Happy Valley Youth Council

In 2010, the City embarked on a mission to involve local high school students in a forum where they could exchange diverse opinions on matters of importance to their peer group in a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere. Professionally moderated, this first Youth Town Hall captured big ideas and enthusiasm, and a follow-up work session led to the groundwork of the City’s first Youth Council. Student leaders from local high schools were selected to work under the guidance of city government representatives, to give teens a voice and a stake in their Happy Valley community.

This advisory board of teen advocates consists of eight members who must be of high school age and reside in the City of Happy Valley. Vacancies on the panel are filled by the election of new members as voted on by the sitting Youth Council. Youth Councilors collaborate on ideas and goals to enhance their community, and look to the city’s elected leaders - Mayor and City Council - for mentorship and assistance. Monthly council meetings are held to attend to the business of organizing Youth Council events and planning their service and participation in other community events sponsored by the City.

Ongoing community goals include drug and alcohol abuse awareness through bi-annual Rx Drug Turn In Days and an Anti-Bullying campaign with its cornerstone Bully Block Day event. To identify other current teen issues, they continue with the founding activity of a yearly Youth Town Hall where they work with other local teens to develop new ideas for projects to enhance their community.

Their motto is PEER2 which stands for “positively influence, protect, empower, enrich, encourage, engage, represent and respect” the teens in their community.