Municipal Youth Councils

Engaging young people with the work of local government is key to cultivating the next generation of civic leaders.

Municipal Youth Councils are special citywide councils composed of students from different high schools within the city. They typically serve as an advisory board to the city commission/council. They are sometimes referred to as Youth Corps, Teen Advisory Boards or Mayor's Youth Councils.

Students who serve on youth councils are the leaders of tomorrow. It is important to expose them to municipal government at an early age. We hope your city, town or village will consider forming a youth council if you do not already have one. Contact Eryn Russell for additional information.

Already have a youth council? Let us know by completing this short survey.

Municipal Youth Council Programs

FLC Annual Conference
The 2020 Youth Council Annual Conference Program has been canceled. At the 2019 Annual Conference, more than 100 youth participated in the Open Space Meeting Model, which allows participants to lead conversations surrounding a common question. Their report can be found here.

Legislative Action Days Civic Education Program
The 2020 Youth Council Legislative Action Day program will be held February 11-12 in Tallahassee. There is no fee to attend this program. The agenda for the program can be found here. Information about the 2021 program is coming soon.

Photography Competition
The photography competition, which was held in lieu of the video competition this year, provides a way for Florida’s youth councils to showcase favorite aspects of their city. The photography competition asks youth councils to take a picture that shows why you love your city. The 2020 winners can be viewed here.

Video Competition
The video competition, hosted each fall, provides a way for Florida’s youth councils to showcase their ideas, creativity and commitment to their communities. The 2019 Video Competition asked youth councils to reflect on Florida City Government Week’s theme, “I’m Part of It, I’m Proud of It.” The theme centered around the question, “As a resident and a young leader, how are you part of your city and why are you proud of your city?’ Click here to view past winners.

Community Service Contest

The community service contest asks youth councils to submit current or new youth council projects that address a local need with local action. View the 2020 brochure for more details. Past winners can be viewed here.

One-Day Civic Education Tour
The City of Tallahassee hosts a multitude of educational and historical opportunities for youth councils who wish to visit the capital of Florida. The Florida League of Cities has compiled suggestions and basic information to help you plan your visit here.

Resources

2020 Important Dates

January – March: Community Service Contest

February 11-12: Legislative Action Days in Tallahassee, FL

August – October: Video Competition

August 15: Youth Council Summit at Annual Conference in Orlando, FL