The Columbus Youth Commission has identified the following issues for the 2007-2008 school year:

Education

• Candidate Forum

Youth and Parents must have the opportunity to be more knowledgeable of the people in government.

Youth Commissioners should research each candidate as to know their stances on issues and so we can ask well informed questions.

Youth Commissioners should prepare questions for the candidates they did research on, prior to the forum.

• Town Hall Meetings

It is important that we are well informed on the events and issues in the City. Being well informed allows us assess problems within the City and come up with real and educated solutions.

The Youth Commission will have town hall meetings in which people, youth and adults, from all over the Greater Columbus area can come and express their issues and/or concerns.

• Partnerships

The Youth Commission will partner with groups or organizations.

We can partner with organizations such as Sororities and Fraternities, Civic groups, non-profit organizations, and etc. that have a large Youth membership.

Schools and their Student Councils would be a great way of getting involved with an organization, but also having youth leaders from our communities who could voice their opinion.

We could also partner with Area commissions and Pride Centers; to ensure that we are also known for our actions and not just our position.

Projects & Ideas

• 2012

There should be a youth representative on the Mayor’s 2012 initiative

• Revitalizing the River Front

Before any construction can take place at the River Front it must be cleaned. It must be rid of pollution and litter so that it will be more appealing to people and businesses.

The River Front also lacks safety; hence protective pillars should be implemented along the sides of the river.

The River Front’s beauty and history makes it a great location for restaurants.

The River Front would also benefit from events being held there, as they would help advertise it.

• City Center

City Center should be renovated and turned into a theme park; sports complex or gaming arena.

• Historic Monuments

Historic Monuments, houses and statues, should be cleaned regularly to preserve their beauty and maintain their historical value.

• Neighborhoods

Youth Commissioners will volunteer for neighborhood clean-ups in order to set an example for the youth in that area.

The Youth Commission is developing a non-violence project in high-crime or drug prone neighborhoods.

Youth Commissioners will bring to the City’s attention that the Georgia Pacific company is harming Columbus Southside environmental resources.

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