Often, young people are not aware of what local government is or how it functions. Agencies can educate youth (and all community members, regardless of age) about local government functions, decision-making processes, public services, and job opportunities. 

Leaders that include and promote youth voices are better able to build trust between young people and public agencies. Ask for youth perspectives and be intentional about including youth voices in your efforts. Promote their participation and their points of view in qualitative and quantitative research. Document their insights and clearly specify how their ideas or concerns will be addressed in future policies or programs.

The work matters. It’s important to showcase all the diverse careers available in local government. Provide job shadows, internships, and field trips in your agency’s program and administrative units. Work with your agency staff to share personal insights about their skills and passion through classroom career days or after-school programs. Support youth with summer job info sessions, resume workshops, interview coaching or other online guides to prepare them for this process. Partner and refer to local community-based organizations that serve young people in the transition to work. 

Respect must be earned and maintained by all parties. Youth often have a history of negative experiences with adult-led institutions or systems that have inflicted harm or generational trauma on the community. Agency staff and policy-makers should seek to understand  that even though young people are learning about themselves and the world around them, they are also community members with valid opinions and lived experiences that shape their perspectives. As respect is earned, adults and youth will gain a greater understanding of shared community values and opportunities that exist for partnership, collaboration and systemic change.