Lee County Youth Council

Active youth involvement is critical in ensuring that young people feel they have a voice regarding what is going on in their lives and their communities. In an effort to more effectively connect teens to local government, the Lee County Board of Commissioners, in collaboration with a number of local partners and stakeholders, will officially launch a Youth Council initiative this January.

Two participants will be identified from each high school, including those from public, private, charter, and homeschools from across the county. Participants will be identified by counselors, peers, parents, teachers and then officially appointed by County Commissioners to the Lee County Youth Council.

Once chartered, the Lee County Youth Council will be recognized as an official county sanctioned board. Members will bring recommendations and concerns from their board to County Commissioners, and when needed, the Sanford City Council. Youth members will also have the opportunity to visit other county board meetings and share their ideas and recommendations in an effort for county leaders to gain a better understanding of how public policy is viewed from a youth perspective.

The council will be youth-led and guided by adult advisors and the council will take on a couple major community projects and issues each year. Examples of projects could include: substance abuse, bullying, peer pressure, community safety, and social justice.

If you know a young person that would like to expand their leadership skills through participation in local government and become more engaged in the health, safety and vibrancy of their community, please reach out to Pam Kerley, 4-H Program Assistant, at pam_kerley@ncsu.edu or 919-775-5624 for more information.