Governor Deval Patrick swears in new members to the Governor’s Statewide Youth Council. The 28 members, representing all 14 counties in Massachusetts, are the third Youth Council class and will serve for two years. (Photo: Eric Haynes / Governor’s Office)
BOSTON – Governor Deval Patrick today swore in new members to the Governor’s Statewide Youth Council. The 28 members, representing all 14 counties in Massachusetts, are the third Youth Council class and will serve for two years. Governor Patrick established the Council by an executive order in April 2008 to encourage young people to become civically engaged in their local communities and help tackle the state’s biggest challenges, including education reform, youth violence and anti-bullying, by assuming leadership roles.
“The Statewide Youth Council has played an important role in developing public policy to address the needs of teens and youth across the Commonwealth for the past four years,” said Senator Mike Knapik (R-Westfield). “particularly as it relates to urban issues and violence”.
“The progress Youth Council members have made over the past several years is remarkable, and I am confident that this amazing group of young people will carry on that tradition and leave the Commonwealth stronger for the next generation,” said Governor Patrick.
Members were selected by an application review committee for their excellence in leadership and their outstanding potential to create change in their communities. Members range from ages 14-20. Representative Don Humason (R- Westfield) congratulated 17 year old Christian Knapp from Westfield on behalf of being selected into the Governor’s Statewide Youth Council by stating that he is “very happy to hear that a Westfield resident has been appointed to the council” and that Knapp will “bring a Western Mass perspective to the council which is always nice to have in Boston”.
The Youth Council will hold formal bi-monthly sessions and will advise the Governor as representatives of Massachusetts youth. In addition to their bi-monthly meetings, Youth Council members gather independently to share what they see in their communities and talk about how state government can partner with local communities to create solutions. The first two classes of the Youth Council worked with the Administration to advocate for the passage of several important policy issues, including the Governor’s 2010 anti-bullying legislation.
If you are interested in speaking with a member of the Governor’s Youth Council, please contact the Governor’s press office at 617-725-4025.
