New Commission Gives Voice to Youth
A group of East Lansing young people gathered at the Hannah Community Center on Monday (Jan. 8) shortly after school had let out for the day. The new members of the East Lansing Youth Commission came with backpacks, winter coats and ambitions.
The nine students sat down for pizza and other snacks before beginning the inaugural meeting of the commission.
“The Youth Commission is a new effort by the city of East Lansing to engage the youth with activities going on with the city,” Asia Siev, assistant to the city manager, told ELi. “This is a demo that most of them can’t vote yet so they may be underrepresented in [ways] those of us 18 or older are not. It’s a great way to bridge the gap between and learn what the commissioners see as important to their peers. It will be a crucial advisory board.”

The Youth Commission, spearheaded by then Mayor Ron Bacon and then Mayor Pro Tem Jessy Gregg, was approved 3-1 by East Lansing City Council in September. Several listening sessions were then held, giving young residents the opportunity to speak out about issues they view as important. From there, applicants for the new commission were called for and Gregg led the selection of nine appointees, who have all since been confirmed by Council.
This first meeting was largely a boot camp of sorts, helping the commissioners learn about parliamentary procedure, East Lansing’s city manager form of governance and an ice breaker to facilitate group bonding. The group also brainstormed, coming up with issues they want to work on in the coming year.

In attendance guiding the teens with Siev was Councilmember Mark Meadows (the City Council liaison) and Akya Ekye-Addai of the city’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Department.
What is motivating the teens to participate on the Youth Commission?
ELi spoke with six of the commissioners over the last week to learn more about their motivations to participate in city government and the goals they have for this new body.
Each of the students said they are excited to see East Lansing create an opportunity for young people to engage with the process.

“I’ve always had an interest in politics and I thought it was wonderful that kids my age could have an opinion about local government,” Amear Ahmed, a 15-year-old freshman at East Lansing High School (ELHS), said.
“I’ve always been one to advocate for my peers and push for change so when I saw there was a youth commission, I thought it would be a great opportunity to advocate for things in the school and our community,” said Reena Nalta, a 17-year-old ELHS junior.

Elizabeth Ahlin, 14 and a freshman at ELHS, feels it’s essential that young people participate in finding answers to community problems.
“People my age can have ideas on how to improve the world,” Ahlin said. “And if we got more involved, we can help make those things happen.”
Holyn Walsh, 17 and a junior, agreed.
“My generation doesn’t usually get a say in these kinds of things and our voices don’t get to be heard,” she said. “It was a great opportunity to be an advocate for my generation.”
Commissioners have many ideas for changes in East Lansing.
The commissioners have already begun to consider the changes they want to effect in their community.
“Getting around is a big issue for me,” Colin Fitzgerald, 16-year-old sophomore, said. “Pedestrian bridges across major highways would be huge. After school programs, too. When people don’t have places to go after school, it’s difficult for them.”

Fitzgerald also wants to explore if young residents can get discounted fees at the Hannah Community Center and the Aquatic Center.
Mila Thompson, 14 and a freshman, agrees after school opportunities need to take priority.
“The biggest thing I hope we get done, is create a space [where] kids from the middle school and the high school can go and feel safe until their parents can come and get them after they get done with work,” she said. “As we get older, after school programs are not as available.
“Another issue really close to my heart is differences,” Thompson said, “and people being respected no matter their age, gender, background or color.”
The Youth Commission’s next meeting is 5 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Hannah Community Center. The body will elect a chair and vice chair at that time.