Youth Advisory Board

Youth Advisory Board Members 

About

The City of Issaquah believes that youth are not only future leaders of tomorrow, but also active civic contributors of today. The board exists to create and encourage both youth leadership and service opportunities to develop leadership skills, highlight youth ideas and opinions, and unite the students of the Issaquah School District.

Membership

The Youth Advisory Board is made up of representatives from each of the Issaquah School District's middle schools and high schools.

The 2018 to 2019 school year is the board's 23rd year in existence.

Representatives of the homeschool population and youth who live within the Issaquah School District, but attend a private school are welcome to apply as well. Terms last the length of one school year.

Subcommittees

The board is currently comprised of three subcommittees: Middle School Action, High School Action and Teen Advocacy.

Middle School Action is the subcommittee for our middle school members. This group allows youth, grades 6-8, an opportunity to plan, publicize, implement and evaluate events and service projects. Past projects spearheaded by the Middle School Action include:

  • Family Friday, a drop-in night for quality family time
  • Fall Fun Fest, the annual preschool costume carnival
  • Friday Night Recess, a game and sports-filled night for elementary-aged kids

High School Action keeps busy with the planning of multiple events and service projects which add to the offerings by Parks & Recreation. Past projects include:

  • Senior Prom, a dance for the residents of Aegis Senior Living
  • Harry Potter Night, an event for kids who love all things Harry
  • Science Symposium, a STEM event for middle schoolers, complete with high school robotics club participation
  • Dodgeball & Doughnuts, a dodgeball tournament bringing high school students and police officers together
  • Issy Kids Triathlon, annual event introducing kids to this fun sport

Teen Advocacy focuses on addressing hot topic teen issues within Issaquah through service, advocacy and youth representation on adult-predominant boards and committees. Past projects include:

  • State of Mind, an annual mini-conference for teens and adults about mental health issues impacting Issaquah youth
  • The Quah TV Show, a TV production for teens by teens
  • Poetry Slam, an event to highlight and celebrate the teen voice
  • Youth Representation in groups including Issaquah Park Board, Issaquah Human Services Committee and Issaquah Sister Cities Commission

Member Requirements

Members are expected to meet the following requirements to serve on the board:

  • Attend board meetings at the Issaquah Community Center on the first and third Tuesday of each month, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
  • Attend at least 13 of the 18 meetings planned for the school year.
  • Assume a board leadership role during the course of the school year.
  • Be an active member of the board through attendance and participation in events/activities outside of Tuesday night meetings.

The average monthly time commitment for a board member is four to 10 hours.

Application Process

This process takes place each spring to fill vacant positions for the following school year. Students, grades 5 to 11, who live and/or attend school within the Issaquah School District are welcome to apply.

The application process for high school students is now closed. However, all students, grades 5 to 7 are encouraged to apply! Due by Monday, June 3, 2019. Apply online (PDF) OR by mail/email (PDF).