How did the Youth Commission start?
The Northampton Youth Commission first met in September of 2001 when a group of ambitious teenage residents of Northampton approached Mayor Mary Clare Higgins with the idea of creating a special commission. The goal of the organization was to give youth their own voice in city politics, a voice that without the presence of the Youth Commission was all too often dismissed or ignored.
What types of things has the Youth Commission been involved in?
No Hate Space Anti-Bullying Assemblies at Northampton High School (2011)
Support Letter for Lilly Library's Young Adult Program (2011)
MAINEVENT Teen Center Benefit Concert (2007)
Mayors Hot Cholcolate Run for Safe Passage (2006)
Holiday Giving(2006)
Youth Commission Radio Show (current)
Northampton Public Access Television (2005)
Art Benches in downtown Northampton (2005)
Bridge the Gap Concert to fundraise for Senior Center (August 2004)
Opposition to the Northampton Noise Ordinance
Youth Summit (January 2004)
When and where does the Commission meet? Can anyone attend?
The Youth Commission usually meets in the Mayor's Office in City Hall (210 Main Street, Room 12) at 7:00 p.m. on every Wednesday of every month, or as announced. The meetings are open and the public is welcome. Scheduled meetings for winter/spring '11 are:
02/16/11
03/02/11
03/16/11
03/23/11
03/30/11
04/06/11
04/13/11
04/20/11
04/27/11
05/04/11
05/11/11
05/18/11
05/25/11
The Commission takes a hiatus in July and August.
How can I become a member? What are the qualifications?
To be a member of the Youth Commission, you must be between the ages of 13-18 and be a legal resident of Northampton. To be a member, request an application form from the Mayor's Office at (mayor@northamptonma.gov), fill it out and mail it or hand deliver it to the Mayor's Office. It is recommended that you attend at least one meeting before signing up to be a member. You can also ask about signing up at the meeting.