Youth Commission

Introduction

Leadership. Service. Excellence. These are just a few of the many traits that describe the Fulton County Youth Commission, or FCYC, its members, and the honorable work that this organization produces. Since its inception, the Fulton County Youth Commission has worked diligently to impact policy, procedures, and legislation relating to children, youth, and families in Fulton County.

Sponsored by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners and coordinated through the Youth and Community Services Division, the Fulton County Youth Commission is an exciting leadership and service-oriented program that empowers young people to become knowledgeable and involved in the local governmental process.

About Us

The FCYC is a leadership program for outstanding high school students in Fulton County, Georgia, with a primary purpose of advocacy for children and youth issues. Youth Commissioners volunteer as many as 20 hours per month for planning meetings and community projects and over 120 hours on an annual basis. The program empowers participants to become involved in the local government process as it pertains to youth-related legislation, policies, and programming.

The FCYC explores various problems of today’s youth and voices their opinions to the Fulton County Board of Commissioners regarding the best possible solutions. The program is designed to strengthen the participant’s leadership skills, increase interest in human services, and create a means for communication between community leaders and Fulton County youth.

Goals

• Empower youth to be leaders, become knowledgeable and involved in the local government process. Youth Leaders will advocate on behalf of children and youth to address issues such as violence, health, education, safety and more.
• Help combat teenage obesity by encouraging healthy eating habits and exposing our youth to healthier lifestyles
• Decrease the homelessness in Fulton County, primarily among youth by providing resources and guidance needed to overcome circumstances
• Minimize teen violence, bullying, and school rivalry through advocacy efforts
• Offer Fulton County youth resources to further their education, gain employment and broaden their horizons as it relates to their career paths
• Encourage teens to live a drug and alcohol-free lifestyle through prevention training and campaigns

Summary

Since its inception in 1999, the Fulton County Youth Commission has worked diligently to impact policy, programming, and legislation relating to children and families. Youth Commissioners participate in community service projects, which exposes them to the diverse needs and issues of Fulton County citizens. As a result, program participants offer recommendations to the Fulton County Board of Commissioners and legislators pertaining to solution-based approaches that combat issues facing today’s youth.

The program has focused on minimizing teen violence, drug usage, bullying, and school rivalries through life skills training and advocacy efforts. In addition, there is an emphasis on decreasing homelessness among youth by providing resources for education, employment, and opportunities that broaden their horizons and exposure to emerging career paths.

The Fulton County Youth Commission typically has applications available in May towards the end of the school year. 

To be ideal candidates students must meet a few requirements:

• Must be a resident of Fulton County in the 9th -11th grade at a school within the Fulton County lines.
• Submit an application with a two-page essay, and one page typed nomination statement from a teacher, counselor, principal, religious leader or a community member who has known the applicant for at least one year.