Who We are
The Santa Barbara Youth Council serves as youth advisory board to the Santa Barbara City Council and the Parks and Recreation Commission. The Youth Council’s involvement in a variety of community service projects helps to improve the recreational opportunities available for area teens while also positively impacting the City at-large.
The Youth Council includes representative members from all of the local high schools who provide both input and direction to City officials regarding issues that impact the teens of Santa Barbara.
Youth Council members have a voice—a voice that represents the teens of Santa Barbara—and they use this voice to create positive change throughout the City.
If local politics and enhancing your community through volunteerism interest you, apply for the Youth Council today!

What We Do
The Youth Council has many ongoing projects that provide opportunities for participation throughout the year. These include:
:: Teen Center Activities: With the new Teen Center opening soon, there is a lot of work to do! Committees have been formed to focus on specific areas of need, and the current committees include: Naming, Fundraising, Policies & Procedures, Marketing & Publicity, and Activities.
:: Speak-Outs & Forums: Twice per year, the Youth Council holds Speak-Out forums to address issues that impact teens. The information gathered at Speak-Outs is utilized as council members work to resolve the problem at-hand. Past topics include suicide, teen violence, and the media’s influence on teens.
:: Subcommittees: Each subcommittee works on specific projects with specific goals. The Special Events committee, for instance, plans each community activity with the goal of bringing to together local teens in a fun, enriching, and substance-free environment. Other subcommittees focus on issues such as recycling education, mentoring, publicity, and many other service projects.
:: Community Support: Oftentimes, outside agencies and organizations ask the Youth Council to assist their programs. As such, council members find themselves volunteering at local events such as the yearly “Eggstravaganza” Easter egg hunt and the Santa Barbara Dance Alliance’s “On the Verge: Teen Choreographers Showcase.”

Why You Should Be Involved
Youth Council members acquire valuable experience that will assist them as they transition into adulthood and their college careers. Members of the Council become outstanding young leaders with advanced skills in public speaking, project planning, leadership, and understanding the process of local governments.
In addition to shaping its members into young professionals with the ability to lead, the Youth Councils allows participants to positively impact the community in which they live.

Requirements
Youth Council members must be dedicated students who are passionate about making a difference. They must be able to commit to project deadlines and follow through with expected responsibilities.
Youth council members must also:

How to Apply
If you are interested in becoming a Youth Council member, pick up an application in person at the Teen Programs office—located in the Carrillo Recreation Center at 100 E. Carrillo Street—or download the application by clicking here.
Questions?
If you have any questions, or would like additional information about the Youth Council, please contact:
Susan C. Young
Teen Programs Supervisor. syoung@SantaBarbaraCA.gov; (805) 897-2649