Around South Orange County, we have multiple major youth committees that help run the activities in our local communities. The Aliso Viejo Youth Council is located in Aliso Viejo, and they hold their monthly meetings in Soka University. Meanwhile, the Laguna Niguel Youth Committee is located in Laguna Niguel, and their meetings are set in the Laguna Niguel City Hall.
Youth committees are responsible for maintaining and updating community and volunteer services, as well as the directory for youth employment. They also participate in an annual local job fair and recommend new teen recreation programs and events. Youth Committee members participate as volunteers at numerous city sponsored events and they provide input on city projects simultaneously.
The Board Members of the Laguna Niguel City Council say that the Committee’s goal is “to create a positive working relationship with the City Council and other City organizations in an attempt to give the teens of Laguna Niguel a strong voice and presence in the community”.
Both boards of the youth councils consist of 15 high school students. In order to serve the committee you need to fill out the annual application form which asks about your hobbies and why you believe you would be a good member for the council. After this, you will be scheduled for an interview where you will have the chance to further explain your positive characteristics.
The Board Members of Aliso Viejo also share similar values, such as “increasing youth awareness and involvement in local government, as well as modern issues that our city is facing. Our team is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can learn and grow, and where young voices can be heard.”
The Aliso Viejo Youth Council was newly founded in 2023. Due to one of the requirements for applying being that the applicant lives in the city of the committee, many qualified applicants lived in Aliso Viejo rather than Laguna Niguel, causing them to be denied. With this new group of people, there is more room for like-minded individuals to collaborate with each other.
A fun fact about the founder of the Aliso Viejo Youth Council is that it was founded by an Aliso Niguel alumnus, Sanvi Shah. With her brilliant idea, many present and future Wolverines are now able to partake in city council duties.
Members often volunteer to put together events for teens. Recently, they have had ‘Pizza with Police’ where kids interested in the police force can talk for guidance. They also have “Wellness Wednesdays,” where teens can go and unwind with like-minded people.
As the youth councils continue to grow, they highlight the importance of student involvement in local government proving that young voices are not only heard, but essential in shaping the future of their communities.
