June 2024 Update: Empowering Youth, Shaping Our City
I had the privilege of presenting to the Beaverton City Council as a member of the Mayor's Youth Advisory Board (MYAB). Our presentation highlighted the crucial role youth play in our community's future. Despite being unable to vote, young people are significantly impacted by city decisions. The MYAB bridges this gap, ensuring that the voices of Beaverton’s youth are heard and valued.
The Power of Youth Voice
The MYAB is a dynamic group of high school students committed to leading change within our community. We serve as a vital communication link between the youth and the city’s mayor, honing leadership, organizational, and direct-action skills in the process. Our mission is clear: to ensure that the youth of Beaverton have a say in the decisions that shape their lives.
Monthly Meetings and Community Involvement
MYAB members engage in monthly meetings to deepen our understanding of city government and provide valuable feedback on city projects. Our activities range from organizing donation drives to hosting the annual Youth Summit, which gathers around 50 students from high schools across Beaverton.
Youth Summit: Building Connections
The Youth Summit is a flagship event that connects young people with local non-profits such as the League of Conservation Voters, YouthLine, and the League of Women Voters. This event introduces MYAB to a broader audience and fosters a sense of community and collaboration among Beaverton's youth.
Envisioning a Youth-Oriented City
During a facilitated discussion, MYAB members shared our vision for a youth-oriented city. Our ideas focused on four main areas:
Neighborhoods:
Community spaces like libraries and parks.
Better access to public transportation.
Enhanced walkability and bikeability.
Youth-friendly housing.
Sustainability:
Increased access to recycling bins.
More sustainable transportation options.
Education on sustainable living.
Well-Being:
Addressing youth homelessness, as Beaverton has the highest rate in Oregon.
More accessible mental health resources.
Social spaces to build community, such as gyms and parks.
-Job and internship opportunities.
Youth Voice:
Empowering youth-based organizations to foster collective action and develop leadership.
Civic education to teach youth how change happens.
Enabling youth to make meaningful contributions to city governance.
Advocating for Change: Lowering the Voting Age
One of the most impactful proposals we presented was the call to lower the voting age. We argue that youth voices matter and city decisions have long-term impacts on our lives. The youth in Beaverton are ready to take on the responsibility of voting, as evidenced by the success of similar initiatives in other cities and countries.
Why Lower the Voting Age?
Lowering the voting age to 16 is not just a matter of principle; it has practical and research-backed benefits:
Increased Civic Engagement: Studies have shown that starting to vote at a younger age fosters lifelong voting habits. Research indicates that people who vote in their first eligible election are more likely to become habitual voters. By lowering the voting age, we can instill these habits earlier, leading to a more engaged electorate in the long run.
Enhanced Representation: Young people face unique challenges and perspectives that are often underrepresented in the political process. Issues such as education, climate change, and housing directly affect youth, yet they have little say in these matters. Lowering the voting age ensures that policies are more reflective of the entire population's needs and priorities.
Informed Decision-Making: Contrary to some beliefs, young people today are more informed and engaged than ever before. The proliferation of information through digital platforms has made it easier for youth to stay updated on current events and policy issues. Programs like MYAB further enhance this by providing civic education and leadership opportunities.
Successful Precedents: Countries like Austria, Malta, and Brazil have successfully lowered the voting age to 16 with positive outcomes. In the United States, cities like Takoma Park and Hyattsville in Maryland have also implemented youth voting in local elections, resulting in higher voter turnout and increased political engagement among young people.
Practical Steps and Legal Framework
The practicality of youth voting is supported by research showing that early voting habits lead to lifelong civic engagement. While the Oregon constitution grants voting rights to 18-year-olds, cities have home rule over their elections. This means Beaverton has the potential to change the voting age by ordinance, thereby setting a precedent for youth empowerment in civic participation.
Conclusion: Thank You for Supporting Youth Engagement
Our presentation was a compelling reminder of the importance of youth engagement in city governance. Our insights and proposals underscore a commitment to creating a more inclusive, sustainable, and youth-friendly Beaverton. We extend our gratitude to the community for supporting us in our efforts to shape a brighter future for all.
Stay tuned for more updates on how MYAB continues to influence and inspire positive change in our city.
Comments