Understanding the importance of a focus on youth and the need for the youth input in our community, the Mayor’s Cabinet on Young People established in 2007 the Grand Forks Youth Commission. 

The Youth Mission exists to identify, promote, improve, increase, and provide services and programs for young people in Grand Forks.  The Youth Commission is a group of 24 young people between the ages of 14 and 18 years of age, who advise the Mayor’s Cabinet on Young People and advocate to the community on behalf of youth. The Youth Commission is a diverse group of youth representing many perspectives, ages, and backgrounds.

Our goal is to improve Grand Forks by integrating youth voices into local policymaking for the City.  The Youth Commission is an important way for youth to be actively involved in the decisions of community entities that affect youth.  We research youth issues and concerns, relate our discoveries, ideas, and opinions to local policymakers, and engage the community.

Youth Commissioners develop leadership skills, encourage other young people to get involved and voice the concerns and needs of our young people. 

The primary objectives of the Youth Commission are based on the Five Promises of America’s Promise:

1. Caring Adults
2. Safe Places
3. A Healthy Start
4. An Effective Education
5. Opportunities to Help Others

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Meet with full committee as scheduled
• Meet with individual school groups as scheduled
• Promote dialogue with members of the school represented
• Compose Annual Report based on objectives and projects
• Develop efforts to encourage positive youth opportunities
• Develop efforts to encourage youth engagement in community issues
• Work with adult mentors, specifically the Mayor’s Cabinet on Young People on collaborative efforts that support the community’s youth