Long Beach Youth Invited to Apply for the City’s Youth Advisory Council

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PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is now accepting applications for the Office of Youth Development's Youth Advisory Council. The council, now in its third year, is a body of 11 young people who help ensure authentic youth-led engagement in the design, oversight and implementation of the Youth and Emerging Adults Strategic Plan, the Measure US Youth Fund, annual Youth Summit and other systems of positive youth development.

"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. "We invite young people to apply for a spot now and be part of driving positive changes together here in Long Beach."

To be eligible, applicants must:

• 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

The Youth Advisory Council is made up of representatives from all council districts, including at-large members focused on promoting health equity within neighborhoods disproportionately affected by violence, poverty and adverse health outcomes.

Recently, the council expanded its regional engagement by participating in a gathering with the LA City Youth Council and LA County Youth Commission. Additionally, members have shared their perspective on critical youth health issues, including at the California Workforce Association's Youth Summit 2024 Meeting and the inaugural Youth Day in the LBC event. They helped deliver the City's first-ever youth State of the City address, which was held in conjunction with the City's State of the City address in January. Additionally, youth council members recently presented a comprehensive three-year update on the Youth Strategic Plan to the Long Beach City Council.

Youth council members will be compensated with a $50 stipend per meeting, up to $1,100, for a one-year term. Those selected will also receive coaching and development opportunities by City staff.

Application details are available on the Office of Youth Development Youth Advisory Council Application webpage. Youth may submit their application online; those without computer or smart phone access may visit a public computer lab available at the Ronald R. Arias Health Equity Center (6335 Myrtle Ave.) or any Long Beach Public Library location or any Parks, Recreation and Marine Teen Center during regular business hours to submit their digital applications. Applications will be accepted now through Aug. 31, 2024; selected members will be notified approximately four weeks later.

"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 council member Faith Mack. "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 was established following recommendations gathered during 2022 Youth Design Sessions, where young people from across the city provided insights into outreach strategies, application procedures, selection criteria and retention strategies. The council is made up of action teams that are dedicated to advancing specific goals outlined in the Youth Strategic Plan through collaboration with City Commissions, Departments, community partners and the Mayor's Office. The council also engages youth in their district to ensure that various perspectives and approaches are integrated. The Youth Advisory Council also plays a key role in facilitating the disbursement of Measure US Youth Fund dollars to youth-serving organizations through the city-wide Youth Power Participatory Budgeting process.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture, and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, the award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visitlongbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news onFacebook,X,Instagram andYouTube. More information about the Long Beach Health Department is available atlongbeach.gov/health and onInstagram,Facebook andX.

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