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Tempe youth advisory commission outlines mental-health, civic-engagement and safety priorities
Summary
Student leaders from the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Commission presented survey findings and subcommittee recommendations calling for expanded youth mental-health training for adults, DEI education, driver's-education programs in high schools and more sustainability education.
Delana LaForce, education and career empowerment coordinator, introduced student leaders from the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Commission (MYAC), who presented the commission’s annual report and recommendations to the Tempe City Council.
MYAC Chair Tara Alshatri said the commission, in existence since 1980, includes up to 30 students who live or attend school in Tempe and focuses this year on mental health, community safety, civic engagement, social justice and environmental sustainability. “We have opportunities to advocate for the youth in the community by collecting feedback and engaging in projects and activities,” Alshatri said.
Vice Chair Gosamat Lim summarized survey findings and recommendations. The mental-health subcommittee found 46% of respondents reported stigma around mental health (down from 87% last year) and recommended more youth mental-health training and digital tools for adults who work with youth. The civic-engagement subcommittee reported that 93% of respondents said they experienced some form of discrimination and recommended dedicated DEI education sessions and sensitivity training for youth. The community-safety subcommittee recommended implementing accessible driver’s-education programs in all Tempe high schools, and the sustainability group asked for more accessible education about local sustainability initiatives.
The students noted signature MYAC events this year including Tempe Youth Talks and a youth resource fair connected to Unity Walk, collaborations with city departments and a Youth Mental Health Resource Fair with Councilmember Hodge. Delana LaForce and MYAC members invited questions and encouraged applications for next year’s commission.
Councilmembers praised the students’ work. Councilmember Bahadj told the students, “You are already at the table,” and Councilmember Adams said, “If I were any of your parent, I would be very proud.”
The commission will distribute its annual report and continue to work with city departments on implementing the recommendations.
