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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 06-30-1997 - 10a i 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Action Agenda Item No./0-di, ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: June 30, 1997 SUBJECT: Report on the Youth Council DEPARTMENT: County Manager PUBLIC HEARING: YES: NO: X BUDGET AMENDMENT: YES: NO: X ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Sharron Siler Orange County Youth Council Proposal TELEPHONE NUMBERS: ext. 2302 Hillsborough -732-8181 Chapel Hill -968-4501 Durham -688-7331 Mebane -227-2031 PURPOSE: To provide the Board of Commissioners with a proposal for developing a county-wide youth council for area students. BACKGROUND: In January and March 1996, Orange County, in cooperation with the Public Private Partnership and other community agencies, sponsored two Youth Forums. With over 100 high school students attending both forums,this was the first time that area youth were given the opportunity to discuss their issues and concerns and present them to the community. Their recommendations to enhance the quality of life for local youth were presented to the Assembly of Governments in May 1996. These recommendations, in priority order, included: (a) cheaper places to go; e.g. youth center; clubs; (b) having a student representative on the school boards; (c) controlling smoking in the schools; (d) sponsoring forums involving all youth; (e) implementing youth projects; (f) developing an inter-school council; (g) establishing a relationship with newspapers (to enhance communication); (h) increased job information/listings/searches/help; (i) insuring equal opportunity for all schools; 0) developing a youth radio station; and (k) increased parental involvement. 2 Representatives from the various governments endorsed the concept of establishing a youth council which could address the aforementioned issues and any others as they present. The Assembly of Governments requested staff to review the feasibility and develop an implementation plan. In Fall 1996, an intern from the UNC School of Social Work was contracted to facilitate discussions with student representatives and interested agencies to develop a proposal. The proposal is attached for your review. Students who participated in the planning process will be available to answer questions. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the plan to establish an Orange County Youth Council. ' 3 IPr, O C ry, r� G . �J ca 1 Executive Summary 3 Orange County Youth Council Priorities 4 Proposed Community Networks 6 OCYC By-Laws (Draft) 11 OCYC Standards of Conduct (Draft) 12 Resources/Supporters 4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In January and March 1996, Orange County in collaboration with the Public-Private Partnership, convened two Youth Forums. These forums were held to obtain input from area youth regarding issues affecting youth in our community. Over 100 students, representing Chapel Hill and Orange High School, were in attendance at each forum. The students were divided into several focus groups to identify and discuss issues of concern related to three categories: (a) Community; (b) Self; and(c) Peer Relationships. There was overwhelming consensus from the students that this experience was very beneficial. It provided them with an opportunity to meet each other and discuss issues of mutual concern. They developed recommendations for the community and prioritized them as follows: • Cheaper Places to Go (youth center, clubs, etc.) • Student Representative on the School Boards • Control of Smoking in Schools • More Forums Involving All Youth • Youth Projects • Inter-School Council • Newspaper(communication) • Job Information/Listing/Search/Help • Equal Opportunities for All Schools • Youth Radio • Parent Involvement The students reported these recommendations to the Assembly of Governments in May 1996. The officials accepted the report and requested that the staff, in collaboration with the students, review the feasibility of developing a Youth Council to address the aforementioned issues. In Fall 1996, an intern with the UNC School of Social Work, was contracted to facilitate discussions and plans for establishing a county-wide youth council. Student representatives from Chapel Hill, East Chapel Hill and Orange High School met during the fall and spring semesters. They have developed proposed Bylaws and Standards of Conduct for the Youth Council. In addition, meetings have been held with various organizations and agencies that have expressed an interest in supporting the Youth Council. It is anticipated that the Youth Council will serve as a link between the adults and youths of the county. This Council can be the formal mechanism through which input is obtained from youth regarding community issues. Active and diverse student membership in the Youth Council is essential to its success. Although the high schools will serve as a major resource to solicit members, there are other sources which may prompt teen interest in the Council. Many students are not as active in school-related activities. As a result, they may not view the Youth Council as "something for them". Therefore, 5 additional efforts will be made to recruit student members from the community --churches, family resource centers, neighborhood associations, and other youth-involved organizations. Leadership for the Youth Council is another critical component. The officers and committee chairs will have to be committed to the Council and available to provide guidance and direction, especially during the formative years. Although interested representatives from the high schools have worked diligently during the last few months, officers will not be elected until the forthcoming school year. Even though the Youth Council will be youth-run and operated,there will be adult support provided by an Advisory Board. This board will provide the administrative oversight and support needed to develop and implement the projects and programs of the Youth Council. Many persons have been involved during various stages of this process and have expressed an interest in continuing their support. 