The Campaign to Create a Presidential Youth Council
More than a year ago a group of remarkable young people came together to advocate for a new addition to government: youthleadership. Their proposal was to create a Presidential Youth Council that would advise the President and every federal department in the Cabinet.
Now, the Campaign for a Presidential Youth Council has officially launched and is gaining traction with the support of more than 100 leading youth-focused organizations. Read on to learn more about this exciting initiative and the latest developments in the Campaign.
The Presidential Youth Council, composed of young Americans ages 16 to 24, will advise the President on the perspectives of youth, offer suggestions on how to make federally funded youth programs more efficient and effective, and will create shared recommendations on issues that will affect the long-term future of our country.
In February 2013, The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation awarded $50,000 to SparkAction in support of the Campaign for a Presidential Youth Council. Read the press release.
Featured story: In March 2011, a 13-year old convinced his state Senate in New Mexico to support a Presidential Youth Council. Read about our young hero, Adam Foster.
The Presidential Youth Council Policy Proposal
Read the latest proposal here.
Join the Campaign
Click here to confirm your organization's support for the Presidential Youth Council. For more information, please contact Allison Wu.
Get email updates from the Campaign (emails come once a month, maximum).
News Updates and Commentary:
- 13-Year-Old Inspires New Mexico Senate (March 11, 2013)
- Press release: Knight Foundation Invests in the Next Generation of Leaders (Feb. 21, 2013)
- Press Release: Six Senators Call for Establisment of Presidential Youth Council (Dec. 5, 2012)
- A Finish Line in Sight for Youth Voice in Federal Policy? (SparkAction) by Thaddeus Ferber
- It's Time for a Presidential Youth Council (Huffington Post) by Alex Wirth
- A Question of Eligibility and Appointments (SparkAction) by Alex Wirth
- Press release: Youth Coalition Hails First Legislative Action for the Creation of a Presidential Youth Council (July 24, 2012)
