Montgomery County Council is rolling out the red carpet for young voices to speak up and be heard at their upcoming Youth Town Hall meeting. Set to take place on Nov. 5 at 7 p.m., the event aims to actively engage students in discussions around community and public policy issues. The Youth Town Hall will be held at the Council Office Building in Rockville, an opportunity for council members to connect directly with the younger residents of the area, hearing their concerns and incorporating their views into future policymaking.
"I look forward to the Council’s Youth Town Hall every year, as it allows us to engage directly with students, who are not just the next generation of leaders but leading today,” said Council President Kate Stewart, in a statement reported by Montgomery County Council News. She also mentioned the importance of unity and collaborative effort, especially significant at a time when national politics often seem to quickly divide. The Youth Town Hall provides a platform for local student leaders to express their aspirations and priorities, thereby shaping better informed council decisions.
Joining the dialogue will be several key figures in local educational leadership, including Student Member of the Montgomery County Board of Education Anuva Maloo, who will kickstart the question-and-answer segment. Montgomery County Board of Education President Julie Yang and Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor are also expected to attend the event along with other board members. The Council has arranged for a pre-meeting pizza reception at 6:15 p.m., extending a welcome to attendees and creating a casual setting for conversations.
Students who cannot make it in person have the ability to still participate seamlessly through a Zoom webinar. This inclusive approach guarantees that every student's voice has the chance to be heard, no matter their location. Those interested in remote participation need to register for access to the Zoom information. Furthermore, the Council's commitment to student engagement is underscored by the offer of two student-service learning hours for advocacy to all who register and attend.
For those unable to attend either in person or virtually, the Youth Town Hall will be accessible through live streams on the Council's YouTube channel (MoCoCouncilMD) and Facebook Live (MontgomeryCountyMdCouncil), as well as broadcasts on County Cable Montgomery on various cable channels. Details regarding the visitor information and event logistics can be found on the Council's website.
