Youth OnBoard

Equity through youth voice, leadership and participation at decision making tables

“Including youth in decision making is essential to developing policies, programs and solutions that have positive lasting impacts. It also encourages youth to build leadership skills, expand their networks of resources and opportunities and become engaged members of their communities. Youth also bring open minds not bogged down by past conventions, their voices add the authenticity, optimism, energy, and creativity needed to develop innovative, culturally appropriate solutions.” - City of Brooklyn Center Mayor April Graves, BBAY Chair

“Diverse perspectives make for better solutions, and involving the voices of those who would otherwise be subjects of the conversation, matters. The time and place for youth voice is here and now, and our board is better for it.” - County Commissioner Jeff Lunde, BBAY Vice-Chair

Our Challenge

There are not a lot of opportunities for young people to be apart of decision making that impacts their lives. Having young people present in leadership or co-leadership positions is rare, but a crucial part of solving the challenges that face our communities.

Our Solution

Youth OnBoard will identify commissions, advisories and committees where decisions are made that impact youth. This program matches young adults, aged 14-24, with leadership opportunities that allow them to become emerging community leaders. This program will also provide inclusion training for adults and on-boarding training for emerging leaders so they can effectively engage and provide input that strengthens decision making in our community.

How will this benefit our Emerging Leaders?

It builds leadership, social and emotional skills that increase their employability. Our leaders will better understand how systems work and how they can civically engage throughout their lives. This program will also expand their employment social network and serve their community.

How will this benefit organizations involved?

This program expands diversity at multiple levels of each organization, but is especially important at decision making tables. By engaging with Youth OnBoard, your organization will advance their diversity, equity and inclusion goals. Participating in inclusive decision making will yield better results and create opportunities for engagement that can lead to a pipeline of engaged employees.

How do I get connected?

Youth OnBoard is currently working with Champlin Park High School, Park Center Senior High school, Robbinsdale Cooper High School and Brooklyn Center High School. If you are a student at one of these schools and want to join your school’s Youth OnBoard Team as an emerging leader; click the application button at the top of this page now.

Any questions? Feel free to contact Mitchel Vosejpka.