Philadelphia Youth Commission Announces  Driving Action Through Discussion

A collaborative virtual town hall for Philadelphia youth.

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Youth Commission will host the virtual town hall Driving Action Through Discussion, specifically for Philadelphia youth. The event will be held on Friday, June 19, 2020, from 2:00 to 3:15 p.m. Council Majority Leader Cherelle L. Parker will join the activity. 

At a time of widespread societal discussion and change, young people have stepped up and taken active roles in the recent demonstrations and protests. Driving Action Through Discussion will not only give young Philadelphians a platform for direct discussion on issues such as criminal justice reform and community-based support, but will also connect them directly with their elected officials.

“Too often young people have strong recommendations on how to improve their communities but do not have contact with their elected officials—letting their ideas go unknown,” said Alfredo Praticò, chair of the Youth Commission. “This discussion will give our peers an opportunity to reflect on their communities and current events through dialogue with their representatives in local government.”

Jude Husein, the Commission’s jobs and economics committee chair, said “Elected officials and young people coming together is the first step to creating change. City Council members actively listening to a young person reflecting on their identity and the challenges they face within their everyday life is important to know in order to create this change.”

Any young person is welcome to take part in Driving Action Through Change. The virtual event will be held this Friday, June 19, on Zoom from 2 to 3:15 pm. It is not mandatory to stay for the entire session.

Tune in to the event live on https://www.facebook.com/PublicEngagementPHL.

For additional event information or questions please contact Jeanette Bavwidinsi, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Youth Engagement, at jeanette.bavwidinsi@phila.gov. All media requests should first be directed to press@phila.gov. 

About the Philadelphia Youth Commission:

The Philadelphia Youth Commission is the official youth branch of the City government. Created by referendum and added to the Home Rule Charter in 2009, the Youth Commission is appointed by and advises both the Mayor and City Council of Philadelphia on all legislation and policy as it relates to youth. Composed of twenty-three members, the commission, in addition to its legislative responsibilities, also works to bridge the gap between adult policymakers and youth by holding public, youth-centered meetings on important issues around the city.