Milwaukee Youth Council

Young leaders encouraged to apply for openings on the Milwaukee Youth Council

September 1, 2022 By MKE Community Journal Leave a Comment

The City of Milwaukee Youth Council, a group composed of young leaders ages 14-18 who serve and advance the interests of city youth as a representative body, is seeking members for a new term beginning this fall. The Youth Council members represent young people in their aldermanic districts, and meet with leaders like the Mayor, Common Council members, School Superintendent, business owners, and community groups to advocate for issues relevant to youth.

The Youth Council has 17 members, one from each of the city’s 15 aldermanic districts and two at-large members. Currently, there are vacancies for districts 1,3,5,7,8,9,10,12,14,15 and one at-large spot.

Common Council President José G. Pérez said that the Youth Council serves a critically vital role for the community. “Providing youth the opportunity and platform to embody leadership and to advocate for issues important to them, their peers, families and community is vitally important for our community. There are currently a number of vacancies available on the Youth Council, and I would encourage those young people willing and able to serve to apply now for this tremendous opportunity,” he said.

The Youth Council is responsible for an annual allocation of Community Development Block Grant funding, and has previously worked to address reckless driving, vehicle thefts, social media responsibility and more. Youth Council members have typically met on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month.

Youth Council members must be between the ages of 14-18 with the time, energy, and passion to work for change and empowerment. To join you must currently live in the City of Milwaukee, and either live in or attend a school located within one of the vacant districts. Those interested can learn more and apply online by visiting Milwaukee.gov/YouthCouncil.

Youth Council recommends $63,916 for city youth mental health programs

July 13, 2020 By MKE Community Journal Leave a Comment

The City of Milwaukee Youth Council has recommended the allocation of $63,916 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to three agencies that will use the money for initiatives in regard to youth mental health programs.

The allocations were recommended following agency presentations that took place Wednesday, July 8, 2020 during a virtual meeting of the Youth Council. During that meeting, nine agencies presented details about their proposals and answered questions posed by Youth Council members.

The funding recommendations will now go to the Common Council’s Community & Economic Development Committee and later to the full Council for a final vote.

The recommendations were:

$30,000 to Wisconsin Community Services to continue the Credible Messengers Program in working with youth who are involved or at-risk of becoming involved in the juvenile justice system by fostering positive youth justice through health, relationships, education, community, and creativity.
$13,916 to the Silver Spring Neighborhood Center to continue offering services to hosting trauma informed training sessions for 12-19-year-old youth to learn to cope with the trauma they have experienced.
$20,000 to the Milwaukee LGBT Center to provide mental health counseling, which is free and LGBT affirming, to 60 youth.

Follow the Youth Council on Twitter @mkeyouthcouncil or via the MYC Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mkeyouthcouncil/.

Youth Council seeks survey input help from peers

November 1, 2019 By MKE Community Journal Leave a Comment

Responses will help city identify priorities for spending Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds

The City of Milwaukee Youth Council is asking peers to take part in a brief online survey to help the city’s Community Development Grants Administration (CDGA) identify funding priorities for its 2020 consolidated plan for allocating Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.

To receive federal CDBG funds, the CDGA must submit a plan for allocating the funds in the City of Milwaukee. In general, CDBG funds can be used for programs and projects benefiting low-income and at-risk populations, and that includes programming targeting city youths.

Marvell Reed, president of the Youth Council, said the CDGA determined that it lacks adequate city youth input in the process, and has asked for assistance.

“The Youth Council is urging teens and city youth to help gather this important input and feedback for the use of these vital federal funds in Milwaukee,” Reed said. “The online survey will take just a few minutes to complete and respondents will be helping the city plan how it will help those in need – including city youth – during the coming year.”

The survey is brief and any questions that respondents can’t answer can be skipped. The survey can be found in three languages here:

English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ConPlanMKE

Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SpanishConPlanMKE

Hmong: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HmongConPlanMKE

The survey will close soon, and respondents are asked to please complete it no later than the close of business on Friday, November 8.

Some Honey for Your Tea: Bria Smith Selected As Youth Council President

January 28, 2019 By MKE Community Journal Leave a Comment

“I talk with power in my voice and I love the mind that I possess. Over the years my beautiful ancestors have taught me how to progress I love the power in my heart and the willingness I have to fight for what’s right.” A poem by an anonymous author entitled Beautiful Black girls.

Filled with passion and pride the words of the author evoke a feeling of empowerment. Considering the following statistics words and actions of encouragement for out young girls are critical:

Studies show that homicide rates are higher among African American girls between the ages of 10 and 24.Pregnancy rates, school suspension rates and depression rates are also reported higher than their counterparts. Amongst youth who are feeling depressed or unimportant I found one common theme, they feel as if they do not have a voice. One Milwaukee teen decided to not only be the voice, but provide a platform for others to speak as well.

On January 23^rd,18 year old Bria Smith was selected as the President of Milwaukee’s youth council, just a month after her 18^thbirthday. Smith, no stranger to speaking engagements had this to say,

“I am excited to organize and mobilize within my community, reforming policies and unifying youth from all groups.”

An impressive feat to achieve by itself, but Smith has been forceful voice for the youth for years speaking around the world, and most recently at the Woman’s March of Wisconsin.

Using her voice and influences to motivate others started the Honey for your tea website to give young women a place to express their experiences with oppression.

Truly a remarkable young lady, in a world where social media influences all aspects of our youth as an unofficial guidebook, Bria is changing the narrative on how the story should be written. Congratulations madam President.