Cambridge announces new youth council
Community leaders in Cambridge, Maryland have concerns over underserved local youth. City leaders say they are doing something about it, but they need those young people to participate.
The city is in the process of recruiting youth for the 'MY Leadership Council'. The purpose of this new group is to get teens together to address their needs from the city, as well as to brainstorm ideas that will strengthen the community.
"I'm more than certain that the crime, and the things that the youth get into is going to go down," says Raymond Farrare , a local community outreach coordinator.
"They would say mayor we need a skating rink, or mayor we need this, or mayor there is nothing to do," says Mayor Victoria Jackson-Stanley.
Mayor Jackson-Stanley says the hope is to create subgroups from the council, that would tackle different issues such as recreation, education, and entrepreneurship. The goal for the youth council to present their ideas to the city council.
Farrare tells 47 ABC he's already been spreading the word about the youth council. He's been visiting schools and encouraging youth to take part. Farrare says so far teens have shown interest in bringing more jobs to the area.
"They want to work, they really want to work, there is so many stores, so many businesses that are going to hire 15 or 16 year olds," says Farrare.
He also says teens want more places to have fun after- school.
"When you have to do something or want to have a good time, you have to go elsewhere. You have to go across the bridge or go elsewhere," says Farrare.
He says creating the council is one step in the right direction, but hopes actions follow as well.
"I hope that they actually take the youth's suggestions and considerations. You can talk all day long, and lip services can happen all day long, but actually taking consideration, and writing it down, and taking one of their ideas and suggestions and putting to use," says Farrare.
Mayor Jackson-Stanley tells us their goal is to kick off the youth meetings by the beginning of July. We're told anyone who is interested in participating should contact the mayor's office at 443-205-3822.