2 fi ORANGE COUNTY YOUTH COUNCIL PRIORITIES The Student Planning Committee for the Orange County Youth Council listed its priorities as: • Developing a line of communication between the youths and adults of Orange County and between the youths of the three high schools; • Promoting youth involvement in community affairs by encouraging collaborative community planning through the active exchange of ideas between youth and community organizations; • Providing a structure that will facilitate cooperation and increase interaction between the diverse groups of young people in order to promote a spirit of unity among the youth of Orange County; and • Initiating, organizing and supervising programs and projects that shall benefit the youth of Orange County. • Working with and aiding in the coordination of existing youth activities and programs in order to create better total youth programming. These school and non-school related programs and projects shall be open to all youth of Orange County. 3 7 ORANGE COUNTY YOUTH COUNCIL (OCYC) PROPOSED COMMUNITY NETWORKS • The Family Resource Centers and Neighborhood Associations could serve as a mechanism to recruit student members and help identify teen needs in the community. • The Town of Carrboro, in cooperation with Time-Warner Cable, has offered to assist in the development of a Cable-TV show to discuss youth issues. • The Youth Committee of the Orange County Human Relations Commission has expressed an interest and strong support in assisting in the development of the Youth Council. • The Youth Services Advisory Committee has offered to provide support to the Council. • Members of the Youth Council are interested in inviting adult members of the community to act as chaperons for student events. • OCYC could work with the Sheriff's Department in developing a Teen Court. • Federal monies are available for both drug abuse and runaway prevention activities that could be sought and utilized to develop programs that will benefit all our youth. • The Chamber of Commerce,particularly the members of SCORE, may be available to assist the teens in writing business plans for their projects and act as mentors. • 4H is planning a program scheduled to begin in Fall `97 that will teach small business management and has some funding and oversight capabilities. • The Economic Development Commission may provide assistance in locating the property for the proposed youth-run coffee shop. • The Boards of Education: Several of the students are interested in becoming members, or at least student advisors to the school boards. • Carrboro Arts Council: may be used for youth-sponsored events. • Orange County, the Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro Recreation and Parks Departments, and the YMCA have offered to help coordinate various events. 4 8 • Communities in Schools (CIS) could assist in linking high school students with middle school students for mentorship and literacy purposes. • Chapel Hill and East Chapel Hill High School: Youth Council could assist in connecting students to the community for completion of student service requirement. 5 9 DRAF F ORANGE COUNTY YOUTH COUNCIL BY-LAWS ARTICLE I--NAME The name shall be THE ORANGE COUNTY YOUTH COUNCIL (OCYC) ARTICLE II--PURPOSES Section 1. The Youth Council shall serve as a line of communication between the youth and adults of Orange County and as a means of communication between the youth of all area high schools. Section 2. The Youth Council shall promote youth involvement in community affairs by encouraging collaborative community planning through the active exchange of ideas between youth and community organizations. Section 3. The Youth Council will provide a structure that will facilitate cooperation and increase interaction between the diverse groups of young people, in order to promote a spirit of unity among the youth of Orange County. Section 4. The Youth Council shall initiate, organize and supervise programs and projects that will benefit the youths of Orange County. Section 5. The Youth Council shall serve as a resource to aid in the coordination of existing youth activities and programs in order to create better overall youth programming. These programs and projects shall be open to all youth of Orange County and not duplicate or overlap existing programs. ARTICLE III--MEMBERSHIP Section 1. All youth living in Orange County between the ages of 13 and 19 are welcome to apply for membership after attending two meetings or functions within a one month period. Members shall be inducted on the first General Meeting after a request for membership has been made to the Director of Records. Membership is active until age 20 is reached or member requests termination. 