Youth Leadership Council
The Youth Leadership Council is a statewide group of current and former foster youth age 14-23. The State Youth Leadership Council focuses on advocacy, changing the system and laws currently in place that affect children and youth in care and their families. The State Youth Leadership Council is broken down into local Youth Leadership Councils around Minnesota, who plan quarterly projects to raise awareness of issues in the foster care system and advocate for youth currently in care. The purpose of the Youth Leadership Council is to be a voice for foster youth, promote and educate about the foster care system and work for positive change.
We have groups in Duluth, Mankato, Rochester, Saint Paul and Willmar.
The Youth Leadership Council focuses on:
- Leadership: youth meet bi-weekly to discuss and plan projects and upcoming events related to foster care awareness and advocacy.
- Advocacy: youth meet with legislators, judges, attorneys and social workers to address the needs and wants of youth in care. Including attending Foster Child and Youth Day on the Hill!
- Community development: youth plan and participate in community events to celebrate foster youth and raise awareness of the foster care system and what life is like as a youth in care. Youth attend community events where they can share what their local Youth Leadership Council is involved in and learn about other organizations within their community.
- Collaboration: youth meet with other Youth Leadership Councils from around the state to discuss and plan ways to make a change in systems and provide greater community awareness.
If you have experience as a foster youth and are interested in leadership opportunities, or would like to join a group, please contact us.
Duluth
218.529.2230 | [email protected]
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More services for youth in Duluth
Mankato
Counties covered: Blue Earth, Brown, Faribault, Le Sueur, Martin, Nicollet, Sibley, and Watonwan
507.508.0812 | [email protected]
Rochester
Counties covered: Goodhue, Fillmore, Houston, Olmsted and Wabasha
507.316.8273 | [email protected]
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More services for youth in Rochester
Saint Paul
651.644.7739 press option 3 | [email protected]
Willmar
320.231.7075 | [email protected]
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More services for youth in Willmar
We recommend the following organizations and events for young people with experience in foster care:
Foster Club All-Stars – a national network of young people in foster care
Tomorrow’s Leaders Today – Minnesota Youth Leadership Conference