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Youth council sets direction for mental‑health event, fundraising and recruitment
Summary
Council members agreed to plan a mental‑health awareness event in partnership with Miramar, discussed fundraising ideas and outreach strategies, and were advised staff and the mayor/council control formal budget approvals; members will research fundraising options and return with proposals.
The North Miami Youth Council agreed to pursue a mental‑health awareness event (Tab C) in partnership with the Miramar Youth Council and discussed fundraising and outreach to support the event and future programming.
Council members favored hosting a panel discussion with expert speakers and involving youths in a combined program with Miramar. The group discussed venues in North Miami (including the Joel Celestin Center) and the need to arrange catering and speakers now if the event is to occur as early as late April.
On fundraising, staff clarified legal and budgetary constraints. Paul Brazil told the group that elected municipal bodies "are not allowed to fundraise" as an official body and that the mayor and council set the formal budget. "Everything that we collect as a city, majority of the things that we collect as a city, especially the, the youth council board goes into the general fund," he said, adding that advocacy to the mayor and council during budget hearings is the appropriate route for securing recurring funding.
Paul also noted a one‑time private donation of $15,000 this year, which affects available resources for the end‑of‑year trip and events. Because of timing and district policies, Paul recommended members research fundraising events (car washes, trivia/game nights, bake sales) and return with a formal proposal to present at a future meeting rather than spend the current meeting running through many unvetted ideas.
Recruitment ideas included in‑person school outreach (with attention to district rules governing materials), partnering with local churches and tapping existing event committees for co‑sponsorships. Members volunteered to follow up and report findings at the next council meeting.
Next steps: members will research fundraising and outreach options and coordinate with staff to produce a vetted proposal for the council’s next meeting; staff will also verify venue availability and budget implications before commitments are made.
