L.A. City Youth Council
The YDD would like to welcome the new members of the Olivia E. Mitchell L.A. City Youth Council 2. The council seats 30 empowered youth from across the City who will serve a one-year term. During their term, members learn about the inner workings of local government, drive special community projects and civic events, and make policy and budget recommendations to elected and civic leaders of the City to improve the lives and futures of young Angelenos.
The YDD oversees the L.A. City Youth Council, which honors the legacy of a public servant and living icon, Olivia E. Mitchell, whose passion for mentoring young Angelenos and love for our City has inspired countless government and community leaders over several decades.
Mission
The mission of the L.A. City Youth Council is to speak truth to power, identify bold solutions, and turn ideas into action to transform our communities in positive, lasting ways.
Impact
- Define the Future: Members support the creation of a citywide Youth Development Strategic Plan that will help shape the programs and investments the City offers its youth for years to come.
- Advance Equity and Inclusion: Promote equity and justice, honor differences in culture, and value the lived experiences and perspectives of all Angelenos.
- Foster Leadership: Foster an environment where youth feel leadership and ownership over policy framework and initiatives.
Member Benefits
- Foundation-setting: Members help build the foundation of the department's efforts to uplift the voices and needs of the city's young people.
- Professional Development: Strengthen their skills to gain an edge in their career and life beyond the youth council.
- Stipends: Receive financial educational stipends for their active participation on the youth council.
Member Opportunities
- Members identify solutions to improve programs, policies, and practices affecting young people in the City.
- Partner with community organizations, civic leaders, and other youth leaders to develop new strategies and approaches to serving youth.
- Receive training and leadership development from City partners on a wide range of issues.
- Assist in the drafting and presentation of recommendations to members of the City Council and the Mayor on issues that include, but are not limited to, City budgets, programs, and policies related to youth development.
About Olivia E. Mitchell
The new Youth Council follows in the footsteps of the pioneering Youth Advisory Council established by Mayor Tom Bradley in 1974. As a member of Mayor Bradley’s staff, Olivia E. Mitchell oversaw the original Youth Advisory Council. Her impact and dedication to youth is still felt today across Los Angeles. For more than 50 years, Olivia’s passion for mentoring young Angelenos and her love of the City has inspired countless government and community leaders. She has developed and implemented leadership development programs for youth, always recognizing and embracing the City’s diverse communities and people, especially the most vulnerable and underserved young people in Los Angeles. She has directly mentored over 2,000 youth and, indirectly, thousands more. As adults, many dedicated their lives to public service following the inspirational experiences created by Olivia. Today, she continues her distinguished life of public service as an Assistant Chief Grants Administrator at the City’s Community Investment for Families Department.
To view an expanded version of Olivia E. Mitchell's biography, please click here.