The thoughts and opinions of youth in local, state and national politics can often go unheard. However, the Vermont State Youth Council (VSYC), with its 28 members and fantastic staff, has been working diligently for a few years now to ensure that the voices of our young generations are being heard in the statehouse. From writing legislative recommendations, to testifying and advocacy work, the VSYC does not plan to slow down anytime soon.
Yet we have faced a glaring challenge: We don’t have much interaction with the young people we represent. So this year, we decided to start a new youth outreach initiative. So speak up, make your voice heard. As chair of the VSYC, I want emails, survey responses and participants at our upcoming public forums. I encourage adults reading to reach out to the young people in your lives and recommend they contact us through the VSYC website vtstateyouthcouncil.org. And if you reside in New Hampshire, the Governor’s Youth Advisory Council is the go-to in your state.
Youth civic engagement is important in ensuring a good future for all, so no matter your age, please reach out with questions, thoughts on legislation, issues you’d like us to address, and anything else that feels important to you! Please look out for upcoming council events, fill out our youth survey, and help us make a lasting difference.
Aiden Otterman, West Topsham
The writer is a student at Thetford Academy and chair of the Vermont State Youth Council.