Youth Matter in Lexington: Create a Youth Advisory Committee

Colorful_Creative_Playful_International_Youth_Day_Facebook_Post1.png

We, the undersigned, believe it is time for Lexington to create a Youth Advisory Committee. This would be a formal group of students and teens who work directly with City Council to bring youth voices into local government decisions.

Right now, Lexington does not have a program dedicated to youth engagement in civic issues. The only direct connection between the City Council and youth is through occasional school feedback sessions and the Virginia Municipal League’s "If I Were Mayor" essay contest. While these are good starting points, they are not enough. They do not allow for ongoing, meaningful input from young people, especially when we are the ones most affected by decisions about our schools, parks, safety, and the future of our community.

We propose forming a Youth Advisory Committee that will:

  • Advise the City Council on issues affecting youth.

  • Help plan events and programs that serve young people.

  • Meet regularly in public, open meetings where anyone, especially teens, can attend, speak, and get involved.

  • Be made up of a group of voting members selected through an application process, similar to how the City Council operates.

This committee would report directly to City Council. It would not be a club or a symbolic group. It would be an active, ongoing way for youth to participate in real government work.

Most importantly, young people often feel more comfortable talking to other young people. A Youth Advisory Committee would provide a bridge between the city and students who might feel intimidated or unheard speaking in front of adults at official meetings. This is about creating a space where we can learn, lead, and be heard—not just someday, but right now.

We ask City Council to show that Lexington values the voices of its youth by officially supporting and forming this committee.

Please sign this petition to show your support for the creation of the Lexington Youth Advisory Committee.

Sign this Petition

By signing, I accept that Kevin Kimbler will be able to see all the information I provide on this form.

We will not display your email address publicly online.

We will not display your email address publicly online.

I give consent to process the information I provide on this form for the following purposes:
I authorize Kevin Kimbler to hand over the information I provide on this form to the following parties:




Paid advertising

We will advertise this petition to 3000 people.

Learn more...