A Bill to Establish the District of Columbia Youth Environmental Sustainable Development Council

By Elson Bankoff

It is time that the youth get a say in local policy relevant to sustainable development. Similar to the mission statement of the Los Angeles Youth Climate Commission, the D.C. one would seek to uplift narratives, provide a forum for passionate discourse, and learn from diverse perspectives. These benefits would exist within the context of fighting environmental inequality; making a structural change to our city, connecting with youth and all residents, collaborating with people in positions of authority, and providing spaces to organize and educate our peers.

The benefits of establishing a Youth Environmental Sustainable Development Council (YESDC) stretch beyond the existence of a Youth Advisory Council or a  Purpose:  The Council develops plans and objectives for the year to help drive ambitious climate action, raise awareness, and engage Angelenos on the solutions. Members of the Council have the opportunity to learn, inform, and take initiative on a number of climate-related topics throughout the year. The YESDC would engage with other youth climate councils across the country and the world. As the capital city in the United States, we will provide a powerful and necessary model for uplifting youth passion and narratives in shifting into a renewable world.

I know that we currently have the DC Youth Advisory Council and the District of Columbia Commission on Climate Change and Resiliency but both groups are not very active. If the following Bill takes too much effort to pass, I suggest that we collaborate to revamp these two existing councils.

A BILL

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IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

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To establish the District of Columbia Youth Environmental Sustainable Development Council (YESDC) to provide an organized youth perspective on environmental injustices, renewable development, sustainable cities, and climate education issues to the Mayor, the Council of the District of Columbia, District of Columbia Public Schools, public charter schools, District of Columbia Agencies, other key decision-makers in the District government, and other adult leaders in the District. 

Sec. 2. Definitions.

 For the purposes of this act, the term: 

1.  “Youth” means an individual who is at least 13 years of age and no older than 22 years of age. 
2. YESDC means the District of Columbia Youth Environmental Sustainability Council established by section 3.
3. Sustainability refers to the Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations. They address citywide challenges including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice. Non-environmental Sustainable Development Goals will be achieved through the education, infrastructure, and energy issues that the YESDC will seek to resolve.
4. Climate action includes all policy, messaging, and education efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with the intent of achieving carbon neutrality and mitigating the effects of climate change.
5. Environmental action includes all efforts to reduce environmental damage and combat environmental inequality within the District of Columbia. This term differs from Climate Action because it entails non-greenhouse gas air pollution, water contamination, park services, and wildlife preservation.

Sec. 3. Establishment and purpose. 

1. There is established, as part of the District of Columbia government, a Youth Environmental and Climate Action Council ()
2. YESDC shall advise the Mayor, the Council of the District of Columbia, District of Columbia Public Schools, public charter schools, other key decision-makers in the District government, and adult leaders in the District by:
   1. Organizing community events;
   2. Running educational sessions and campaigns to increase climate and environmental awareness;
   3. Learning about renewable policy in the area and around the country. 
   4. Collaborating with other city-wide Youth Climate Councils around the United States;
   5. Prioritizing connections between local government and environmental advocacy groups;
   6. Conducting community outreach to understand issues that must be resolved;
   7. Advising District government officials on resolutions to harmful environmental practices and mitigation strategies;
   8. Monitoring programs and policies that affect climate or environmental concerns to ensure that they are achieving the intended results; and 
   9. Working with other youth organizations in the District to: Codification District of Columbia Official Code 2001 Edition 2002 Winter Supp. West Group Publisher New Subchapter IV, Chapter 15, Title 2 New § 2-1561 New § 2-1562 ENROLLED ORIGINAL Codification District of Columbia Official Code, 2001 Edition West Group Publisher, 1-800-228-2180. 2 (A) Provide mutual support; (B) Collaborate on shared issues and interests; (C) Advise one another on ways to increase their effectiveness; (D) Assist in the start-up of new youth organizations, including youth organizations for each ward of the District; (E) Prepare youth for leadership positions by providing appropriate training; and (F) Create more youth and adult partnerships. (c) YESDC shall convene a general assembly of youth organizations within the District on a regularly scheduled basis.

Sec. 4. Composition of the YESDC

1. The YESDC shall be composed of 30 youth from various geographic sectors of the District, and shall include members who represent youth with special needs, as follows:
   1. Three members shall be from each of the 8 wards in the District; 
   2. Six members shall be chosen from established environmental organizations in the District on account of volunteer work or lived experience dealing with environmental degradation.
      1. Membership of the YESDC shall reflect a broad range of diversity encompassing relevant differences in ethnicity, location of residency, socioeconomic background, and education within the District, religion, and gender. 
      2. Members of the YESDC shall have been a District resident for at least one year, not including time residing in a college dormitory, prior to their application to serve on the YESDC. College students shall be eligible to participate on the YESDC, if they have been a District resident, living outside a college dormitory, for at least one year prior to their application to serve on the YESDC
      3. Youth applying to participate on the YESDC shall have: 
   3. A sincere interest in, and motivation to work for the community; (2) A background of community-based activity; 
   4. Passion surrounding the intersections of healthcare, education, transit, and any other form of urban policy with environmental and climate justice and an intent on continuing in this sector later in their career.
   5. A general knowledge of environmental problems, climate justice, policy and needs in the sector of the community which they are selected to represent; 
   6. An ability to bring creative perspectives on climate and environmental issues and in the District and the world to the YESDC; 
   7. The ability to work patiently and constructively in a group setting; 
   8. The ability to responsibly fulfill commitments; and 
   9. An interest in the development of leadership skills. 

