Executive Order

Executive Order  No. 501: Creating the Governor's Statewide Youth Council

Date: 01/24/2008
Issuer: Deval L. Patrick
Mass Register: No. 1103
Revoked and Superseded by: Executive Order No. 617

Table of Contents

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, 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, Deval L. Patrick, 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 establish the Statewide Youth Council as follows:

Section 1. There is hereby established the Governor's Statewide Youth Council, which shall be overseen by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. The Council will make recommendations to the Governor on issues the youth of the Commonwealth are uniquely positioned to address, including but not limited to civic engagement, education and youth violence.

Section 2. The Council shall consist of two youth representatives from each county in the Commonwealth, who shall be appointed by the Governor. The Governor shall designate the Council's Chair. Council members must be between the ages of 14 and 20. Interested candidates shall submit a personal essay and include a letter of reference from an adult familiar with their strengths and interests including but not limited to youth organization leaders, school officials (including teachers), employees of the Department of Youth Services or the Department of Social Services. Any additional application procedures shall be established by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services in consultation with the Governor's Office of Community Affairs.

Section 3. All members of the Council will serve without compensation in an advisory capacity and at the pleasure of the Governor. Members shall serve for no longer than two years or until they turn 21, whichever first occurs. The Council will meet no fewer than four times a year, and at such times and places as determined by the Secretary for Health and Human Services or her designee. The Secretary and/or her designees, in consultation with the Governor's Office of Community Affairs, will oversee the meetings. Council members shall not be considered employees of the Commonwealth for any purpose.

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.

Given at the Executive Chamber in Boston this 24th day of April in the year of our Lord two thousand and eight and of the Independence of the United States, two hundred and thirty-two.


DEVAL L. PATRICK
GOVERNOR
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

WILLIAM FRANCIS GALVIN
Secretary of the Commonwealth

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