- A Youth Advisory Council is a formal “board” of young people that represents people with varying abilities, and provides a “ voice” for youth in the community. (You listen, bring awareness and highlight issues that affect people with disabilities on a daily basis)
- Youth Council provides young people with a forum to voice their needs and gives them an opportunity to make a difference in their community.
- The Youth Council also acts in an advisory capacity, and provides advice on issues of concern to youth. (This means that when someone comes to you with a problem you can represent them- be their voice, connect them to people in the community who can help them)
- Youth Council shall act in an advocacy role, and provide new ideas and views to governing community bodies. (This means you represent your community and talk for other people)
- The Youth Council shall encourage youth participation within the community.
- The youth council identify/develop opportunities to strengthen programs/services that will benefit and engage youth (As a group you can work together to make a difference. Identify gaps where community and services are not linked or where the disabled community’s needs are not being met).