At its March 20 meeting the Northborough Youth Commission spent the bulk of its agenda refining short-term goals, debating whether to emphasize advisory work versus operating events, and planning youth outreach and liaison recruitment.

Members discussed language in the commission’s bylaws that describes the body as a vehicle to “carry out programs” and weighed whether the group should act chiefly as an advisory body to Health & Human Services (HHS) or take on organizing and running programs itself. Isabella Caruso, director of Health and Human Services, said the department welcomed brainstorming and collaboration: “If we keep seeing a lot of food insecurity, we come to you all to brainstorm some ideas of how we can help better serve the Northborough community.”

Commissioners agreed on several practical points: associate members (including the newly appointed district liaison) do not vote and do not count toward quorum; the commission may recruit up to two additional voting members under its bylaws; and the group historically has had one or two high‑school student liaisons who also do not vote. Commissioners debated the appropriate age and role for student liaisons. Joan Clemente said older students (sophomores or juniors) have typically been more able to process the commission’s discussions, while some members noted value in connecting with middle‑school perspectives through adult liaisons from the middle school.

On recruitment and selection, the commission discussed relying on guidance counselors and school staff to publicize openings. Commissioners recommended posting opportunities in school communications (the weekly “week ahead” emails), school social channels, and community outlets to broaden the applicant pool. Members also talked about asking for a school recommendation for youth candidates and, if multiple applicants are received, inviting a short group of finalists to meet the commission before a vote.

The meeting also covered HHS programming and outreach the department is running or planning: a state‑funded public health intern (June 2–Aug. 15) will work on a digital‑literacy project focused on social media and mental health; drop‑in hours for residents will start April 8 from 3–5 p.m. in the library teen/adult program room; a Words of Wellness book‑club meeting is scheduled April 15 from 6–7 p.m.; a community blood drive is set for April 1 (10 a.m.–3:30 p.m.) and the Health & Wellness Fair will be April 2 at the library from 4–7 p.m.; and Wellness Week runs March 31–April 4.

Caruso described the internship: “For the fourth year in a row, we have been awarded a Department of Public Health local public health intern… the project will all be about digital literacy, so social media and mental health.” Staff said the district’s MetroWest survey results (posted on the district wellness section) and other data sources will inform the commission’s priorities. Members agreed to finalize working goals by circulating a written draft and to pursue outreach opportunities—tabling at events, distributing flyers, and coordinating with community groups such as the Rotary and Lions clubs.

The commission set a recruiting target of one to two high‑school liaisons to be onboarded by June and discussed holding interviews only for a short list of finalists to keep the process practical for student volunteers. Commissioners also noted concerns about asking volunteers to commit when past recruitment yielded few applicants and emphasized making opportunities count as community service for students.

The meeting closed with scheduling discussion to avoid a May 15 conflict for one member and with a plan to reconvene these goal documents before the April meeting.