Purpose and Benefits of the Indianapolis Youth Commission

As an innovative approach to driving positive change in Indianapolis moving forward, the Indianapolis Youth Commission was formed to strategically integrate the voices of area youth into relevant areas of the government planning and public policy process. In addition, the Indianapolis Youth Commission facilitates opportunities for youth to connect with business and civic leaders from the larger community.

Desired Outcomes:

  • Commissioners will learn the functions of the City County Council

  • Commissioners will learn how to engage with the public and private sector

  • Commissioners will partner with City County Councilors, Business Owners and Civic Leaders to impact youth issues

Program Benefits

  • The Indianapolis Youth Commission gives young people a forum to ask questions, speak their minds, and influence community politics.

  • Getting young people involved in local government gives them a stake in their communities.

  • Young people see democracy in action.

  • Adults and youth gain a newfound appreciation for each other.

  • Young people learn to pay attention, speak in public, dress appropriately, and relate to adults.

  • Students gain valuable contacts. Experience on local government boards and committees gives youth networks of local leaders they can call on for academic and career references.

  • Young people who serve on boards come away with a desire to serve their communities.

  • In addition to different viewpoints, both youth and adults report that young people bring energy, idealism, and compassion to meetings. What’s more, youth sometimes ask questions that adults don’t feel comfortable asking, expanding the discussion.

  • Youth learn how local government works. On the council and committees, youth learn how budgets come together, what their taxes pay for, and what constituents care about.

By inviting youth to participate in and drive the conversations around “How to improve outcomes for local youth” we will be able incorporate changes that have a greater impact on our community.