About the State Youth Council
“Democracy is as strong as the diversity of the people it empowers. The State Youth Council strengthens Vermont’s democracy by expanding the experiences present in the political process.”
— Una Fonte, State Youth Advisory Group member
Following the creation by young Vermonters of the Youth Declaration of Rights in 2017, Vermont Afterschool sponsored an international learning exchange with Finnish researchers, youth workers, and the 15-year old chair of the Helsinki Youth Council. Finland has a long history of youth voice and leadership, including a national law that requires any legislation that affects young people must have input from young people. This visit served as a catalyst to create officially recognized avenues for input and participation from Vermont’s youth in policy matters in our state.
In January 2020, Rep. Diane Lanpher introduced to the Vermont House H.775, An act relating to creating the State Youth Council.
In January–March 2020, H.775 was referred to the House Committee on Government Operations where youth testified in support. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring of 2020, the bill, along with many others in the State House—was put on hold.
To maintain momentum during this delay, Vermont Afterschool, partners, and youth involved in the bill formed the State Youth Advisory Group (SYAG), a group of 40–50 young people ages 12-21 who met through the fall of 2020 with the goal of making recommendations to improve the original State Youth Council bill. In the fall of 2020, SYAG members met with key legislators and champions in the House and Senate to share the youths’ recommendations.
After incorporating many of SYAG’s recommendations, Reps Diane Lanpher and Mike Mrowicki co-sponsored H.293, An act relating to creating the State Youth Council in January 2021.
Throughout the legislative process, youth and key partners testified on behalf of the bill. The Vermont Department of Health agreed to cover the cost of the stipends for State Youth Council members and the costs of any training or other support through their existing budget. And the Youth State Advisory Council, a group of organizations and partners supporting youth, agreed to provide coaching and logistical support for the State Youth Council.
H.293 passed the full House in March 2022, the Senate in April 2022, and was signed into law by Governor Phil Scott on May 11, 2022.
Vermont’s State Youth Council held its inaugural full-day meeting Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at the Vermont History Museum in Montpelier and continues to meet monthly to prepare its annual advice and recommendations for Governor Phil Scott and the General Assembly on policies that impact young Vermonters.
