Report Prepared by: Jennifer Flachman, Senior Management Analyst
Title
SUBJECT: Youth Citizenship Campaign Direction
REPORT IN BRIEF
Council to provide direction on development of a Youth Citizenship Campaign.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Provide direction for the development and implementation of a Youth Citizenship Campaign.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended, or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended, or
3. Deny, or
4. Refer to Staff for reconsideration of specific items, or
5. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2023-24 Council Goals and Priorities: Merced Unity Project, Community Programs, Events, and Messaging.
DISCUSSION
At the June 5, 2023 City Council Meeting, Council Member Ornelas directed staff to develop a youth-focused Citizenship Campaign. Per the direction provided, the CalVIP Peer Support Specialists and the City's Public Information Officer will engage with youth involved in the CalVIP program to create a marketing campaign demonstrating what it means to be a good citizen in the community. The Peer Support Specialists will work with youth to develop videos and images with messages to show positive examples of being a good citizen. Project topics will focus on becoming a productive community contributor. Topic examples include:
* What it means to be courteous and respectful
o Getting to know your neighbor
o Becoming actively involved in your community as a volunteer
o Leave no trash behind - Adopt a park for a week or month
o Using Merced Connect to keep the city informed of neighborhood needs. Report abandoned shopping carts and cars, reporting potholes, sidewalk damages, overgrown weeds, etc.
As part of the CalVIP program and an element of the supportive services provided, Peer Support Specialists will engage with the youth they serve to create this marketing campaign.
Staff is seeking direction on the m...
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