For teenagers nationwide, there are unprecedented challenges as they navigate their adolescence. The town and mayor, Julia Wheatley wanted to better understand those challenges and how the town could help. On May 6th, they held a Teen Voices Summit, inviting Queen Creek teenagers to attend and speak to town leaders in a relaxed atmosphere where they could take the floor.
Mayor Wheatley got the idea from another former mayor who felt the concept had produced some fruitful results for his town in California. The summit was also important in the lead up to the Teen Advisory Committee that the town is recruiting for that will begin in the next school year. The summit hosted 16 teenagers where the average age was 15. Yet, if anyone had expected them to be shy and unsure, Mayor Wheatley said she was delightfully surprised.
'They did not hold back,' she says, 'they expressed themselves and how they are feeling.' Mayor Wheatley even felt many were ready to burst with opinions and ideas. One thing was clear, a platform such as this was needed and it led to eye-opening and honest discussions. One attendee, Ava, who is 13 years old and in 8th grade, said the summit was very valuable. She said that teens battled with isolation and bullying and needed to make adults more aware.
Many of the pressures cited included academically, socially, in sport, and preparations for college, often simultaneously. 'They can't leave school at school.' said Mayor Wheatley. 'They need grace and downtime to relax and connect.' As a result, some of the feedback suggested teens needed more things to do in town that were either free or almost free. Ava said she'd like to see more attempts at creating community or social events to create understanding and relieve pressure.
Mayor's Teen Advisory Committee
Interested? Here is what you need to apply:
- Be between 14 and 18 years of age and/or in grades 9-12
- Be a Queen Creek resident
- Submit an application of interest
- Agree to participate in a variety of activities, including monthly group meetings
https://www.queencreekaz.gov/residents/community-outreach/teens