What is a Youth Council?

A Youth Council is an opportunity for young people to have an active role in addressing issues that affect the youth. The Youth Council also will strive to foster a working partnership between the Evanston City Council and City Staff by providing a much needed youth voice on all issues of the community. Additionally, the Youth Council will take on various projects during the year such as organizing a Youth Summit, conducting youth surveys, participating in community service projects, and sponsoring social events for Evanston youth.

MindRap

MindRap, a multimedia education program developed by TiZ Media Foundation, encourages students to achieve in math and science by combining interactive teaching applications with hip-hop music and culture. Through the program, students translate math and science lessons into interactive rap and hip hop movies, which they produce and share with other students. In this way, MindRap harnesses the power of hip-hop culture and the students’ creativity to energize the learning process and encourage an interest in math and science. Click here for more details!

Huge Success!

Approximately 60-70 Evanston teens, 20 Northwestern students, 15 or so adult volunteers and representatives from PEER Services, Y.O.U, Family Focus, BEHIV, Oakton Community College, Community Defender, YMCA, Youth Job Center, ImageBoocoo, Connections for the Homeless, District 202 and the Evanston Police Youth Division participated in the Evanston Youth Summit. Participants each chose one topic to discuss throughout the day led by an “expert” facilitator from the community. Participants enjoyed a free breakfast and lunch, listened to keynote speaker Ra Joy, Executive Director of the Illinois Arts Alliance, participated in interactivity games and icebreakers, had chances to win raffle prizes that were donated by local Evanston business, participated in an interactive mural and enjoyed the performances of two local youth groups from the high school at the conclusion of the event.

Put Your Words Into Action!

Currently we are looking for high school students to apply to become apart of our Evanston Youth Council. The Youth Council will take the ideas from summit and develop creative ways to make positive change and create more opportunities for Evanston teens. If you or someone you know is interested in MAKING CHANGE in your community, click here to find out more details and apply!