The ACT Youth Council is recruiting! Applications are open for new members to join a student-led program providing Alexandria youth the decision-making power and funding to address key youth issues within the community. Applications are due on October 28th. 9th, 10th, or 11th graders in Alexandria can apply! If you have any questions, please contact Shelley Spacek Miller at shelley.miller@actforalexandria.org.
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Overview
The Youth Council is a program designed by youth for youth with the purpose of providing Alexandria youth the decision-making power and funding to address key youth issues within the community. With input from the City’s Youth Leadership Conference, Summer Youth Work Experience 2021, and key focus groups, the Youth Council was formed with the following goals:
- Improving the lives of Alexandria residents
- Empowering students as conveners for partnerships with schools
- Connecting with youth to promote early engagement with philanthropy and decision-making
- Creating a leadership development program that fosters personal growth and professional opportunities
Members of the Youth Council are given the opportunity to guide learning conversations, support city-wide youth initiatives, coordinate ACT’s Spring2ACTion events, and research and propose solutions to Alexandria youth’s most pressing challenges. As part of this expanding program, youth will have an opportunity to design and launch grant programs to address issues most pertinent to youth, build skills in community-organizing and advocacy, network with Alexandria leaders, and make a difference in their community! Due to the effort and time commitment required for this program, members will be provided a personal stipend to compensate them for their work.
2024 ACT Youth Council Grants
This year the ACT Youth Council designed and launched their own grant program to address issues most pertinent to youth and make a difference in their community. Building off past research and interest, Youth Council members focused their grantmaking on equity in education and environmental justice. Their grant awardees are Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture, Community Lodgings, and The Child & Family Network Centers. Learn more about the Youth Council’s grantmaking experience in their Symposium presentation below!
2024 Youth Council Symposium Presentation
ACT Youth Council 2023-2024
ACT congratulates graduating Youth Council members Katrina Chen, Will Gomez-Palacious, Alessandra Guevara, Zahra Rahimia, Eliana Rougle, Indigo Samson-Bryant, Diarra Sangare, and Abigail Tzeggai!
Resources
Youth Council Discovery Project Resources: Supporting Students of Immigrant Families
Youth Council Discovery Project Resources: Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth in Alexandria
Discovery Project & Symposium Presentations
2024 Youth Council Symposium Presentation Slides
2022 Youth Council Project Presentation Slides
Successful Youth Councils
Ann Arbor Community Foundation
Arlington Community Foundation
Bay Area Community Foundation
Dearborn Community Foundation
Hamilton County Community Foundation
Mason County Community Foundation
Orange County Community Foundation
Southern Indiana Community Foundation
St. Clair County Community Foundation
Watertown Area Community Foundation
Youth Engagement Materials
Best Practices in Youth Philanthropy AECF Framework for Working Effectively with Youth ACAP Youth Manual