Mayor Dominick Pangallo is pleased to announce that the City of Salem seeks 14-19-year-old applicants to serve on the Salem Youth Commission. High school-age youth who reside in Salem are invited to apply for appointment to serve on the Salem Youth Commission (SYC) by November 22, 2024. The SYC encourages youth involvement in the community, enhances leadership skills, and empowers youth to voice their concerns and ideas related to City programs and initiatives.

The Salem Youth Commission is led by Sarah Roy, the Director of the Salem Children's Alliance for the City of Salem.

"It is imperative that we create opportunities to capture youth voice and create impactful systems that lead to meaningful changes in our city," Roy said, "Empowering teens to identify challenges that they face while recognizing opportunities to address these needs will not only empower them to develop critical thinking skills and interpersonal effectiveness strategies, but it will be a true asset to community leaders who will benefit from hearing firsthand what teens view as priorities in Salem."

"The revitalization of the Salem Youth Commission is an essential step forward in creating a more inclusive community that works for all residents," Mayor Dominick Pangallo added. "I'm excited to welcome more youth voice providing input into city initiatives, public policies, and service projects, all while helping Commission members develop their own leadership and advocacy skills. I'm also grateful to City staff who are making this program possible. The Salem Youth Commission will bring important perspectives to the table, and I encourage younger residents from across the City of Salem to apply."

The Salem Youth Commission provides an advocacy and information platform for youth representatives to get more engaged in City issues, helping to recommend new programs and events, craft initiatives in partnerships with other City boards and departments, local non-profits, and businesses, and suggest ideas for new policies or regulations for the City to consider. The members also help share news and information about important City projects and programs with the youth of the community. Finally, there are opportunities for leadership development training through guest speakers, workshops, special programs, and more. Youth Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the City Council, and will meet as a group monthly.

High school-age youth interested in applying for appointment to the Salem Youth Commission should submit a online application by noon on Friday, November 22, 2024. Youth Commission appointments have a term of one to three years and require mandatory participation in monthly meetings. Please reach out to Sarah Roy at [email protected] with any additional questions or concerns.