Q: You mentioned you're looking for members. What are the responsibilities? Is there a commitment (i.e. appointment with a term.) And how much time month does an average member spend on projects?

Jeff Ives: The Mayor appoints members of the Youth Commission as needed, so the term is only limited by how long members wish to stay on board. The bylaws allow for up to 21 members of the Commission and currently there are only six voting members with the addition of two ad hoc members who work for Youth Services. These members meet for about two hours once a month, with the potential for longer meetings and get-togethers if needed. Their primary task is to provide input and ideas that will help Youth Services staff do their job in support of the Youth Commission's mission statement (below).

This is an important time for the Youth Commission because the existing 5-year-plan for Newburyport's Youth Services that was drafted in 2005 has been accomplished. That plan called for expanded youth programs (that now exist), the creation of an after-school drop-in center (now the Kelley school as well), collaboration with the Learning Enrichment Center (which is thriving), and to continue working with the Mayor's Task Force on Underage Substance Abuse (which has lead to the Beacon Coalition's comprehensive efforts).

The success of this last five year plan means that the community now has an amazing opportunity to set the agenda for the next five years, and the dedication of Youth Services staff means that this plan will very likely be implemented efficiently and successfully. Potential Youth Commission members should ask themselves: What opportunities do I want to see for kids in this city? What kind of trips and summer camps should be offered? Should the Kelley school facilities be improved? What local, state, and national organizations should Youth Services collaborate with to open doors for Newburyport Youth? What specific benchmarks should be in place, such as the number of youth participating in each program? What goals can be set to make these programs better funded?

If you're someone who cares about these issues and has ideas to contribute, now is the time to either come to the Youth Commission meeting on Tuesday or email me with your suggestions to bring up at the meeting. (jeffrey.ives@gmail.com)


Youth Commission Mission Statement
The mission of the Newburyport Youth Commission is to recognize and promote the importance of Newburyport’s youth as a trusted constituency, with rights, responsibilities and equality. The Youth Commission will work collaboratively and pro-actively with the community to promote, encourage, develop and provide appropriate activities to meet the apparent and underlying needs of the youth of Newburyport.