The Bemidji Youth Advisory Commission is a partnership between Healthy Community Healthy Kids and the City Council.  The Bemidji Youth Advisory Commission’s main purpose is to provide a youth perspective to Bemidji City Council on matters that affect youth in the community, as well as matters that effect the community at large.  One of its main functions is to bring recommendations to the City Council as it deems necessary on any City Council agenda item or on other matters affecting youth in
the community.   

     In a more general sense, in cooperation with the City Council, the BYAC exists to represent the interests and concerns of a broad spectrum of youth in the Bemidji area and to seek out and promote ways to foster a healthy and positive environment for youth and families in the community. 

     For example, BYAC members attend regularly scheduled City Council meetings, serve on special commissions, plan and carry out an annual June 7 youth rally, sponsor Listening Lunches, and host open forums and special events. 

     The BYAC is comprised of ten to fourteen members from throughout the community who are between 14 and 19 years old and in at least the 9th grade.  Members must live within the boundaries of School District #31, but may attend charter schools or be home schooled.   

     The BYAC seeks gender, racial and geographic balance.  Terms are for two years.  Members may serve up to two terms providing they remain within the age limits of the membership qualifications.  Two adult
ex-officio members meet regularly with the BYAC
                                                                including a City Council member and an adult advisor. 

     Regular attendance and active participation in BYAC meetings is expected.  Meetings are held twice a month, usually the first and third Sundays of the month. 

     Members are recruited annually during the summer months.  It is a competitive process where members complete an application form and a personal interview.   

     If you would like more information regarding the Bemidji Youth Advisory Commission, please contact Healthy Community Healthy Kids at 403 4th Street NW, Suite 245, Bemidji, MN 56601, 218-333-8989 or write to healthykidsbemidji@yahoo.com.