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Why Engage the Next Generation? <br />• It gives young people an additional opportunity to become connected to their <br />community --both natural and human. <br />• It helps youth develop personal skills and leadership qualities, and prepares youth to <br />be active citizens In democracy. <br />• Young people have a right to represent their values and priorities! They understand <br />their reality In a way that is different from that of people even just a little older. <br />• Engaging youth In environmental protection can change not only the youths' <br />behaviors and attitudes, but possibly also those of their families and other adults. <br />• Youth are valued stakeholders In creating effective and inclusive policies. <br />Guiding Questions for Engaging the Next Generation <br />@How are youth and young adults involved In local government and sustainability <br />planning? How can we make youth engagement meaningful and sustained? Do youth <br />and young adults have real opportunities to provide input and affect decision making? <br />Qs the role of the youth representatives clear to adult committee members? <br />()What are the youth groups In our community? Are there ways to involve them In <br />governance? Are there segments of the youth population who are not represented or <br />involved? Have we found ways to involve youth that represent the racial, cultural, <br />economic, and other forms of diversity In our community? <br />@Are there particular barriers that youth face, such as transportation or school <br />schedules? Can we provide training to youth so that they feel comfortable <br />participating? <br />Star -Level Exam <br />Student involvement in Youth in City <br />Government Day; student group <br />engaged with city on a project; <br />student/intern help with CreenStep <br />action entry. Report under action <br />24.4 city staff efforts to support <br />schools/youth to improve their own <br />schools. <br />ples <br />�k <br />Student involvement in a city green <br />committee/commission; separate <br />youth/student committee or com- <br />mission (note to what extent it <br />focuses on sustainability issues); <br />high school student internships <br />offered in city government; formal <br />city volunteer program focused on <br />youth; create a professional deve- <br />lopment &/or mentorship program. <br />3 or more youth/students of <br />varying backgrounds involved in a <br />campaign working directly with your <br />city council; 2 or more dedicated <br />youth positions on a city environ- <br />mental commission; ongoing con- <br />nection between a high school <br />environmental club & city com- <br />mission that has youth positions; <br />regular student interns to work on <br />sustainability issues. <br />25 <br />