Philadelphia Youth Commission Releases End of Year Report

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Youth Commission released today its 2019-2020 End of Year Report, submitting to City Council and the Mayor an official record of activities and future plans.

“It is clear that the collective drive of the Commission is needed more than ever,” said Alfredo Praticò, Chair of the Youth Commission. “As Chair, it is my priority to ensure our Commission works passionately and intentionally to drive needed change in our city. The Commission is optimistic that Philadelphia’s future will be bright and that we will have a hand in shaping it.”

2019-2020 Youth Commission Highlights:

  • The Youth Commission hosted and partnered with various city organizations to hold six successful events to give Philadelphia youth a platform to voice concerns – reaching thousands of young Philadelphians:
    • #PHLYouthTalks: How Youth Move the Nation (Black History Month)
    • COVID-19 Youth Town Hall Series with the School District of Philadelphia
    • Vote that Jawn Voter Registration House Party
    • #PHLYouthTalks: Driving Action Through Discussion (Juneteenth)
    • College During COVID-19 with the Mayor’s Office of Faith-Based & Interfaith Affairs
  • The Sanitary Products Dispenser Committee worked to increase the number of female sanitary product dispensers available to students in Philadelphia public schools, with the ultimate goal of having at least one dispenser in every middle and high school in the city.
  • The Guns & Police Committee planned events focused on youth-police relations and trauma, and worked to craft policies that balance the community and social needs of young Philadelphians.
  • The Jobs & Economics Curriculum Committee planned events to discuss professionalism, resume preparation, and build professional networks to help the next generation of Philadelphians be fully work-ready.

“We are so incredibly proud of the work that the Youth Commission has been able to produce in a year of unprecedented obstacles,” said Jeanette Bavwidinsi, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Youth Engagement. “The tenacity of our Commissioners has allowed them to design creative & innovative ways to continue to lift up the voices of their peers and create a space for them to practice civic participation in real-time. They remind me everyday that the kids are indeed alright.”

Looking to the next 12 months, the Youth Commission is working on increasing youth voter turnout and decreasing the average age of poll workers for the November election. With existing partnerships with the School District, Mayor’s Office, and City Council, the Commission will complete a curriculum on financial literacy and professionalism for Philadelphia youth.

Applications for the Youth Commission are also open! Philadelphians ages 12-23 are encouraged to apply by September 1, 2020.

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 23 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.

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