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Youth council asks city for expanded role, stipends and school partnerships
Summary
Charlottesville Youth Council members presented recommendations to city council including revised membership selection, renewal applications, more frequent meetings, school‑based sessions and stipends to reduce barriers to participation.
Members of the Charlottesville Youth Council presented a package of recommendations to the City Council on May 20 seeking structural changes to improve recruitment, retention and inclusivity.
Youth council coordinator Wana Howard introduced students who said they want a stronger role in selecting new members and a renewal application process for existing members. Students proposed increasing meeting frequency from monthly to twice monthly, hosting meetings at Charlottesville High School to broaden participation, and creating partnerships with school departments (AVID, public speaking) to grow membership.
Several youth asked that council and city staff consider stipends so students who must work to support their families can participate without losing income. Chelsea Stratton, deputy director of the Department of Human Services, said stipends and changes to onboarding rules would require council action and that staff would work with the assistant city manager and program leads to present options.
Why it matters: Students emphasized civic education (how local government works, rights around protest and voter registration) as the council and staff discussed how to support expanded activity within existing budgets and school calendars. Staff said they will coordinate with the school administration on potential in‑school sessions and that the assistant city manager will follow up with the youth council coordinator on stipend options.
Next steps: City staff agreed to discuss structural changes with the school administration and to bring stipend and membership‑selection options for council consideration.
