About the Youth Advisory Council
The council is a competitive program designed to elevate student voices in Ohio’s 11th congressional district, encompassing cities such as Cleveland, Lakewood, Euclid, Shaker Heights and other local communities. The council works directly with Brown on issues affecting young people while engaging in civic activities and other initiatives.
Williams’ Journey to the Youth Advisory Council
Williams’ journey to the council began with the Freshwater Institute fellowship, which acted as a mini-internship focused on protecting the Great Lakes. At the program’s concluding celebration, Williams received a letter of special congressional recognition from Brown.
“I was excited, and I was actually more excited when I showed up and there were 12 people; it’s very selective,” said Williams about her first meeting with the YAC.
In the council, the selected students “learn how to interact with our government in different ways, and do this in different parts of the district, from going to a couple of different libraries, some shelters and some courthouses,” Williams said.
During the initial meeting, students were divided into four groups to prepare capstone projects for presentation to elected officials in May. Williams is in the artificial intelligence group, where students research the subject and create a policy proposal that could be implemented in government.
The Role of the Council in the Community
The council is designed to be more than an academic project; it offers students the chance to make a meaningful impact in their communities. Through their projects, public presentations and meetings, council members share diverse perspectives on challenges facing their communities. These perspectives reflect the community’s varied voices, experiences and concerns about representation, mirroring the diversity of the district.
Participation in the council also benefits students, helping them develop leadership, teamwork and communication skills. Through their groups, students conduct research, engage with experts and elected officials and present their findings to community leaders.
For Williams specifically, they hope to gain “Information for a major in environmental studies and to pursue a career in environmental policy and work in political and environmental science.”
The Importance of Civic Engagement
Civic engagement refers to how people participate in their communities and contribute to the democratic process.
“Other types of civic engagement are huge for younger age groups because they will affect younger age groups more than older generations,” said Lakewood High School government teacher Ron Lewis when asked about the importance of local involvement.
Through council participation and civic activities, students learn the value of active citizenship and how to contribute meaningfully to their communities. “Knowing how to move around in the government system and knowing how you can impact it is going to be critical for the rest of your life,” Lewis said.
Williams’ selection to the council reflects both dedication and achievement. Starting the journey with the Freshwater Institute fellowship and now contributing to the council, they exemplify how young people can make a difference in their communities. This involvement not only provides valuable experience but also inspires other students to become active in their democracy.
