The Commission represents Philadelphia’s youth in public hearings and gives testimony that reflects the youth perspective. We work with the city, non-profits, community organizations, and private entities to develop strategies to improve the lives of Philadelphia’s youth. The Commission serves as a conduit for youth action no matter a young person’s background. The Commission also advises the Mayor, City Council, Philadelphia Public Schools, and other key decision makers inside and outside of city government.

We do this by:

• Commenting on legislation and policies that impact youth.
• Creating public service programs that improve the lives of youth.
• Monitoring and measuring the effectiveness of youth programs and policies.
• Partnering with neighborhood and youth organizations on shared issues.
• Preparing youth for leadership through appropriate training.

Realizing the impact youth commissions were making in other urban cities, PYC was born out of the activism of a few passionate youth. After partnering with Philadelphia Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY), they lobbied City Council to support the creation of PYC.

Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown believed in PYC’s mission and sponsored legislation that put a Youth Commission Initiative on the 2007 ballot. Determined to ensure the Initiative passed, these young people formed the Working Group, a collection of politically active youth from all corners of Philadelphia. Thanks to PCCY and Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, the measure passed successfully garnering 75% of the vote. The Philadelphia Youth Commission began service on January 1, 2008.