In the Foster City Youth Advisory committee, Foster City youth have an opportunity to develop leadership, take part in planning activities for the youth of the community and serve as advisors to the City Council on the issues that impact them and their peers the most.

The YAC has historically focused on engaging youth from the community and planning activities that create community among the youth. This year, these activities included a Youth and Teen Talent Show, Halloween Haunted House, Spaghetti Feed and Teens Rock the Vote event.

Some 2008 events were specifically targeted to raise funds for charitable organizations. Funds were raised for the American Red Cross, Samaritan House and the American Cancer Society.

This year the YAC added an extra goal to its work plan, as it prepared for the opening of the new permanent Teen Center, the VIBE, which is scheduled to be completed in May 2009. “2008 was an especially exciting time to serve on the YAC,” said Staff Liaison Tiffany Hall. “With the construction of the new Teen Center, the youth have been able to be very ‘hand on’ in planning and raising funds for some of the specialty furnishings that the youth enjoy.”

Finally, the YAC serves in an advisory capacity. YAC members serve as School Representatives to the school district and collaborate and share ideas with representatives from other youth advisory committees from San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.

Not willing to rest on its laurels, the Youth Advisory Committee’s has set the following goals for 2009: 

• To continue to be leaders for the teens in the community
• To enhance individual member’s personal skills in leadership and in service
• To continue to serve charitable organizations
• To promote more youth involvement in Foster City
• To continue being aware of the issues concerning youth in the community
• To actively participate in the VIBE development through promotion and fundraising efforts to benefit the Youth and Teen Foundation.

All Foster City youth are encouraged to be involved! Although the committee members are set for the current year, all Foster City youth are invited to attend the committee’s meetings, which are every first and third Wednesday of the month at 7 PM at the Vibe, and to participate as volunteers in planning and running events.

For more information about the Youth Advisory Committee, please contact staff liaison Tiffany Hall at 286-3395 or thall@fostercity.org.