CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) — Before these high school seniors embark on their college careers, they will wrap up their time as part of a 21-member cohort representing this year’s Clovis Youth Commission.<\/p>\n
In the Fall of 2023, the City’s first commission convened after the city council made a unanimous decision to bring together a cohort of high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors together from across Clovis Unified high schools under one shared objective…<\/p>\n
“…to provide a more organized way for youth to engage in local government to learn about it, understand it, interact with folks who’ve done it a while, and make a difference in the community,” said Clovis City Council Member Lynne Ashbeck.<\/p>\n
The Youth Commission is experiencing the nuances of local government while receiving coaching from City Council members and staff.<\/p>\n
“What happens in federal government isn’t going to automatically affect everyday lives of people in Clovis, but what we do in City Council or in Youth Commission is. So it’s really important we start that diversity at a local level,” says Clovis High senior Joelle Moore.<\/p>\n
The Youth Commission meets once a month from September through April, though the level of dedication and time is determined by each member.<\/p>\n
“If you’re wanting to do a really good job like all of us are and we’ve all committed to it, it could take a good amount,” Buchanan High senior Noah Anderson says.<\/p>\n
Expectations include planning and executing a project that benefits the city’s young people, a process that starts with brainstorming.<\/p>\n
“What can we do, actually? What can we actually achieve in that moment?” said Buchanan High senior Avereet Samara.<\/p>\n
“This year we are branching out even more, working with Clovis PD on our current project,” said Clovis East senior Grace Yang.<\/p>\n
That project… e-bike safety.<\/p>\n
“They get to actually have an imprint on how our city will be for their generation and their children’s generation,” says Clovis Mayor Vong Mouanoutoua.<\/p>\n
This year’s cohort represents a diverse group of students, backgrounds, and perspectives.<\/p>\n
“Clovis is a place for everyone, all colors, genders, and everything. Clovis is more than it seems; more than the stereotypes there are,” says Avereet.<\/p>\n
As the City’s first Hmong mayor, Vong Mouanoutoua understands the importance of representation within the youth commission, “You’ll see it’s valedictorians; it’s women, it’s women of color. It’s guys of color; it’s a mix of what you would not typically imagine Clovis to be.”<\/p>\n
“I’m happy to be able to represent for the younger generation to hopefully have someone to look up to,” says Grace.<\/p>\n
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