Youth Council

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Youth Council Banner The Merced City Council established a task force in 2013 to research and get youth input on whether or not a Youth Council was needed in Merced and if so what it should consist of. In 2014 Council officially established the Merced Youth Council at the recommendation of the Youth Task Force.

Mission

We, the Merced Youth Council, are here to represent the youth of Merced by communicating with the City Council in order to promote youth involvement, their general welfare and to improve the overall quality of life for the youth of Merced.

General Functions

Both social and policy oriented
Communicate with City’s youth to gauge needs and desires of youth
Work with City Council to meet youth needs and wants
Act as a liaison between the youth and the City Council
Collaborate and/or engage with other community agencies, advisory bodies or youth groups in areas of mutual concern and benefit
Identify concerns, interests and needs of youth and make recommendations to Parks and Recreation staff, Commission and City Council

Membership

The Youth Council is made up of 7 members and may appoint up to ___ non-voting junior high or high school members to help achieve their goals. Two members from each of the three Measure C districts and one member at large will be appointed. Applicants are interviewed by existing Youth Council members after completion of an application and will then be reviewed by staff for final recommendation to City Council.

Qualifications

13-19 years old
City resident

Length of Term

Members will be appointed to a two year terms, with a maximum of two terms being served. After the first year of service, Youth Council members will be reviewed by the City Council to determine their suitability for continued service.

Meeting Schedule

Public Youth Council meetings will be held the second Thursday of every month at 6:00p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 678 W. 18th Street. Members of the public, especially youth, are invited to attend and comment or ask questions on any matters of concern or interest.

Attendance Policy

Youth Council members are expected to attend all meetings. In the case that a meeting has to be missed, Youth Council members should give at least 24hrs notice to staff that they will not be in attendance. Members are allowed two unexcused absences from public and planning meetings per year before being terminated.

Time Involved

Youth Council members should expect to devote a minimum of 8 hours per month on Council related activities

Communication

Communication with other Youth Council members and staff is extremely important to the success of the Council. Youth Council members are expected to communicate regularly with regards to meetings, events and other Council activities. Failure to communicate regularly with staff will be grounds for termination from Council.

Positions

When a Youth Council member is appointed and accepts a positions (Secretary, Historian, etc.), they accept responsibility of understanding and fulfilling the roles and duties of that position. At any time if a member is unable to carry out their duties, they are responsible for finding a temporary replacement within the Youth Council.

Parent/Member Agreement

Each Council member and their parent or guardian will review and sign a Parent/Member Agreement. The purpose of this agreement is to ensure that the Youth Council member and their parent fully understand and accept the responsibility placed upon them by being a part of the Council.

Mandatory Activities

There will be mandatory activities, training's, excursions and trips that Youth Council members will be expected to attend. If members have more than two unexcused absences, or are regularly tardy for these events, they can be dismissed from the Youth Council.

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