The Northborough Youth Commission on April 22 approved a set of four goals that the commission said will guide its outreach and program advice for town youth and families.

Chair Erica Ziger read the finalized goals at the meeting and announced approval by voice vote. “Alright, so that was approved. So the proposed goals of the youth commission have been approved,” Ziger said.

The goals adopted call for the commission to represent the voices of Northborough’s youth and families; ground its work in direct community engagement “through various platforms”; use data and resources from Health and Human Services and other evidence-based data to support programs; and assist with outreach by attending town events. Ziger read the finalized language during the meeting: “We utilize data and resources from Health and Human Services and other evidence based data to support programs that enhance the well-being of Northborough's families and youth.”

Commission members revised wording during discussion to clarify that engagement could take place via multiple platforms and that the commission intends to rely on health-and-human-services data and other vetted sources rather than to conduct large independent studies. Members also discussed keeping outreach activities narrowly framed — primarily attending and supporting town events rather than taking on operational duties belonging to town staff or partner organizations.

After approving the goals, the commission moved to recruitment. Ziger said the commission currently has two vacancies as it expands its membership from five to seven, and members discussed outreach methods including Facebook posts and a press release. Ziger said she had contacted Mallikin’s vice principal, Gretchen, to ask that school staff watch for potential candidates. Members noted the time commitment: monthly meetings, generally taking July and August off, plus occasional outreach at events.

No formal vote counts were recorded in the meeting transcript; the chair stated the goals were approved by voice vote and no opposing votes were announced.

The commission said it will circulate the approved goals in meeting minutes and use them in future recruitment and outreach materials. Commissioners indicated the goals can be revisited if the commission’s priorities change over the coming year.