United Way of Greater Knoxville

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is it?
The Knoxville/Knox County Youth Action Council is a representative body of teens charged with ensuring that the opinions and concerns of their peers are voiced and that youth have opportunities for community engagement. The council is committed to demonstrating the value of involving young people as equal partners and resources for solving problems.

Why do we need this?
• To ensure that a youth point of view is considered when policies affecting young people are being decided.
• To gain insight and a fresh perspective for improving our local community.
• To increase awareness among public officials and the general public about issues facing teens.
• To involve youth as equal partners in government and, as a result, give them a better understanding of how the city and county operate.
• To create among teens a stronger connection and sense of responsibility to their communities and allow an opportunity for teens to experience collaboration, problem solving, and leadership.

What makes the YAC different from other student organizations?
• Council members have multiple opportunities to interact and provide feedback face-to-face with community officials, especially the City and County Mayors.
• YAC representatives are empowered to make decisions and lead the efforts they believe are important-In other words, adults do not dictate the agenda for the YAC.
• The YAC is about community change and creates limitless possibilities for teens.

What do they do?
The YAC creates opportunities for youth to get involved in government and community service by:
• Hosting special events, such as a Youth Summit and a Community Officials Forum for Teens, where youth learn and have a chance to voice ideas and concerns directly to local officials in writing or in person.
• Coordinating service projects, in addition to recruiting and recognizing outstanding youth volunteers.
• Conducting surveys and focus groups to get to the heart of issues affecting young people.
Assisting local boards of directors with youth representation.

How does it work?

1. Students find out about the opportunity through local newspapers and their schools each spring.

2. All sophomores and juniors, from both public and private schools, interested in making a difference in the community are encouraged to apply.

3. A committee of volunteers, including local teens and officials from the City and County Mayors' Offices, determines who is selected each year to serve on the council. The committee makes every effort to ensure that the YAC is diverse and a true representation of teens in Knox County.

4. YAC representatives attend a training retreat to establish objectives and a plan of action.

5. The YAC meets monthly to plan events, evaluate progress, and determine continued direction for the group.

6. Advisors from United Way of Greater Knoxville, the City of Knoxville and the Knox County Mayors' Offices provide input and resources to help the YAC succeed.