2023 Residential Neighborhoods Committee Report

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City of South Bend Common Council (Source: A Framework for Effectively Partnering with Young People. The Anne Casey Foundation) In 2003 the South Bend Common Council passed an ordinance which created the Youth Advisory Council. The ordinance created a mechanism for youth to provide input and become involved in the civil engagement process so both our youth and the city can benefit. The Youth Advisory Council was created to serve high school students grades 9-12 by providing the means to positively engage with city government, explore local social justice issues, policy development and prepare them to effectively organize, and understand the importance of civil engagement and the power of their voices. The ordinance was amended in July of 2022 to include all students that resided in St. Joseph County. Students that were recommended completed the application and were interviewed at their schools. Students were administered a questionnaire as a means to gather their input on issues that youth faced and the topics that they wish be part of the curriculum for the 2023 Calendar year. The 2023 Youth Advisory Council Program Calendar is Attached. Eight students graduated from high school in 2023, they were acknowledged at the June 21, 2023, meeting. Seven of the graduates are in college and one is an intern for a local media production company. Not in our Community Initiative Response to Synthetic Drugs The impact and availability of Synthetic Drugs and especially their impact among our youth continue to be the point of discussion. The Committee Meetings for 2023 were held the third Thursdays of each month. A number of community meeting workshops and/or forums were presented in partnership with other organizations. A copy of one of the presentations is attached to this report. Respe f y Submitted, Council Member Karen L. White, Chair Residential Neighborhoods Committee