Youth Leadership Council

The purpose of a Youth Leadership Council (YLC) is for youth to explore, discuss and recommend effective ways to engage themselves in the activities of their PAL/SAL. Membership in the Youth Leadership Council provides youth with leadership opportunities, education, new relationships and lots of fun as they work with their peers for the betterment of their PAL/SAL and their community.

The objective of the Youth Leadership Council is to develop leadership skills in the members, provide support and enhance the PAL/SAL programs.

The goal of the Youth Leadership Council program are:

• Involve youth in the decision making process relative to policies, programs and activities of their respective PAL/SAL
• Educate youth in the democratic process of governing their own Youth Leadership Council
• Encourage youth to volunteer in a community service program
• Improve communication between PAL/SAL Staff and youth
• Provide positive peer role models and a continuous forum to voice concerns
• Provide methods of reaching out to youth who are wanting to get involved, afraid or don't know how to take the initiative
• Instill a sense of civic pride and responsibility, develop leadership skills, enhance self-esteem and be a voice in the PAL/SAL process.
• An alternative to juvenile crime

The membership requirements for the program include:

• Maintain a 2.0 minimum Grade Point Average
• Attending school and no negative contact with any law enforcement agency within the past six months
• Drug, alcohol and tobacco free
• Letter of recommendation from non-family member stating reason(s) why applicant would make an outstanding contribution to the Youth Leadership Council
• Perform 4-8 hours of community service per month

Involving the YLC in their community is important for healthy social development, enriched family life, and neighborhood vitality. YLC members contribute to the civic life of their communities by participating in their City Council or County Board of Supervisor meetings, supporting causes, fund raising, serving on non-profit boards and advising decision makers on issues of concern to the YLC members. Community involvement often gives members new friends and interests, a heightened sense of responsibility, improved leadership skills, increased self-esteem, and a strengthened sense of accomplishment.