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Legislative Youth Advisory Council
Grade Level: 9-16
National Study Powerpoint Presentation
Promising Approaches
Instruction in Government, History, Law, and Democracy
Extracurricular activities
Simulations of Democratic Processes
Overview
Special Features
Civic Learning Goals
Evaluation Studies
Required Resources
Available Resources
Snapshots of Practice in Action
Contact Information
Overview
The purpose of the Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) is to
advise the Legislature, legislative leadership and legislative committees on
issues related to youth. The LYAC is comprised of 18 youth members
and four legislative members. The LYAC is authorized to meet up to six
times each year, including at least two public hearings. It may also conduct
periodic seminars on leadership, government and the Legislature. The LYAC has served the interest of
Maine youth before the Legislature since 2002 and has focused on education and
employment issues for Maine youth, concerns related to Maine youth in foster care, issues related to alcohol and substance abuse by youth, and factors that impact minority youth who reside across the state. The LYAC has been instrumental in the enactment of important legislation to address these issues and other concerns.
Special Features
The LYAC was the first youth council in the
nation to have both an advisory relationship with legislators and the statutory
authority to submit legislation. LYAC is required to report annually to
the Legislature and may submit legislation to implement its recommendations.
Civic Learning Goals
Civic Knowledge
- Key principles, documents, and
ideas essential to constitutional democracy
- Structures, processes, functions,
branches, and levels of U.S. government and legal system
Civic Skills
- Critical thinking, active
listening, analyzing public policies, problems and assets, and understanding
multiple perspectives
- Communicating one’s position
through writing or speaking
Civic Dispositions
- Developing tolerance, respect, and
appreciation of difference
- Developing concern with the rights
and welfare of others
- Developing a belief in one’s
ability to make a difference
- Developing attentiveness to civic
matters and a desire to become involved
Evaluation Studies
In 2002, the Muskie School of Public Service at the University of Southern
Maine undertook an effort to better understand
the LYAC in a national context and
to find out what other states had done with respect to establishing similar
youth advisory councils or commissions. In conducting that review, the Muskie School found that many national “youth
civic engagement” experts and policy makers are very interested in Maine’s commitment to its young people and in the model of the LYAC.
LYACis also under review as part of a national study conducted by the Forum for Youth Investment (FYI) on the work of youth councils, organized by Shanetta Martin, Senior Program Associate with FYI
Required Resources
LYAC was created in Maine statutes by an Act of the Legislature,
which (currently) requires funding and staffing assistance provided by the Legislative
Council. Under a cooperative agreement
with the Muskie School of Public Service, the Legislature provided contracted
staffing assistance through the Muskie School during the
2004-2005 biennium. At the same time,
activities of the LYAC were supported
through a grant received by the Maine Department of Education to explore the
civic mission of schools with the Citizenship Education Task Force.
Available Resources
The Legislative Council has authority to provide staffing assistance to the LYAC. It also provides per diem and
travel expenses for LYAC members, as
well as funds to support other LYAC duties
and responsibilities (e.g., annual report and policy seminars).
Snapshot of the Practice in Action
One of the wonderful things about Maine is its unique approach to encouraging civic involvement. Recognizing the importance of promoting youth involvement in the legislative process, Maine was the first state in the nation to create and implement a Legislative Youth Advisory Council. The LYAC has served the interest of the youth of this State before the Legislature for the past four years. The LYAC members are proud to have been
instrumental in passing several pieces of important legislation, including a
bill to provide better educational opportunities for foster children. Legislative support of the LYAC sends an important message to youth in Maine – a message that their input is important, and that they have a voice in the
legislative process. This positive
message will continue to encourage youth to take an early interest in
government at all levels and will lead to active, civic involvement in the
future.
Contact Information
Phillip D. McCarthy, Ed.D., Legislative Analyst
Alison L. Ames, Legislative Researcher
Maine State Legislature
Office of Policy & Legal Analysis
13 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
207-287-1670
phillip.mccarthy@legislature.maine.gov
alison.ames@legislature.maine.gov
Jennifer Thompson, LYAC Youth Chair
Senator Elizabeth Mitchell, LYAC Legislative Chair
Maine Relay Services: 1-800-437-1220
http://www.maine.gov/legis/opla/legyouth.htm
