Long Beach youth who are interested in expanding the City’s youth outreach are encouraged to apply for a spot on the Office of Youth Development’s Youth Advisory Council.
The Youth Advisory Council, originally formed in 2022, consists of 11 members and is responsible for overseeing the design and application of the Youth and Emerging Adults Strategic Plan, the Measure US Youth Fund, the yearly Youth Summit and various youth development initiatives.
“The Youth Advisory Council is a chance for youth to make a real difference in shaping the future of our community,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. “We invite young people to apply for a spot now and be part of driving positive changes together here in Long Beach.”
The council engages youth in their district by gathering different perspectives and learning the most effective community outreach approaches. It also helps disperse Measure US Youth Fund money to local youth-serving organizations as part of the Youth Power Participatory Budget.
The Council has representatives from all nine council districts, along with at-large members that focus on health equity in historically underrepresented neighborhoods, and action teams to pursue the goals of the Youth and Emerging Adults Strategic Plan.
“Being on the Youth Advisory Council is a very informative experience that has opened my eyes to the way that City Departments work and how various youth-focused organizations impact our city,” said former Youth Advisory Council member Faith Mack in a public statement. “The Council encourages youth empowerment and has been helpful with providing youth with the tools that they need to become productive and prepared citizens of Long Beach.”
The Youth Advisory Council has expanded its outreach efforts with engagements regionally and statewide to voice its viewpoints on youth health. In January, the council held the City’s inaugural Youth State of the City address, served as an integral part of first-ever Youth Day in the LBC in May and recently introduced a three-year update on the Youth Strategic plan to the Long Beach City Council.
Anyone interested in serving on the Youth Advisory Council can apply through the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services and must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be between the ages of 16 to 26 by Sept. 1
- Live in Long Beach
- Be available to meet for two hours, two afternoons per a month, in locations across the city
- Have a passion for issues affecting youth in Long Beach
Members of the council will receive a $50 stipend per meeting, which adds up to $1,100 for a one-year term. Applicants who are selected to serve on the council will also be recipients of coaching and development opportunities from City staff.
Applications can be submitted online now through Aug. 31; selected members will be notified around four weeks after the conclusion of the application process. Further details about the application process can be found on the Office of Youth Development’s application webpage.
