Governor Patrick Swears-In Fourth Statewide Youth Council

Press Release

Governor Deval Patrick today swore in the 2014 - 2016 members of the Governor's Statewide Youth Council, keeping to his commitment to broaden civic engagement throughout Massachusetts. The 28 members, representing all14 counties of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are the fourth Youth Council class and will serve for two years.

"The progress Youth Council members have made over the past several years is remarkable, and I am confident that this amazing group of young people will carry on that tradition and leave the Commonwealth stronger for the next generation," said Governor Patrick.

Governor Patrick established the Youth Council Executive Order in April of 2008 to encourage young people to become involved in their communities and to participate in tackling the state's biggest challenges, such as education reform, teen violence, and climate change, and by assuming leadership and planning roles.

Applications to the Council are reviewed by the Governor's Office and a working group, comprised of current Council members and Adult Sponsors, as well as state and private sector employees. Members range from ages 14-20.

The Youth Council holds formal bi-monthly meetings, focusing on the Governor's priorities of education, economic development, civic engagement, and community outreach, and advising the Governor as representatives of all Massachusetts youth. In addition to bi-monthly meetings, members also gather independently to discuss issues happening in local communities and how state government can partner with these communities to create solutions. The Members were selected by an application review committee for their excellence in leadership and their outstanding potential to create change in their communities.

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services in coordination with the Governor's Office of Community Affairs oversees council meetings and activities. Both offices worked together through a grassroots effort that included 350 young people and 83 community-based organizations from around Massachusetts to develop the Youth Council in 2008.

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