Irving youth council members attended National League of Cities conference, council praises investment

Irving — City staff updated the council May 4 on a recent trip that sent five Irving Youth Action Council delegates to the National League of Cities’ youth-delegate portion of the NLC conference in Washington, D.C.

Joan (first reference: Joan, Parks and Recreation youth programs staff) told council members the March trip gave students training in civic engagement, leadership and networking with peers from other cities, and offered many of the participants their first airplane ride and time outside Irving.

"It gives them valuable tools on how to be involved and invest in their community," Joan said. "It shows them that they have a voice and an impact on what happens in their community." The presentation included a short video made by the youth delegates.

Council members praised the investment. Councilmember Dennis (first reference: Councilmember Dennis, City Council) said he had attended NLC events in the past and called the program “a great investment” that helps students develop leadership skills. Councilmember Kyle Taylor (first reference: Councilman Kyle Taylor) and Councilmember Brad (first reference: Councilmember Brad [surname not specified]) echoed that support, saying the trip gives young people exposure to civic processes and networking opportunities they will remember.

Joan said two staff members chaperoned five youth council members to the conference, and that the trip also gave teens opportunities to see historical sites in Washington, D.C., broadening their civic education.

No formal action was requested; staff said they will continue to bring the council updates and to share videos produced by ICTN documenting the trip.