Charlotte-Mecklenburg youth council leadership summit

1. #cltyouth

2. Youth Summit
Welcome
Introductions
About the youth council
Discussion
Report out and next steps
End
#cltyouth

3. Introductions

4. About the youth council

5. Who we are
#cltyouth
Students who want to make a difference
• Leaders, emerging leaders, journalists, others
Diverse and representative
• Attend 28 high schools (CMS and non‐CMS)
• Live in 27 zip codes
• Approximately 46% Black, 37% White and Middle
Eastern, 9% Latino, 8% Asian

6. Who we are
#cltyouth
So far this year, 104 high school students have
participated in youth council activities
• Core group active in regular meetings and activities
• Larger group attends special events
Additional 100+ students on email/text list
• Next year, will connect members outside of meetings
using technology (texting, social media, polls,
livestream) and other activities
• Busy schedules, jobs, sports, transportation

7. Youth Council Goals
#cltyouth
Advise leaders on issues and decisions impacting
children and youth
Network with youth from around the community
Learn about government and community issues
Build civic leadership and work skills
Use student voice to report on and highlight issues
and government actions impacting youth

8. A few things we’re doing
#cltyouth
Learn about, share feedback on issues
• Meet with leaders including Mayor and Superintendent
• CMS budget process, investments and cuts
• Community planning and growth, jobs and training
Engage in the community
• Service at community events, created local government
candidate guide, helped run student mock election
• Highlight student voice; report on government, events, issues
Meet twice a month

9. #cltyouth

10. Issues matter to us
#cltyouth
Identifying issues that are important to youth
• Via surveys, research, and discussions
Top issues include
• Education
• Youth activities, job training, leadership opportunities
– and better awareness/communication of what’s available
• Budgets and funding
• Equity – schools, opportunities, etc.
• Public officials who can collaborate, not just complain

11. Goals tonight
#cltyouth
Connect students and officials
What are the big issues in our community?
Share perspectives (officials and youth)
How can officials and youth collaborate to
make a difference?

12. Breakout discussion

13. What did we learn today?
How can we work together
to make our community a success
now, and for the future?

14. Thank you!