Sec. 5. Organizational structure. 

1. After the effective date of this act, the Mayor and subsequently environmental organizations in the District, Council members, and anyone who wishes to, shall publicly announce and widely disseminate information to District residents that: 
   1. Describes the functions and purpose of the YESDC; 
   2. Explains the process of selection and appointment to the YESDC; and 
   3. Solicits applications from youth who desire to serve on the YESDC. 
   4. A selection committee shall be formed by the YESDC Taskforce with the approval of the Mayor. The selection committee shall screen, interview, and select the first 32 members of the YESDC. Following the first year, YESDC members shall select the next year’s members. The selection committee shall consist of: 
      1. Twice as many young people as adults; 
      2. Representatives of community-based organizations;
      3. Representatives of environmental and climate action organizations; and 
      4. Representatives of government. 
      5. The YESDC shall select 6 officers to serve in leadership positions. In addition, the YESDC may create other leadership positions as deemed necessary. In its first year of operation, the Chair shall be chosen by the selection committee from among the initial 30 YESDC members, with the approval of the Mayor. The Chair shall serve for one year. The selection of these 32 members shall be made prior to the YESDC’s initial retreat. All other officers shall be selected by the YESDC at their retreat, and shall serve for one year. Thereafter, the YESDC shall select all officers. The officers shall be as follows: 
         1. Chair; 
         2. Vice Chair; 
         3. Secretary; 
         4. Assistant Secretary; 
         5. Treasurer; and 
         6. Parliamentarian. 
      6. The YESDC Chair shall be responsible for calling meetings to order and for facilitating these meetings. Meetings shall be conducted following parliamentary procedures as described in Robert’s Rules of Order. (m) Quorum requirements shall be as follows: ENROLLED ORIGINAL Codification District of Columbia Official Code, 2001 Edition West Group Publisher, 1-800-228-2180. 5 
         1. Two-thirds of the YESDC members must be present for a quorum; and 
         2. At least one member representing each of the ten groups shall also be present. 
      7. Members of the YESDC shall be selected to serve a 2-year term. A member shall only serve 2 terms. YESDC Officers shall be selected to serve a one-year term. Officers may be re-elected, but shall not serve more than 3 terms in any office or combination of offices. 
      8. The YESDC will have appointed eight adult advisors who will:
         1. Attend meetings;
         2. Aid in communication to the Mayor and City Council. 
         3. Provide direction and resources, and maintain the group integrity if conflict were to arise;
         4. Have ample experience in environmental advocacy, environmental science, environmental policy, urban policy, education, and working with young people. 
         5. Assist the YESDC in gathering information on the policy issues, identifying and executing a related community benefit project, and sponsoring community events to raise awareness of the issue. The facilitator would also play a large role in the recruitment and selection of YESDC members.
         6. Help to enact this policy and review legislation within the YESDC.
      9. Four of the 8 advisors shall be adults and 4 must be young adults under the age of 30. In the first year after the establishment of the YESDC, 2 youth and 2 adult advisors shall be selected by the Youth Summit Advisory Board. The remaining 2 youth and 2 adult advisors shall be selected by YESDC members. Thereafter, the advisors shall be selected by the YESDC with direct recruitment from the Mayor.
      10. To ensure an orderly transition from veteran outgoing YESDC members to New § 2-1564 ENROLLED ORIGINAL Codification District of Columbia Official Code, 2001 Edition West Group Publisher, 1-800-228-2180. 4 incoming novice members, terms during the first year shall be staggered as follows: Members of the initial YESDC shall either serve one, two, or three year terms. Twelve members shall serve a one-year term, 12 members shall serve a 2-year term, and 6 members shall serve a 3-year term. Members who are selected to serve a one-year term shall sit out at least one year before seeking re-election to the YESDC. Terms shall be determined following the first year of the YESDC based on two factors: 
          1. Members shall be asked to indicate their preference for leaving the YESDC or staying for an additional term. 
          2. The initial YESDC members who are willing to serve additional terms shall be evaluated along with a performance-based system. During the initial YESDC retreat, all members shall be asked to agree upon one-year goals for the YESDC to accomplish. Members shall also create their own one-year goals that center around a certain problem in the District and its environmental or climate implications. Members shall be evaluated on their performance in accomplishing both sets of goals by the 8 advisors in a manner that is consistent for each YESDC member. Members will also be evaluated based on dedication to the council, proactive pursuit of enacting change, and ability to collaborate with YESDC members, advisors, D.C. government officials, and citizens.
          3. The YESDC shall establish six standing committees. The YESDC shall have the discretion to create other standing committees as needed and also overlap in their delegated roles. 
             1. Communications director
             2. Operations director 
             3. Collaborations director
             4. Treasurer 
             5. Outreach director
          4. The first YESDC shall create the rules and bylaws to which all future YESDC shall adhere.
          5. The YESDC Operations directors shall be the official record keepers. They shall be responsible for documenting and archiving all meeting minutes, and other relevant decisions or documents. The YESDC Treasurer shall record and archive all financial transactions.
          6. The YESDC Communications director shall be in charge of messaging, social media, and event promotion. The council member in this role will play a large creative role in the efforts of the YESDC.
      11. Subject to Congressional appropriations, one full-time staff person shall be hired to serve as a YESDC Coordinator. The YESDC Coordinator shall be: 
          1. A staff member of the Office of Neighborhood Action; and 
             1. elected by Neighborhood Action on the basis of the YESDC’s recommendation. Youth may be hired to work part-time as needed. 
          2. The YESDC Coordinator shall assist with all phases of the publicizing, screening, candidate selection, and operation of the YESDC. In addition, some young people may be hired to work part-time for the YESDC as needed. 
      12. Every YESDC  member shall serve on at least one committee. In order to serve as chair of a committee, members shall be in good standing and shall have knowledge of the committee’s subject matter. Committee chairs shall serve for one year. Committee chairs shall be eligible to serve more terms if selected to do so. 
      13. The YESDC will hold virtual meetings every week on a set day. At least once a month, YCC members will be required to hold one of these meetings in-person to encourage engagement. 
          1. All members shall attend a minimum of 75% of YESDC meetings. Members shall also attend the minimum number of committee meetings as determined by the committee. 
      14. Each YESDC member will be in charge of a hub within their school or community. 
          1. The hubs will help carry out the community benefit projects and provide key insight into the demands of DC residents. 
          2. The hubs will consist of students and adults, with YESDC Advisors and Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners overseeing the YESDC members at each hub and integrating the activities of the YESDC into their annual agenda. 
          3. The ANC member as well as the students, adults, and policy experts within each hub would work with the 30 YESDC participants and their hubs to identify a policy issue, create an action plan to address this issue, and deliver a formal presentation of the plan to the Mayor. 
          4. Within the District, the hubs will serve as the vehicles through which YESDC members examine how the city-wide policy issue manifests itself in diverse local communities. 
          5. The hubs also provide a successful organizational approach for community engagement. 
             1. The YESDC would collaborate with local groups and Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners to hold educational and community enrichment events. 
      15. Beginning one year after its first meeting and every year thereafter, the YESDC shall publish a report of its activities, recommendations, and accomplishments. 
          1. The report shall be distributed to the Mayor, the Council of the District of Columbia, the District of Columbia Public Schools, public charter schools, and other key District leadership.
          2. Copies of the report shall be placed on the Internet, in each public library, the library of each public and public charter school, and shall be made available upon request to the general public. YESDC members are also encouraged to share it with the broader environmental network extending outside of the District. 
          3. Members of the YESDC shall serve without compensation, except that members may be reimbursed for expenses incurred in the authorized execution of official YESDC duties.
          4. The Mayor and his or her designee shall provide administrative support to the YESDC and may accept resources provided from public or private organizations for the benefit of the YESDC.

