The Youth Commission represents a cross section of youth and adults who work with local government, businesses, and non profit organizations to give young people in Olmsted County a voice.  For more information, or an application, contact Mary Gorfine at 507 328-6005, or by email at gorfine.mary@co.olmsted.mn.us The Youth Commission is supported by Olmsted County and the City of Rochester.  Our presence sends a clear message that youth in our community are valued. Upcoming Opportunities:
	If we are nurtured and our contributions valued.... If we are taught the skills we need to lead and make decisions.... We will find creative solutions to difficult problems.... And we will make adifference in our communities
AIMS
Create opportunities for hands on leadership opportunities. Increase awareness of timely youth needs and issues. Recognize the value of youth contributions. Promote the value of youth participation in community life and decision-making.	L
Leadership Activities	Needs and Issues Activities
Sponsor Outstanding Youth Awards presented annually to youth who have gone above and beyond expectations in their community, school, or personal life.    Appoint Olmsted County youth ages 16 – 20 to serve ex- officio on local government advisory boards and commissions.   Sponsor visits by Olmsted County students to the Minnesota State Legislature since 2006.   Recruit high school student volunteers in 2006 and 2008 Rochester Kids Vote.     Sponsor "Cyber Bullying" workshop for students and parents.	Continuing County-wide research study of youth, educators, social workers, corrections officers, and mental health professionals to determine what step-down support services are needed for young people in recovery after in-patient CD treatment. CD Survey Executive Summary     Partner with the Olmsted County Public Health Services, and Rochester Ice Hawks to promote healthy and chemical free lifestyles among area elementary and middle school students.   Co-Sponsor with RCTC and the American Association of University Women to host "College is Possible" for low income and disenfranchised youth since 2006.    Tix 4 Kids* Provide out of school enrichment opportunities for children and youth, by putting unused tickets for cultural, recreational, and career exploration events into the hands of young people who would otherwise be unable to participate.* Made possible through a generous grant from the Rochester Area Foundation.
Community Activities	Stewardship Activities
Sponsor Art in the Sky, a celebration of the artistic talents of Olmsted County Youth in the Rochester Skyway since 1998.   Recruit youth volunteers to address climate change by partnering with RNeighbors on community tree planting, and promote public safety by participating in Colorful Corners, a traffic calming project.     Recruit high school student volunteers for 2008 Think Green Fair.   Recruit high schools students in spring 2007 and 2008 Litter Bit Better clean-up sponsored by the City of Rochester and RNeighbors.     Over 30,000 Olmsted County young people have been involved in Youth Commission sponsored activities since 2005.

 

Olmsted County and the