HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021 - Youth Advisory Board - Annual Report
City of Fort Collins Youth Advisory Board
2021 Annual Report
The Youth Advisory Board was created by City Council resolution on April 19, 1994. The purpose of
the Youth Advisory Board is to gather information from, and otherwise communicate with, other
groups, organizations and agencies regarding youth-oriented issues and problems; to document and
discuss issues of importance to youth in the Fort Collins community, specifically as they relate to City-
operated services; to review and discuss legislation that may affect youth; and to recommend to City
Council local legislation and policy actions or changes which would enhance the status of youth in the
Fort Collins community.
In 2021, the Youth Advisory Board held 9 meetings. The Board did not meet in the months of June,
July, or August. Dylan Lindsay was elected Board Chair; Dimitry Volchansky was elected Vice Chair;
Sarah Gagne (Supervisor, Recreation) served as the Staff Liaison, and Jelitza Garcia-Martinez
(Intern, Recreation) served as the Secretary from January through May. Other Board members
included: Eva Calva (Jan-May); Kristin Mera-Cano (Jan-May); Sean Alcazar-Chavez (Jan-May);
Rahul Goush (Sept-Dec); Riya Sajjan (Oct-Dec); and Andrew Zuniga (Dec). Due to the school year
schedule of Youth Advisory Board members, many members participate September through may as
opposed to a calendar year.
2021 Youth Advisory Board Goals & Work Plan
The following interests, goals, and initiatives were brought forward by board members and
incorporated into the Work Plan.
Engage the community by talking to other neighbors and reporting their ideas to the Board.
Consider innovation as a method to addressing issues facing the community.
Support youth in low-income households by promoting opportunities in the education system,
with the purpose of increasing overall graduation rates.
Engage the Latinx community in City events, specifically showcasing sustainability.
Increase youth engagement and accessibility within the community.
Advocate for and support environmental protection and education, equality & service for our
neighbors from all backgrounds, and community accessibility.
2021 Youth Advisory Board Discussions & Accomplishments
Board members met with City Clerk and City Manager staff in January to review the City
Strategic Plan, Boards & Commissions Manual, and Council Priority Calendar.
The Board hosted Selina Lujan, Environmental Services in February who presented on the
Mindfulness Movement and renewed focus techniques, and Katy McLaren, Environmental
Services in March who presented on the Resilience Hub solar project being conducted at
Northside Aztlan Community Center.
Board members arranged a virtual Lunch and Learn presentation in April on Our Climate
Future for the Fort Collins High School Environmental Club with Michelle Finchum, Community
Engagement.
Board members attended council meetings in April and wrote a letter of interest regarding their
work plan. The letter was delivered to Council in May.
The Board toured the CSU Engineering Powerhouse in October and discussed renewable
energy/climate action priorities both locally and globally.
Board member participation on the Active Modes Community Advisory Committee was
requested. Vice Chair Dimitry Volchansky attended the Committee’s first meeting in
September.
Board member feedback was requested for the North College MAX Expansion Project. A
presentation took place for board members in November and feedback for the project survey
was collected.
Board members discussed member absenteeism and recruitment, networking with external
youth boards, coalitions, and commissions, and other experienced challenges with the YAB
structure. Intentions were set for new member recruitment efforts in Spring 2022.