Community Youth Council

The Community Youth Council (CYC) fosters measurable and equitable change in the Goodhue County community and statewide through empowering youth voices and providing leadership and involvement opportunities. As those in power have historically met youth perspective with indifference, we will bridge the gap to assure that youth belong.

Our Goals and Strategies

August 2024 — August 2027

  • 1.1: Create opportunities to meet with community leaders to provide youth perspectives on city-wide issues. 

    1.2: Establish The Kiln Youth Center as a safe and supportive community “third space” designed by and for youth. 

    1.3: Organize youth voter registration and education opportunities. 

    1.4: Grant out money to community organizations for projects supporting youth. 

    1.5: Seek youth representation on City and local organizational boards and commissions.

  • 2.1: Collaborate with a lobbyist to create a Minnesota state legislative policy agenda and provide testimony on bills. 

    2.2: Participate in Educational Partnerships Coalition Day and Youth Day at the Capitol to advocate for statewide youth and family issues.

  • 3.1: Engage in co-design workshops and small groups to foster power-sharing between High School students, faculty, and staff. 

    3.2: Work collaboratively with the School Board to revive the student school board member position(s) with full voting rights.

  • 4.1: Maintain an updated roster of CYC members.

    4.2: Create an accessible list of policies that clarifies the Council’s structure and member roles. 

    4.3: Hold weekly CYC afterschool “office hours” for members to collaborate on projects and plan for future meetings.

  • 5.1: Value a diversity of ages, genders, sexualities, socioeconomic statuses, races, ethnicities, and abilities of youth when recruiting members. 

    5.2: Develop a one-page informational and promotional document to attract new members to the CYC.

Get Involved

At RiseUp Partnership, we believe strong communities are the foundation for strong children and families – and that all young people deserve the opportunity to flourish. Find your place in this movement.