The Northampton Youth Commission serves to create a means of communication between city leaders and young people in Northampton. The Northampton Youth Commission is a group of young people between the ages of 13 - 18 who are interested in working to improve the lives of young people in the community by discussing issues of concern and working to provide solutions. We are always open to new ideas and suggestions to involve youth in the community.

The Commission meets in City Hall twice a month to address issues that are relevant to the youth community; for example, members have been working to install benches made by local artists to make the streets of downtown more appealing. The Commission also successfully organized a Youth Summit in January 2004 to branch out to young people and to make them aware of this organization. Currently the Youth Commission is organizing a benefit concert THE MAINEVENT to raise funds for a new teen center. In addition the youth commission also hosts a radio show on 103.3 the Valley Free radio 5pm-6pm every Saturday.

The Youth Commission works hand in hand with the Mayor, giving her our opinions about city government. During this process, the Commission also learns about how city government functions and how to advocate, gain support for, influence changes and decisions made in the city. The Commission meets with other groups as well, such as the Human Rights Commission and representatives of the Police Department.

The Youth Commission is always looking for new members. If you want to make a change, if you are interested in the way the city works, or if you just have an interest in what we are doing, come to one of our meetings or contact the Mayor's Office to request an application to serve.

Please, if you are interested, TAKE ACTION!

Northampton Youth Commission
c/o Mayor's Office
City Hall, 210 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060
413-587-1249
413-587-1275 (fax)
youth@northamptonma.gov.