What Can Elected Officials Do?

From America’s Promise

• Mentor a child and encourage other community leaders to do the same.

• Provide paid time off for employees to volunteer in schools and at youth service organizations.

• Work with school leaders to keep schools and buses available for before-and after-school activities.

• Expand summer jobs programs.

• Hire students to update and develop city web pages and fliers about youth and community services.

• Make sure every school in your community has a full-time on-site healthcare provider or an affiliated one nearby.

• Formally recognize National Youth Service Day, Family Service Day and other national service days by signing proclamations.

• Have students receive a letter from the mayor recognize them for their accomplishments.

• Expand community policing initiatives.

• Provide city employees information in their paychecks about State Children's Insurance Programs (SCHIP).

• Insist on youth participation on city council committees.

• Provide city facilities for after-school programs, tutoring and mentoring.

• Create a youth action council.

• Enforce safety laws and laws that prohibit underage smoking and drinking.

• Utilize local youth talent at city functions (bands, dance troops, drill teams, etc).

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