Blackshear, Students Urge Creation of Statewide Youth Council

This weekend, state Senator Willis E. Blackshear Jr. (D-Dayton) and high school student advocates held a press conference regarding Senate Bill 333, legislation to establish the Statewide Youth Council in the Office of the Governor. This council will advise the governor and General Assembly on legislation and issues that affect youth in the state, while providing a forum for increased civic participation and valuable experience for young Ohioans.

“Young people make up 21% of our population, but 100% of our future,” said Blackshear. “Their voices, perspectives, and experiences deserve to be heard when decisions are being made that affect their lives and their future. Ohio has the opportunity to join the list of states that have already given young people a seat at the table and empower the next generation to shape the policies that impact them.”

Blackshear was joined by students from across the state, including Nithya Talluri, a Mason High School student who helped organize the press conference and founded the Ohio Youth Commissioners Association; Mariam Azam, a University of Cincinnati BS/MD student; and Mason Allen, a Springboro High School student.

“Young Ohioans are deeply affected by decisions about education, healthcare, social services, and much more, but we do not always have a seat at the table when those decisions are made, and we live with their consequences,” said Talluri. “That is why we deserve an opportunity to help shape them too. Senate Bill 333 would help ensure young people can reach beyond their hometowns and make a difference across our entire state.”

The council would consist of 20 high school students appointed by the governor to serve 2-year terms. Prospective members must apply for appointment consideration. Meetings for the council will be primarily virtual to accommodate members from across the state. Among the items the council will be tasked with include:

• Legislative advocacy and advising the General Assembly
• Seeking public engagement and input to recommend legislation that addresses issues faced by youth in Ohio

Many states have developed a statewide youth council, including Arizona, Iowa, North Carolina, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Vermont, and Washington, while many other states have some variations of city or regional youth councils.

Watch the full press conference.