Portage teens are getting involved in their city, lending their voices and their perspectives to activities, events, and upcoming projects. The Portage Youth Commission provides young people with a formal role in the city's decision-making through a panel that addresses youth issues to improve quality of life, according to Norma Laboy, executive administrative assistant to mayor Sue I. Lynch, City of Portage and coordinator of the group.
“The City of Portage needs input from its younger residents, and youth have a voice through the Portage Youth Commission,” Laboy said. “This is their opportunity to voice their opinions and ideas as to what is happening in the place where they live, work, and go to school.”
The Portage Youth Commission was formed to
- provide a forum for young people in the community to voice their opinions and ideas
- address issues to improve the quality of life for youth within the City of Portage
- make recommendations to the city administrators as appropriate concerning youth issues
“The Portage Youth Commission has played a huge part in representing the heart of its community. The group disbanded a few years ago, but is now making a comeback,” said Youth Commission Chair Makenlie Hamlin. “One of the goals of the new Portage Youth Commission is to engage the people of Portage in their community and hopefully create a sense of pride and togetherness. Part of that goal is to spotlight people from our community that we feel should be recognized for their many contributions to the City of Portage.”
Besides writing spotlight articles and people profiles, the Portage Youth Commission also gets involved with the schools. In the fall, it sponsored a school supply drive and donated all items collected to Portage elementary and middle schools. It also participates in many Portage sponsored events: Light Up the Gourds, Mistletoe on Main (tree lighting and parade), and Harvest Fest. It also was showcased front and center serving as this year’s Grand Marshal for the Independence Day Parade.
“Participation helps them get their name out there and show other youth that their voices are heard,” Laboy said. “We currently have seven acting members but can have a maximum of 15. To be eligible to be a member, they must be a resident of Portage, must be an eighth grader or high school student, and serve a one-year term from August 1 through July 31. Members are approved by the mayor.”
The group meets twice a month. One is a formal monthly meeting; the other is a planning meeting in a more relaxed atmosphere. Formal meetings take place on the first Monday of every month. Planning meetings are the Wednesday before the formal meeting.
“Meeting on a regular basis helps team-building and gives commission members a chance to discuss their agenda ideas before the formal gathering,” Laboy said. “They are invited to attend all city public meetings and are encouraged to question or visit any of our departments.”
Every year, the youth commission elects officers to guide the group and also to serve as liaisons to the city and school system. There is an ‘annual membership drive’ coordinated between current members, the school system, and any other youth organizations with the city.
Plans for upcoming events include visiting the Planning & Community Development Department to learn more about the city’s future projects. The group also is looking into setting a date to volunteer at the township’s food pantry and helping at a local senior facility with their bingo game activities.
To find out more about becoming a member of the Portage Youth Commission, visit portagein.gov/405/Portage-Youth-Commission or contact Norma Laboy at nlaboy@portage-in.com.