The Fargo Youth Initiative (FYI) will now operate under the oversight of Fargo Public Schools, a strategic decision aimed at enhancing civic engagement among local students. On December 22, 2023, the Fargo City Commission voted to transition this advisory body, which consists of high school students, out of the city’s direct oversight.
This shift follows discussions among commissioners regarding the effectiveness and viability of various boards. Previously managed by the city’s Planning Department, the FYI is now expected to foster a more robust dialogue between youth and local governance.
Commissioner Denise Kolpack emphasized the community’s collective effort in finding a new home for the initiative. “It really did take a village to find a new home for this, but I think it’s the next iteration of greatness,” she stated during the City Commission meeting.
The Fargo Youth Initiative aims to empower students like Isabella Meyer, a senior at Fargo North High School and chair of FYI, who expressed the importance of youth involvement in decision-making processes. “Many decisions are made for youth without involving them. The Fargo Youth Initiative has been a great way for us to share our voice and opinions on what actually works and what we need,” Meyer said.
Structure and Focus of the New Initiative
Under the new arrangement, the FYI will be located within Fargo Public Schools and will include liaison representatives from the Fargo City Commission, the Fargo School Board, and the Fargo Park Board. This collaborative structure allows for potential expansion and integration of youth perspectives into local governance.
The administrative support for the initiative will be provided by the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Red River Valley. Robin Nelson, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs and vice president of the Fargo School Board, has been involved with the FYI since its inception in 2013. She believes that connecting high school students with representatives from local boards will open up new opportunities for engagement. “Now that they’ve got some more direction, it’s really ignited their excitement,” Nelson remarked.
The focus areas for the Fargo Youth Initiative will include education on the North Dakota Century Code, open meeting regulations, and local governance policies. Additionally, the group plans to advocate for youth-related public health issues, youth homelessness, and policies impacting schools and parks.
Engagement and Community Impact
The initiative also aims to enable students to organize community events or service projects and participate in local government meetings regularly. “Youth are a big percentage of our population, so the more they can learn about how our city governments work and serve as a conduit and voice for youth, the better,” Nelson added.
The goal is to establish a membership of 15 individuals who will meet monthly to discuss initiatives and strategies. This new phase for the Fargo Youth Initiative is expected to better engage the youth population in civic matters, presenting them as vital contributors to community discussions and initiatives.
