title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF ENGAGING YOUTH TO SHAPE POLICY AND BUILD OPPORTUNITY IN HONOR OF COOK COUNTY YOUTH DAY
WHEREAS, according to the most recent United States census data and current census data estimates, presented by the World Population Review, Cook County has an approximate population of 5.04 million residents; and
WHEREAS, according to American Community Survey (ACS) estimates from 2019 through 2023, Cook County has approximately 1.57 million residents, or approximately 31.2% Cook County’s population, under the age of twenty-seven (27); and
WHEREAS, according to most recent compiled census data, presented by the world population review, there are approximately 1.2 million residents, or approximately 23.8% Cook County’s population, under the age of twenty (20); and
WHEREAS, on March 20, 2019, The Cook County Board of Commissioners passed Resolution 19-2397 establishing Youth Day at the County, as such, it is important to recognize our commitment to the well-being and success of our youth; and
WHEREAS, youth across Cook County face myriad issues directly affecting their physical, mental, and behavioral health. These issues range from violence and other adverse childhood experiences, mental health and healthcare disparity, food deserts, and lack of economic opportunities; and
WHEREAS, Cook County finds it in its best interest to invest in building the next generation of Cook County leaders through education, discussion, and policy development of vital importance to the future of Cook County; and
WHEREAS, Cook County seeks to build a setting where young people from across Cook County can share their common goals while better understanding their differences; and
WHEREAS, the County Board President, Commissioners, Justice Advisory Council and Offices under the President recognize that successful childhoods lead to successful neighborhoods and that the experiences of our most vulnerable children and young adults incorporate experiences that touch multiple systems and social services; and
WHEREAS, the Office of the President through its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program leadership guides the scope of work and implementation of a youth engagement plan to build Cook County’s capacity to center the voices and needs of the county’s youth in its community-based and system-wide policies and operations; and
WHEREAS, and the Justice Advisory Council intends to engage specialized technical assistance through a third-party organization with demonstrated experience in youth leadership development and civic engagement to assist in the administration, convening, and coordination of youth to help Cook County deliver on this youth engagement plan; and
WHEREAS, this youth engagement plan will be designed to formalize youth voice within Cook County government and ensure that young people, including those from historically under-resourced communities, are seen, heard, and valued in policies and initiatives that affect their lives. Youth council members will address priorities aligned with the Board of Commissioners, including but not limited to public safety, youth justice reform, economic and community development, health and human services, environmental sustainability, infrastructure, and civic engagement; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in recognition of Cook County Youth Day the President and Cook County Board of Commissioners supports the Office of the President and Justice Advisory Council’s development and implementation of a youth engagement plan including the engagement of a technical service organization to assist in the administration, convening, and coordinating a youth council; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the youth council is intended to engage 20 young people, ages 14-21 from across Cook County, including Chicago neighborhoods and surrounding suburbs, and will be drawn from diverse backgrounds; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this inaugural initiative will strengthen Cook County Government's capacity to receive and respond to the concerns of youth across all county districts in ways that shape policy and practice, and strengthens partnerships across community based social services designed to support youth and families.
end