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Shelby County Youth Council asks commissioners for staffing help and outlines youth mental‑health campaign
Summary
The Shelby County Youth Council reported on its Youth Voice Summit, recommended priorities including mental health and public safety, and requested county support to fund a part‑time youth adviser and to help recruit and promote council membership across districts.
Members of the Shelby County Youth Council told commissioners they hosted a Youth Voice Summit with over 250 attendees and produced recommendations on mental health, public safety, education and youth engagement. Reggie Eskridge, the county’s youth engagement coordinator, outlined a plan to use "deep canvassing" and direct outreach so each of roughly 26 council members will connect with 10 youth per month to collect detailed input and share a "youth mental health bill of rights."
Council members asked commissioners for help bridging staff gaps left by the end of certain scholarships and AmeriCorps placements and requested funding to support a 10‑hour/week youth adviser role to sustain outreach and program continuity. Commissioners responded with appreciation and asked staff to provide a fiscal estimate so the commission can consider a resolution in September. "Our goal is to further youth council this year's for youth council members... to directly connect with 10 youth per month," Eskridge said, describing outreach and an intent to expand meetings and district engagement.
Why it matters: the council’s agenda places mental health and youth engagement at the center of local priorities and requests modest county funding to sustain staff capacity for direct youth outreach and advocacy.
