Title
Youth Council Onboarding Retreat Planning
Recommended Action
Discuss planning for the Youth Council onboarding retreat and provide feedback on the proposed goals, format, and activities.
Report
Issue:
Whether to support planning for an onboarding retreat for newly appointed Youth Council members to build relationships, establish a shared understanding of the Youth Council's role, and prepare members to effectively participate in the upcoming term.
Staff Contact:
Susan Grisham, Youth Council Liaison, 360.753.8441
Presenter(s):
Donovan Jojoja, Youth Council Chair
Susan Grisham, Youth Council Liaison
Background and Analysis:
The Olympia Youth Council welcomes new members each year. An onboarding retreat provides an opportunity for newly appointed members to learn about the purpose and responsibilities of the Youth Council, become familiar with City government and the Council's decision-making process, and build relationships with their fellow members and City staff.
The retreat is also an opportunity to establish expectations for participation, communication, attendance, and respectful dialogue. Creating a strong foundation at the beginning of the term can help Youth Council members feel prepared and connected and support a productive year of youth engagement.
The City is planning an onboarding retreat for newly appointed Youth Council members. The retreat is anticipated to take place on September 19, 2026, following the Youth Council appointments at the September 15 City Council meeting.
Staff recommends using a retreat-style onboarding session for newly appointed Youth Council members in September. Moving onboarding outside of a regular Youth Council meeting would provide dedicated time for relationship-building, orientation, leadership development, and planning.
The retreat would focus on:
• Team building: Create connections and trust among new and returning members.
• Leadership development: Help members understand their roles and build skills for effective participation and collaboration.
• Work-plan creation: Begin identifying priorities, projects, and topics for the upcoming Youth Council term.
• Youth Council orientation: Provide a clear overview of Youth Council roles, meeting procedures, City government, public participation, and expectations for members.
•
A retreat format would provide more time for interactive activities and discussion than is typically available during a regular Youth Council meeting and could create a stronger foundation for the new Council year.
Climate Analysis:
This item will not effect climate actions.
Equity Analysis:
A well-designed onboarding process can help ensure that all Youth Council members have equitable access to the information, relationships, and support they need to participate effectively. Staff will seek to create an inclusive environment that welcomes members with different backgrounds, experiences, communication styles, and levels of familiarity with local government.
The retreat will also provide an opportunity to reinforce the Youth Council's role in ensuring that youth perspectives that may not otherwise be represented in City decision-making are included in the City's policy discussions.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Youth Council represents a diverse group of Olympia-area youth and provides a mechanism for youth perspectives to inform City decision-making. The onboarding retreat will help ensure new members understand this role and are prepared to engage with and represent the broader youth community.
Financial Impact:
The retreat is expected to be conducted using existing City resources and staff time. Any additional costs associated with food, supplies, facilities, or activities will be accommodated within available Youth Council resources.
Options:
1. Discuss planning for the Youth Council onboarding retreat and provide feedback on the proposed goals, format, and activities.
2. Do not discuss planning for the Youth Council onboarding retreat and provide feedback on the proposed goals, format, and activities.
3. Take other action.
Attachments:
None