Key Initiatives
MYC Subcommittees
JUVENILE JUSTICE
The MYC Juvenile Justice Subcommittee seeks to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline and advocates for young people involved in Minnesota’s carceral system.
MYC Values Statement: “We believe in holistically addressing the school-to-prison pipeline, police free schools, solutions not suspensions, students informed on rights, human dignity, no one is beyond redemption, and solutions beyond the criminal justice system.”
EDUCATION EQUITY
The MYC Education Equity Subcommittee works to advance learning opportunities and options available for students in order to create better educational experiences, and personalized and holistic education for all young people in Minnesota.
MYC Values Statement: “The Education Equity subcommittee believes that all students across Minnesota deserve an equitable education, meaning that all students, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, race, etc. have access to a learning environment that best suits their needs.”
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
The MYC Environmental Justice Subcommittee works to address the realities of climate change and environmental racism, and advocates for Minnesota’s investment in sustainable energy.
MYC Value Statement: “We recognize the disproportionate impacts of environmental justice on communities of color. We hope to redistribute additional resources to ensure equal access to combat environmental racism. Our aim is to involve such communities in environmental justice discussions so that we can protect them from the consequences of environmental disasters and work to combat the climate crisis with those directly impacted.”
HEALTH & WELLNESS
The MYC Health & Wellness Subcommittee advocates for the holistic support of young people across Minnesota, focusing specifically on mental and sexual health.
MYC Values Statement: “We believe that inclusivity is key in conversations surrounding mental health: all students should have the opportunity to seek help, and feel respected, represented, and supported, regardless of their gender identity, sexuality, racial identity, socioeconomic status, and other identity factors.”
Policy Focus
The MYC holds legislative meetings several times a year during the MN Legislative Session. Senators and Representatives are invited to present bills impacting youth and provide testimony to the full council. MYC members provide insight and feedback on the issues through the formal committee meetings and feedback letters to the bill authors.
See and hear MYC members testifying in front of the Minnesota Senate and House of Representatives!
Youth Voice is Law
In 2013, the Minnesota Legislature formally recognized the work of the MYC, passing into law the Minnesota Youth Council Committee Bill, which establishes the group as the official voice for youth to provide advice and recommendations to the legislature and the governor on issues affecting youth and to serve as a liaison for youth around the state to the legislature and the governor.
Watch: How The Minnesota Youth Council Bill Became Law!
Additional Highlights
In 2020, Youthprise and the Minnesota Youth Council joined together to host a Virtual Town Hall on Student Experiences with Distance Learning, discussing the challenges of distance learning, inequalities, policy recommendations and opportunities. Read over the Key Takeaways and Policy Recommendations from the event.
In 2016, the MYC partnered with the Minnesota Department of Education’s School Safety Technical Assistance Center to implement bullying prevention and intervention strategies in schools across the state.
In 2017, youth leaders authored a white paper on testing and discipline; “A User-Driven Education System in Minnesota Supplementing Standardized Tests with Comprehensive Needs Assessments and Community Developed Discipline Policies.”