(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted by Minnesota Alliance with Youth.)

Minnesota Alliance With Youth is pleased to announce that Alayna Boe, a student at Big Lake High School, has been selected to serve on the Minnesota Youth Council, representing MN Congressional District 4.

The Minnesota Youth Council (MYC) is a group of 36 junior and senior high school students working together to empower and mobilize young people across the state to exercise their voices, opinions and ideas and take action on issues affecting youth.

In 2013, the MN Legislature formally recognized the work of the MYC, passing into law the Minnesota Youth Council Committee Bill, which establishes the MYC as an official legislative committee, creating a system for youth to provide advice and recommendations to the legislature and the governor.

Alayna Boe, student at Big Lake High School, gave the following statement:

“I am a part of an anti-drug coalition in my school, different volunteer groups, band, robotics, cross country, hockey, and track and field. I am looking to make a difference in my community and wanting to bring awareness to different issues.”

Minnesota Youth Council members focus their impact through policy and education initiatives, focusing on the key areas of Juvenile Justice, Education Equity, Environmental Justice andvHealth & Wellness.

The Juvenile Justice Subcommittee seeks to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline and advocates for young people involved in Minnesota’s carceral system. The Education Equity Subcommittee works to advance learning opportunities and options available for students in order to create better educational experiences, and personalized and holistic education for all young people in Minnesota. The Environmental Justice Subcommittee works to address the realities of climate change and environmental racism, and advocates for Minnesota’s investment in sustainable energy. Finally, the Health & Wellness Subcommittee advocates for the holistic support of young people across Minnesota, focusing specifically on mental and sexual health.

Additionally, the MYC holds legislative meetings several times a year during the MN Legislative Session. Senators and Representatives are invited to present bills impacting youth and provide testimony to the full council. MYC members provide insight and feedback on the issues through the formal committee meetings and feedback letters to the bill authors.