Teen Councils Recruiting Young Palisadians

By CHRISTIAN MONTERROSA | Reporter

Efforts to involve teenagers with the community have led to the formation of various Teen Councils throughout Pacific Palisades. 

At Palisades Branch Library, teens have formed a council to discuss creative ideas that will get their peers involved with the library or interested in a book. 

The group of local students meets every other Thursday to iron out the details of future events, including an artists’ open mic night, holiday events and other community-serving programs like the Star Program, where volunteers read to younger children. 

While students build organizational and leadership skills, they are rewarded with the additional perk of gaining community service hours and another bright spot on their college applications. 

“Ultimately, what I want the group to be is something for you to take charge of and [manage yourselves],” YA Librarian Jessica Levy said.

After a short introductory meeting, Levy toured the library with the teens and reintroduced them to a world before the internet. 

Meanwhile, at Palisades Charter High School, a new Teen Council has formed for students to take on more serious issues, like the environment, voting, and public health and safety. 

The program is designed to attract teens who are “aiming to become more civically engaged” and interested in “implementing leadership and change in their communities.” 

The council will meet on Tuesday nights at Pali High and has planned trips to Big Bear and Sacramento, according to a flyer for the program. 

On a bigger scale, the city of Los Angeles is also looking to get teens involved with their one-year Mayor’s Youth Council. Like the local councils, this citywide program will look to take on issues affecting teens throughout LA and will give their input directly to Mayor Eric Garcetti. 

“The Mayor’s Youth Council is an academic year program for Los Angeles high school students to promote civic engagement and inspire the next generation of civic leaders,” reads the application for the program, which is open until September 19.