has hosted more than 30 outreach events that offer youth the opportunity to engage with policy makers and stakeholders. Examples of actions taken by the Youth Commission: ● Created the Summer Opportunities Fair (May 11, 2010), which involved 35 vendors seeking youth applicants for summer programs. Over 500 youth attended the fair. ● Participated in the Mayor’s Internship Program by hosting an intern for six weeks in the Youth Commission’s central office. ● Hosted focus groups with youth in the West Philadelphia Area in conjunction with The Philly Rising Collaborative to inquire about programming that may be interesting to youth in that area ● Hosted a focus group of young Philadelphians for the Department of Recreation to gain insight on the programming desires of high school age youth ● Researched after school programs and coordinated an awareness campaign for both students and parents about after school opportunities available throughout the city. This initiative was coordinated with Mayor’s Press Office, Office of Policy Planning and Coordination, and the Office of Education. ● Collaborated with several different youth groups including Philadelphia Student Union, Youth United for Change, and Temple Youth Voices to host 200 high school students at a Nonviolent Schools Summit on November 9th at the Community College of Philadelphia. This summit will provide youth from across the city the opportunity to compile their thoughts and suggestions for the creation of nonviolent schools in a document that will be presented to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Arlene Ackerman and Mayor Michael Nutter. ● Hosted a Public Safety Forum entitled “Know Your Rights, Know Responsibilities” with the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, Police Department, Police Advisory Commission, and the Defenders Association of Philadelphia. ● Organied a meeting with student leaders from Charles Y. Audenreid High School, the leadership of Universal Companies and School District Administrators about the proposed Promise Neighborhood Initiative ● Assisted in organizing a youth forum entitled, “Beat Down Bullying” with the 100.3 The Beat. Written by Jamira Burley, Executive Director, Philadelphia Youth Commission