About The DC Youth Advisory Council
(DCYAC)
In April 2002, legislation was signed into law establishing the DC
Youth Advisory Council (DCYAC). The DCYAC is located within the
Executive Office of the Mayor and was created by District youth and
officials in order for young people throughout the city to have an
official voice in the policies, programs and actions within the
city. The DCYAC is responsible for influencing change in legislation
and policies that impact youth and for developing more youth and
adult partnerships.
History
The DCYAC was established as a result of The City Is Mine: Youth
Summit held in November 2000. There, District officials met with
more than 1,400 young people and listened to their suggestions about
improving the city. At the Summit, DC youth identified three
priority issues of safety and violence, education, and
jobs/training. An overwhelming message from the Summit was the need
to change the way young people interact with their government.
Structure and Support
The DCYAC consists of 32 council members, between the ages of 13 and
22, selected from various sectors of the District (3 members from
each of the 8 wards and 8 at-large representatives who have
experience with the Juvenile Justice System and Foster Care).
Membership reflects a broad range of diversity encompassing, but not
limited to, relevant differences such as ethnicity, location of
residency, religion and gender. The Youth Advisory Council advises
the Mayor, the DC Council, DC Public and Public Charter Schools,
other key decision makers in the District, and adult leaders in the
District by:
• Commenting on legislation and policies that impact youth;
• Presenting methods to resolve youth-related conflicts
between youth and between youth and adults;
• Proposing recommendations to improve the lives of youth;
• Monitoring and measuring the effectiveness of youth programs
and policies;
• Partnering with neighborhood and youth organizations on
shared issues; and
• Providing youth with leadership development training.
Members of the DCYAC have a background in community-based activities
with a sincere interest in and motivation to work for the community.
As youth leaders, they bring real and fresh perspectives about youth
issues and act as effective communicators between the District and
their home communities. The DCYAC meets twice a month and publishes
a yearly report, to be publicly distributed, of its activities,
recommendations and accomplishments.
Membership
DCYAC membership benefits include influencing the District's youth-
related policies and programs; creating legislation that aids youth;
serving as a representative for District youth; interacting
regularly with District officials and other local leaders; and
developing leadership skills. DCYAC is a wonderful way for young
people in the District to gain experience in community service,
civic participation and youth advocacy. Throughout the year, DCYAC
members will be able to meet and work with other District youth
through numerous programs and collaborations. In the addition, DCYAC
members may have the opportunity to travel to different cities and
participate in national conferences and events.
Please visit our website at www.dcyac.dc.
gov.
For more information please email sean.gough@dc.gov
Sean N. Gough
Director
DC Youth Advisory Council
Executive Office of the Mayor
Government of the District of Columbia
441 4th Street, NW – Suite 1140 North
Washington, DC 20001
202-727-7995 – Direct
202-340-7133 – Cell
202-727-8179 – fax
www.dcyac.dc.gov