NLC’s Council on Youth, Education, and Families guides the YEF Institute’s work
The membership of the YEF Council, unlike any other NLC committee or council, is composed of not only local elected officials but also youth members and representatives from major national organizations concerned about children and families.
As the Institute for Youth, Education and Families celebrates over 20 years of work with city leaders, the YEF Council aims to guide, support and elevate this important work. The continued amplification of not only the voices of elected officials but also those of youth leaders ensures that children and families are centered in the work of NLC.
Council Objectives
To create opportunities for elected municipal leaders and youth leaders who are interested in issues related to children, youth and families to interact and network with each other.
To stimulate and support effective city leadership on behalf of children, youth and families
To assist cities, State Municipal Leagues, NLC and its YEF Institute in promoting best practices that address the needs of children, youth and families
To elevate the voices of city and youth leaders in broader discussions of the needs of children, youth and families and local strategies for responding to them
Council Members
Applications to join the YEF Council is now open through December 1, 2023. The group meets in person at the Congressional City Conference and City Summit. There is no extra cost for NLC members to join. Leadership nominations for the council are solicited every Fall. Elected leaders begin their term by the following City Summit.
Youth Members
NLC invites high school sophomores or juniors who also serve on a city’s youth council, commission, or advisory board to apply to the YEF Council. The NLC President will appoint up to four young people from nominees for 12-month terms. Youth may be reappointed for an additional year based upon successful completion of his or her first term.
Current Leadership
Chair
Jessica Daniels Harrison
Mayor Pro Tem, Zebulon, North Carolina
VICE CHAIR
Lawanna Owens-Twaites
Councilmember, Union City, GA
Vice-Chair
Stephanie Moon Reynolds
Councilmember, Roanoke, VA.
Vice-Chair
Fabiola Stuyvesant
Commissioner, Sunny Isles Beach, FL
For a full list of 2023 Council on Youth, Education and Family Roster members, click here to download.