Boston youth ages 14-16 are invited to apply to the new BCYF Youth Advisory Council (YAC). The goal of the Advisory Council is to increase the youth voice at BCYF by engaging and empowering youth in program planning and execution.

Boston Centers for Youth & Families is the City of Boston's largest human service agency operating 35 facilities across Boston. The bulk of programs and activities at the community centers are youth-focused so the BCYF Youth Advisory Council will have a major role in shaping what the centers offer for young people and how they can address their needs. The BCYF YAC will serve as a link between City government and youth by identifying issues affecting youth, addressing community concerns, and designing action plans to foster change. The YAC will serve as a means for youth to have a voice in shaping the quality of life in Boston while engaging in various activities in the community.

The mission of the BCYF Youth Advisory Council is to instill members with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to work in cooperation with local government to best serve the needs and expectations of Boston's youth and to empower them to make positive change in their community. The Youth Council is designed to train young people in leadership related to advocacy, community building, public policy, civics, and social justice. At BCYF we are committed to working with youth to develop their potential for leadership, personal growth, and career success.

As a BCYF YAC member youth can:

Represent their neighborhood;

Voice their opinions about issues affecting their neighborhood;

Work with youth from other neighborhoods

Meet City officials;

Participate in community service projects;

Discover their own potential!

Interested in applying? Go to http://www.cityofboston.gov/BCYF and fill out the application. The deadline for completed applications is September 12th.