6 10 Section 2. Removal from Council: The Youth Council has the right to establish probation or remove members from the council for the following reasons: a. Failure to follow any stated rules at an OCYC function. b. Deliberate disruption of an official OCYC function. c. Violation of any city, state or federal law at an OCYC function(which will also result in releasing all information to the proper authorities. d. Any other inappropriate actions as deemed by the Executive Committee. e. Discussion and vote for removal will take place at the next open meeting. The Committee will appoint a replacement if appropriate. ARTICLE IV--EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Section 1. The Executive Committee and/or the Youth Council have the right to establish and elect/appoint Executive Committee positions as deemed appropriate by the Council. Section 2. Nominations: To be nominated for the Executive Committee, a member must have been an active member for twelve months (not necessarily consecutive). Any person wishing to be considered for office must declare and affirm that his or her position will be the primary focus of his or her out-of-school activities. These positions are elective. Section 3. Elections: All Executive Committee elections shall occur at a full Council meeting, taking a majority of those members present to elect a person to each position. The elections shall take place in April by means of secret ballot. Each term shall be for one year. Section 4. Ad hoc committees: To be the chair of an ad hoc committee, an individual must have been an active member for three months and must be recommended by a member of the Executive Committee. These positions are either voluntary or appointed. Section 5. Council Composition: the Executive Committee shall consist of a President, Internal Affairs Director, Records Director, Treasurer, all standing and ad hoc committees, and program chairs. Term of office shall be for one year. Section 6. Executive Committee, general duties: a. The Executive Committee shall be the formal representative/liaison to County and municipal elected officials and staff, as well as community private/non-profit agencies and businesses. b. The Executive Committee shall be responsible for the overall administration of the Council. c. It shall be responsible for the administration of the affairs of the Council between general meetings. d. The Executive Committee shall receive and be made aware of all major business of the Council prior to its presentation in a general meeting. 7 1 1 e. The Executive Committee shall receive and respond to all problems concerning the Council. f. The Executive Committee shall review and evaluate all undertakings of the Council. Section 7. Executive Officers: a. President: (Council member who has served on Youth Council for at least one consecutive year). Shall be responsible for all Council activities. Shall preside over Council meetings and meetings of the executive committee. The President is responsible for keeping the Council views focused to meet its purpose and shall be the official representative of the Council. b. Director of Internal Affairs: Works with the president to oversee all programs, facilitates meeting arrangements,mediates grievance procedures and shall preside over all Council functions in the absence of the president. c. Director of Records: Shall be responsible for all records and communication with assistance from the president. Shall be responsible for maintaining historical and pictorial records for the Council. d. Treasurer: Shall be responsible for the accounting of all funds raised, donated and expended by the Youth Council with assistance from the president, and in concert with the Steering Committee. e. Parliamentarian: Shall keep order during meetings. f. Standing Committees: There shall be three standing committees: Recreation, Legislation and Community Affairs. Other committees may be organized as needed. • Recreation: The Recreation Committee will be charged with planning and implementing leisure activities for the youth in Orange County. They may sponsor different activities for teens such as dances, sporting events and other social events. They may also recommend and suggest activities for youth to other community groups. • Legislative: The Legislative Committee will focus on issues affecting youth. They may research and monitor bills and ordinances in the State Legislature and in the local governments which affect youth. • Community Affairs: The Community Affairs Committee will sponsor and coordinate volunteers for various public service projects. They shall identify youth- oriented service issues and encourage community-wide attention to the resolution of such issues. They may serve as representatives or advisors on boards of community youth-service agencies. Section 8. Term of Office: The operational year of the Orange County Youth Council is June 1 through May 31. 8 12 Section 9. Impeachment: The Executive Board has the right to remove any elected officer who has been neglecting his or her duties with a two-thirds majority vote. ARTICLE V--ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Section 1. The Council will be accountable to their Advisory Committee through accessible financial records, statements of purpose, and representatives from the community who will serve on the Advisory Committee. Section 2. The Executive Committee, together with the Advisory Committee, shall set overall policy. ARTICLE VI--PROGRAM PLANNING STRATEGY Section 1. Any new idea must be formally presented, discussed and voted on during the appropriate committee meeting. Section 2. An accepted project is then written up as a project proposal, complete with budget, staffing, expected outcomes, method for evaluation, etc. A member of the committee must agree to direct or sponsor(oversee)the project. Section 3. The committee chair notifies the youth council vice-president about the proposed project and requests permission to have the proposal entered as an item of business on the next Executive Committee agenda. Section 4. The committee chair attends the meeting to present the project and answer questions about it. If someone else will direct the project,the committee member who has agreed to be the sponsor must also be present. Section 5. The Executive Committee either recommends the project to the youth council for acceptance or rejects the project with an explanation. If the project is rejected, both the project and the reasons for rejecting it must be made public during the next general meeting. The Council then votes and the majority rules. Section 6. If accepted,the designated committee then implements the project. 