Executive Order  No. 617: Establishing the Governor's Youth Advisory Council

WHEREAS, youth across the Commonwealth are community residents, students and leaders;

WHEREAS, youth are acutely aware of the challenges that face our schools, and are therefore uniquely positioned to develop creative solutions to ensure Massachusetts provides top notch education to all its students;

WHEREAS, youth violence affects communities, families and schools across the Commonwealth, claiming lives and causing immeasurable pain to victims and their families;

WHEREAS, youth are motivated to get involved in their communities and are eager for civic engagement opportunities;

WHEREAS, youth are concerned with climate change and its implications for their lives and their communities, and prepared to help drive climate solutions in Massachusetts;

WHEREAS, providing opportunities for the youth of Massachusetts to address the problems facing our communities through assuming leadership roles, working together and cultivating problem-solving skills will ensure a stronger workforce and democracy for the future;

WHEREAS, notwithstanding their ideas, energy and commitment, too often the voices of Massachusetts youth are not heard;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Maura T. Healey, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution, Part 2, c. 2, § 1, Art. 1, do hereby revoke Executive Order No. 501 and order as follows:

Section 1. There is hereby established a Governor’s Youth Advisory Council, which shall be overseen by the Governor’s Office. The Council will make recommendations to the Governor and Lieutenant Governor on issues the youth of the Commonwealth are uniquely positioned to address, including but not limited to civic engagement, education, the environment, housing and youth violence.

Section 2. The Council shall consist of youth representatives from each county in the Commonwealth, who shall be appointed by the Governor. The Governor shall designate the Council’s Chair and Vice Chair. Council members must be between the ages of 16 and 21. Application procedures shall be established by the Governor’s Office.  The Council shall be overseen by the Deputy Chief of Staff for Access and Opportunity within the Office of the Governor.

Section 3. Each member, including the Chair and Vice-Chair, shall be appointed by the Governor and shall serve at her pleasure, without compensation, in an advisory capacity for a term of two years or until they turn 21. The Council will meet no fewer than four times a year. The Governor’s Office will provide staffing to support the work of the Council and may ask the executive office secretariats to supply data, reports and other relevant information and assistance. 

Section 4. The Governor may direct the Council to form subcommittees to focus on particular challenges facing Massachusetts youth. The Governor may designate persons with relevant subject matter expertise or experience to consult with the subcommittees. Such persons will serve on these subcommittees without compensation in an advisory capacity and at the pleasure of the Governor. These subcommittees will carry out the functions assigned to them and report to the Council as directed.

Section 5. This Executive Order shall continue in effect until amended, superseded, or revoked by subsequent Executive Order.