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Apache Junction Youth Advisory Council expands to 13 members; students describe tours, volunteering and city learning
Summary
City staff and Youth Advisory Council members reviewed the group's activities, membership and recent outings to colleges, the fire department and regional conferences, and previewed an upcoming movie night and community events.
Jody Dutra, coordinator of Senior Services and Youth Programs, introduced members of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) and summarized the council’s role in advising the city, learning about municipal operations and volunteering at events.
“Through the youth advisory council, it was created in order to give a youth perspective to our city council,” Dutra said. She told the commission YAC reached 13 members this year and includes students who live in or attend school in Apache Junction in grades eight through twelve.
Students described a range of activities: Jasmine (senior) and other members attended the Arizona League of Cities and Towns meeting, presented the Apache Junction flag, and worked on group problem-solving with peers from other cities; Oscar and Natalie said they joined for service hours and stayed because of the community and learning opportunities. Members also reported tours of Central Arizona College, ASU’s Watts campus and the local fire station; the group has helped at city events including Make a Difference Day, Mud Run, trunk-or-treat and Candy Cane Lane.
The council highlighted an upcoming movie night at Rough Ranch Dog Park/Blossom Rock, sponsored by SRP, featuring Despicable Me 4 with free admission, food and partner tables from the library and police cadets.
Commissioners thanked the students and offered to meet with YAC about shared concerns the students reported from regional peers—homelessness and heat and related social impacts. Dutra asked for continued staff support for tours and city department presentations to broaden the students’ exposure to local government.
