Title
Approval of Recruitment and Interview Plan for Seating of the Olympia Youth Council
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Youth Advisors recommend approving a proposed recruitment and interview plan for seating the inaugural Olympia Youth Council.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the proposed recruitment and interview plan for seating the inaugural Olympia Youth Council.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the proposed recruitment and interview plan for seating the inaugural Olympia Youth Council.
Staff Contact:
Susan Grisham, Assistant to the City Manager, 360.753.8244
Presenter(s):
Susan Grisham, Assistant to the City Manager
Dane Wolfrom, Truclusion Consulting
Youth Advisors:
• Allison Walker
• Enrique Luis Rodriguez Lloyd
• Eric Zhang
• Gavin Cruz
• Melinda Le
• Mistaya Phelan
• Nolan O'Connell
• Shruthi Lingam-Nattamai
• Toby Wilson
• Victoria Liu
• Vindhya Adamala
• Willow Chen
Background and Analysis:
In June 2022, Mayor Pro Tem Huỳnh, with the support of Councilmembers Parshley and Madrone put forward a referral requesting the hiring of a consultant tasked with researching successful youth council models and best practices; engaging and consulting with Olympia area youth and providing a recommendation to the Olympia City Council on how best to stand up an Olympia Youth Council.
In the summer of 2022, the City launched a Request for Proposal to select a firm to develop a recommendation. The contract was awarded to Truclusion. Truclusion used a Human-Centered inclusive approach which helped guide the development of recommendations that would create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive Youth Council. An Olympia Youth Council will increase the sense of belonging and value of the youth in our community as they contribute to City government and decision making in a meaningful manner.
Throughout 2023, Truclusion engaged with Olympia Youth reaching across cultural, social and economic group identities. The focus on these areas increased diverse participation and captured stakeholders’ unique perspectives in the formulation of recommendations for the Youth Council. The youth that have been participating have been referred to as the Youth Advisors.
In October 2023, the City Council approved the Research and Recommendations Report for standing up the Olympia Youth Council. Since that time, the Youth Advisors have continued meeting to develop their standard operating procedures including mission, purpose and vision statements; community norms; subcommittees and leadership positions.
At this meeting, the Youth Advisors will present their plans for a recruitment event; recommended timeline and process for applications, interviews and appointments to the Youth Council.
Climate Analysis:
This project is not expected to have an impact on greenhouse gas emissions.
Equity Analysis:
Based on data from the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction’s “Report Card”, minority enrollment in Olympia’s schools is at 40% and approximately 20% of students are economically disadvantaged. (This data does not include students who are not in traditional schools, like home school or G.E.D programs.) One of the main goals of a Youth Council is to engage and lift up voices and perspectives of people who are often excluded from decision making and lack access to power.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Youth in our community have expressed an interest in participating in decision making that effects their future.
Financial Impact:
The City has allotted $30,000 for the contracted work using Council goal funds. Currently there is a $40,000 request going through the 2024 budgeting process to begin work of standing up the Youth Council.
Options:
1. Approve the recommendations.
2. Do not approve the recommendations
3. Take other action.
Attachments:
Approved Youth Council Recommendations and Research