October 2, 2007

The Catawba County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution at its meeting on October 1, 2007 to authorize the creation of a Catawba County Youth Council.  Development of the council will provide an organized method for greater youth involvement in public policy and decision-making.

"City and county governments and state agencies are increasingly recognizing the value of hearing the voices of young people and actively engaging youth in civic involvement," said Donna Mull, Catawba County Cooperative Extension's 4-H Agent, who will oversee the organization of the Council. "National youth development research shows teens want to be involved in meaningful ways with peers and adults to address serious issues. While youth comprise 24% of Catawba County’s population, the youth voice is often not heard even when decisions are made regarding youth-related issues. Research also shows that involving youth in the local decision-making process helps build the personal skills of young people and their future interest in civic and political involvement as adults. Youth who are more engaged in their communities have a more positive view of government."

The cities of Hickory and Newton already have organized youth councils. Members meet regularly, serve on local city boards, attend city meetings, and conduct projects to benefit their respective cities. Membership is restricted to youth living in those respective city limits. Although the Catawba County Youth Council will concentrate on county issues, there will be many opportunities for collaboration with the municipal youth councils.

Cooperative Extension’s 4-H long-range plan created in 2006 lists civic engagement of youth in political and policy-making systems as a primary focus, based on a statewide needs assessment. The Board of Commissioners has a goal in this fiscal year to increase citizen engagement and public information, and a public information plan endorsed by the Board in 2006 included development of a youth council as a citizen engagement strategy.

Members of the Catawba County Youth Council will be recommended by individual schools across the county. Changes in the knowledge and attitude of these young people toward civic involvement will be measured by a Civic Engagement and Attitude survey developed by North Carolina State University Extension specialists.

Following appoval of the resolution approving the council, Catawba County Board of Commissioners Chair Kitty Barnes noted that, in her experience talking with youth in the county and across the state, she has noted that students are often more aware of how government operates on the federal level than on the local level.  She said the organization of a Catawba County Youth Council is an outstanding opportunity to provide Catawba County youth with more information on local government and give them an avenue for involvement in local decision making.

For more information on the Catawba County Youth Council, you may call Donna Mull at the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Catawba County at 828-465-8242.