Sec. 6. Fiscal impact statement. 

The Council adopts the fiscal impact statement in the committee report as the fiscal impact statement required by section 602(c)(3) of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, approved December 24, 1973 (87 Stat. 813; D.C. Official Code § 1-206.02(c)(3)). 

Sec. 7. This act shall take effect following approval by the Mayor (or in the event of veto by the Mayor, action by the Council to override the veto), a 30-day period of Congressional review as provided in Section 602(c)(1) of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, approved ENROLLED ORIGINAL Codification District of Columbia Official Code, 2001 Edition West Group Publisher, 1-800-228-2180. 6 December 24, 1973 (87 Stat. 813; D.C. Official Code § 1-206.02(c)(1), and publication in the District of Columbia Register. Chairman Council of the District of Columbia Mayor District of Columbia

Sources:

1. Dhenin, M. (2022, March 3). Does Your City Need a ‘Youth Council’ for Climate Change? The 74. https://www.the74million.org/article/does-your-city-need-a-youth-council-for-climate-change/
2. Mayor’s Youth Council. (2022). City of Wichita. https://www.wichita.gov/MYC/Pages/Members.aspx
3. Morales, M. (2021, September 14). Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council for Climate Initiatives Accepting Applications. The City of San Antonio – Official City Website. https://www.sanantonio.gov/comm/News/ArtMID/24373/ArticleID/21368/Mayor%E2%80%99s-Youth-Engagement-Council-for-Climate-Initiatives-Accepting-Applications
4. Who We Are – DCYAC. (2015). Dcyac. https://dcyac.dc.gov/page/who-we-are-dcyac

Youth Climate Action Council | City of Boise. (2022). City of Boise. https://www.cityofboise.org/departments/mayor/youth-climate-action-council/

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