Palo Alto Youth Council shares initiatives on mental health and civic engagement

The Palo Alto City Council convened on March 17, 2025, for a study session featuring the Palo Alto Youth Council (PAYC), which presented its initiatives and findings from a recent youth survey. The session began with Chris Sanchez, the staff advisor for PAYC, thanking the council for the opportunity to share their work.

Natia, the president of PAYC, highlighted the council's growth, noting a record number of applicants this year, resulting in a council of 30 members from six different schools. The council's focus areas for the year include mental health, civic education, and climate change. They have implemented various initiatives, such as a digitized mental health resource guide and a video addressing substance abuse, aimed at increasing awareness among teens.

Maddie, the secretary, discussed the mental health resource guide, which includes insights from mental health experts and aims to improve accessibility for Palo Alto teens. The council also hosted a "Cram Slam" event to support students during finals, providing academic assistance and stress relief activities.

Upcoming events include a "Pancakes and Pickleball" gathering aimed at fostering dialogue between council members and teens, and a civic impact summit that featured guest speakers from Stanford University. The council also conducted a youth issue census, revealing that while 99% of respondents feel safe in Palo Alto, many lack awareness of local government functions and feel their voices do not influence decision-making.

Council members expressed appreciation for the youth council's efforts and discussed ways to enhance collaboration. Suggestions included attending more city council meetings and providing regular updates on youth initiatives. The council emphasized the importance of engaging youth in civic matters, particularly regarding climate action and mental health.

The session concluded with a call for further collaboration between the youth council and city officials, aiming to bridge the gap between youth concerns and local governance. The council members expressed their commitment to supporting youth initiatives and fostering a more inclusive community.