9 13 ARTICLE VII—EVALUATION Section 1. Every program is to be evaluated by the OCYC and the steering committee at least once a year, preferably during the spring. A program must be deemed successful by a majority of members to be considered for the next fiscal year. ARTICLE VIII---ADDITIONAL COMMITTEES AND TASK FORCES Section 1. Committees may be established and abolished by the Executive Committee as deemed appropriate. Members may be drawn from either the Executive Committee or from the membership-at-large. ARTICLE IX--MEETINGS OF MEMBERS Section 1. Meetings are to be held weekly on Tuesdays. Executive Committee and Department Chairs may meet at 6:30 p.m.; open meetings will begin at 7:30 p.m. Section 2. Any member,with the permission of the President, may call special meetings. ARTICLE X--BUDGET AND FINANCE Section 1. The Council may be funded by combinations of philanthropic contributions and privately solicited donations,by governments, or by grants. All of these activities must be monitored and evaluated by the offices of the treasurer and the executive leadership through its strategy and evaluation programs. Section 2. The Executive Committee shall annually determine the budget of the Council and shall have overall responsibility for the Council's affairs. ARTICLE XI--AMENDMENTS TO BYLAWS Amendments to the bylaws shall be adopted by a majority roll call vote of the General Assembly provided that the proposed amendments have been submitted in writing to the general membership at least 90 days prior to the call to vote. 10 14 Avon r ORANGE COUNTY YOUTH COUNCIL STANDARDS OF CONDUCT STANDARD 1. The Council shall have a positive, systematic program to ensure that there are no discriminatory practices. STANDARD 2. All officers shall be selected based on specifically stated and appropriate qualifications for the position. STANDARD 3. The Council shall provide a written grievance procedure for all students. The grievance procedures should be defined clearly and should embody the principles of due process including the right to a fair hearing and the right to appeal. STANDARD 4. The Council shall establish programs to develop the skills and abilities of students. Sound Council practice will include appropriate orientation for those moving into new positions in the Council, i.e., new officers, committee chairs and program directors, as well as opportunities for continued professional growth. Regular staff meetings should be planned for discussion of the Council's programs,problems and methods. STANDARD 5. The Council shall have written standards of performance for all positions in its classification plan. The written standards of performance should describe the quality and quantity of performance expected for each position. Evaluations should involve the joint participation of council members and immediate supervisor. The time of the evaluation should be planned in advance and should take place on a regular, at least annual, basis. STANDARD 6. The Council shall maintain a current membership record for each member. The Council should include in each student's record such information as date of membership,positions held, copies of any references, contracts or agreements, description of work assignments, and evaluations, and pertinent correspondence. The record should be kept confidential and should be available only to authorized Executive Committee members and the member. STANDARD 7. The Council shall have written policies regarding termination of membership. The Council should define such issues as probation, suspension, demotion,termination, and resignation. Adequate notice of these changes should be defined. 11 15 RESOURCES/SUPPORTERS Orange County County Manager's Office Human Services Advisory Commission Contact: Sharron Hinton Siler Contact: Eileen Kugler Orange County Board of Commissioners Cooperative Extension Services (4-H) Steven Halkiotis, Vice Chair Contact: Iris Fuller Economic Development Commission Department of Social Services Contact: Ted Abernathy Contact: Marti Pryor-Cook Orange County Recreation and Parks Human Rights and Relations Department Contact: Myra Austin Contact: Oliver Melvin Juvenile Services Contact. Donnie Phillips Town of Carrboro Recreation and Parks Department Town Manager's Office Contact: Richard Kenney Contact: James Harris Town of Chapel Hill Recreation and Parks Department Human Services Advisory Board Contact: Mike Loveman Contact: Karen Rose Public/Private NonProfits Volunteers for Youth Communities In Schools(CIS) Contact: Susan Worley Contact: Karen Wallace Youth Services Advisory Commission "Teens In Power" Contact: Mark Rhodes Contact: Angenette McAdoo Orange County Schools Board of Education Orange High School Contact(s): Keith Cook Contact(s): Esquirido Braddy, Advisor Susan Dovenbarger Betty Compton, Adolescents-In-Need 12 16 Chanel Hill-Carrhoro City Schools Board of Education r Chapel Hill High School Contact: Mark Royster Contact: Beth Ansley, Advisor East Chapel Hill High School Contact: Leigh Munley, Advisor Other Chapel Hill/Carrhoro Chamber of Commerce Public/Private Partnership Contact: Joel Harper Contact: Stick Williams UNC School of Social Work The Villiage Companies Contact: Phil Cooke Contact: Jim Heifner Joyce Holmes Carrhoro Arts Center Chapel Hill Hearld Contact(s): Eileen Helton Contact(s): Zena Almers Fred Goode Robin Reale Street Scene Teen Center Contact: Robert Humphries 13