Philadelphia Youth
Commission underway

By Diane Prokop
Times Staff Writer

Young people from across the city have been meeting each week to lay the groundwork for the Jan. 1 inauguration of the Philadelphia Youth Commission.
But organizers would love to see the participation of young people from Northeast Philly.
During May’s primary election, Philadelphia voters endorsed a ballot question to amend the Home Rule Charter and make the fledgling youth commission a permanent part of city government. When it’s up and running in a few months, the commission — composed of young people in Philadelphia — will exist as a voice to enlighten city leadership on the issues of importance to the young population.
"The Philadelphia Youth Commission will bring the needs and concerns of young people to the public in a way they’ve never done before," said Bill Madeira, who works for the Philadelphia Citizens for Children and Youth as an advocate for juvenile justice and child welfare. PCCY devotes its efforts to child advocacy.
The seeds of the youth commission were planted in June 2006, when City Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, eager to give young people a voice in government and policy, introduced a proposal for its creation. City Council gave it unanimous approval.
The youth commission will consist of 21 young people between the ages of 13 and 24. Four members will be appointed by the mayor, with one young person selected by each representative of the 17-member City Council.
The appointments will take place after the new mayor and City Council take office on Jan. 1.
What this progressive step means is that City Council will be required to consult with the Philadelphia Youth Commission on all legislation that affects the youth of the city.
The group — though it will have no voting power — also may give opinions on any other legislative proposals with the potential to impact young people, or a member can initiate possible legislation through the sponsorship of City Council members.
According to its mission statement, the commission will be composed of young leaders who reflect the diversity of Philadelphia’s population.
Madeira is particularly seeking members from Northeast Philadelphia to be part of the working group, which has created the mission statement, is developing the bylaws and an application form, and will reach out to City Council members and their staff so that everybody understands the full potential of the youth commission.
The working group meets at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, usually at the PCCY offices at 7 Ben Franklin Parkway, between 17th and 18th streets.
While members of the working group are not youth commissioners, they will have the opportunity to apply for appointment to the volunteer positions.
The commission is modeled after similar organizations in San Francisco and parts of Maryland.
The San Francisco Youth Commission got its start in 1995 as a way for the city’s youth to be heard in city hall. The program continues to encourage young people to get involved in policy discussions by taking part at hearings and community meetings, as well as having meetings with public officials.
"It’s hard for young people to make their position known," Madeira explained. "It’s hard for young people to make concerns known for (such issues as the cost of SEPTA) tokens. Who should we listen to about violence, but from the victims? They didn’t really have a voice before."
To help them shape informed positions on matters, the youth commission can hold hearings, neighborhood meetings and conduct polls. They also may develop committees of non-members who volunteer to work on commission activities.
Madeira is hopeful that the city will come through with a $250,000 budget to fund two full-time staffers, including a director, and help the commission cover myriad expenses related to activities and special events to compile public feedback on issues.
Madeira has been impressed with the current working group and its devotion to shaping how the commission will function.
"I want to want to emphasize how wonderful these kids have been," he said. "The young people, not kids, do this for no pay. They do this for free." ••
For more information about the working group, contact Madeira at 215-563-5848, ext. 14, or e-mail billmadeira@pccy.org For more information about the Philadelphia Youth Commission, visit http://www.pccy.org/youth_commission.htm
Reporter Diane Prokop can be reached at 215-354-3036 or dprokop@phillynews.com