P.O. BOX 1088 FULLERTON, CA 92836-1088 714-336-6910
Date: December 28, 2023
To: Daisy Perez
Deputy City Manager
From: NEXGEN Committee
Fullerton Collaborative
Subject: Youth Committee/Commission
The Fullerton Collaborative NxtGen (formerly at-risk youth) Committee has an interest to partner with the City of Fullerton to create a Youth Committee. The Youth Committee model is designed to be inclusive drawing membership from throughout the community. Members are residents first attending middle and/ or high school. The group would be self-governed under the guidance of both the City of Fullerton partnering with Fullerton Collaborative. This model allows for some flexibility to encourage more member participation and attendance.
Based on our research the City of La Habra Youth Committee and Anaheim Youth Commission we learned that the Anaheim model was too restrictive, and La Habra Youth model has had continued, organized participation for over 20 years. They are comprised of resident students from a variety of backgrounds with membership between 25 and 40. A recruitment is held each spring, with interviews prior to summer, and selection completed by mid-June.
The function of the committee is to discuss youth issues and become a platform representing the youth segment of the population. They would serve as a resource that can be interviewed for a variety of subjects including park improvements, street improvements (safe routes to school), public safety (alcohol and drug concerns), community development (new businesses), and NxtGen Health.
They would also host public speakers in a variety of industries and subject matter that will cover member surveyed career goals. They would also serve as a volunteer base for special events and lead special interest initiatives that affect youth.
The City of Fullerton approved a resolution (RESOLUTION NO. 2020-97) for a Fullerton Youth Commission on 12/21/2020. From our extensive research and experience we requests that the City of Fullerton consider this proposal to amend the Youth Commission structure to that of a Youth Committee model. This will allow for youth to have an active voice and structure that will allow flexibility in participation.
Sincerely,
Debra L. Stout, Psy.D.
Executive Director
Fullerton Collaborative