While young people have a voice in local government here in Hampton, some are actually getting a paycheck!
Since 1996, Hampton, Virginia’s Planning Department has hired two youth planners to help implement the youth component of the community plan. Due to the growing needs of Hampton’s Youth, a third planner was recently added. Together, they work 15 hours a week and act as resources to various HYC committees.
The relationship between the Youth Planners and Youth Commissioners is a vital one. While in most cases, the planners lead the commissioners in pursuing issues affiliated with the work of the commission, it is the commissioners who inform the planners of how the issues should be solved. Together, the both groups address the needs of youth by shaping policies, exploring public opinion, leading focus groups, researching projects, and tackling issues. More
See also: