Youth Council

Apply

Arlington area teens (8th though 12th grades) are encouraged to apply for the 2022- 2023 City of Arlington Youth Council. 

The purpose of the youth council is to advise the mayor and city council on matters related to and affecting the youth in our community and provide youth perspectives on a range of community issues and topics. The youth council is structured to create an essential link among the city's teens, the community, and city government. 

To apply: https://arlingtonwa.seamlessdocs.com/f/AYCouncil

Applications due date extended to September 12.

Meetings are the 2nd Thursday of the month at 5:30, and sometimes the 4th Thursday of the month.  Members are expected to attend the meetings. 

For questions, email Sarah Lopez slopez@arlingtonwa.gov  or call 360-403-3448.

Youth Resource Guide

http://arlingtonwa.gov/youth

2022-2023 Youth Council

Brooklyn Helle
Kathleen Azpiri
Kimberly Leach
Mariska Lebahn
Rachael Tanner
Reese Baggen
Sera Sabol


Arlington Youth Council

The purpose of the youth council is to advise the mayor and city council in all matters related to and affecting the youth in our community and provide youth perspectives on a range of community issues and topics. The youth council is structured to create an essential link among the city's teens, the community, and city government.

Developing a Youth Council in Arlington was a strategy of the Arlington-Darrington Community Revitalization Plan, America’s Best Communities. The purpose of the Youth Council is to advise the Mayor and City Council in all matters related to and affecting the youth in our community and provide youth perspectives on a range of community issues and topics. The youth council is structured to create an essential link among our area’s teens, the community, and city government.

One critical component of community and workforce development is supporting the youth of today to become the leaders of tomorrow. Smaller rural communities frequently lose their young people as they move out of the area to pursue higher education and entry-level careers, resulting in a “brain drain” of talent needed to sustain a vibrant local economy. This strategy establishes youth councils in both Arlington and Darrington that will focus on issues of interest to youth leaders by integrating young people into the political process and equipping them with the skills and resources to address these problems. The objective is to encourage young people to make meaningful contributions to their respective communities and the region as a whole through the creation of autonomous youth councils in Arlington and Darrington. Ultimately, the intent is to give them a sense of investment and a bond that will promote the Stillaguamish Valley as a place where they can grow professionally in the future -  Arlington-Darrington Community Revitalization Plan.

Applications will be available in July or August of each year. Terms are September through June.

Benefits

Benefits of serving on the Arlington Youth Council:

  • Serve on a city committee
  • Learn about local government
  • Have a voice in your community
  • Make improvements in your community
  • Learn leadership skills
  • Learn how to work in a committee environment
  • Network with government, business and other professionals
  • Volunteer opportunity
  • Develop career or college references




Arlington Youth Council Projects
 

2016-2017

  • Retreat in October to discover Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats (SWOT) for youth community.  Collaborated with Darrington Youth Council.
  • Presentation from B&G Club with overview of youth programs
  • Goal to add more recreation activities for teens to parks and market programs that exist
  • Participated in  ADAC (Arlington Drug Awareness) event with booth
  • Advised on teen center at B&G Club, including recording studio area
  • Presented Teen Center grand opening
  • Presented at America’s Best Community team meetings
  • Created Facebook Page

2017-2018

  • Attended Snohomish County Youth Forum with Snohomish County Health District
  • Goal for communication and outreach to bring awareness
  • Created Instagram account
  • Attempted to survey students about drug and mental health
  • Attempted a parent night for mental health
  • Reviewed Snohomish County Healthy Youth Survey
  • Presentation from Sno-Isle Library’s Abby Borman about mental health forums
  • Participated with ADAC to plan event
  • Participated in Health Fair at Legion Park with booth

2018-2019

  • Continued with healthy youth forum/ADAC event
  • Presentation from Carrie Parker, Snohomish Health District, regarding youth health issues (drugs, suicide, mental health, alcohol, tobacco)
  • Presentation from Jennifer Reid, Snohomish Health District, about vaping
  • Planned vaping education for teens
  • Participated in “Empowering Parents” event with ADAC
  • Participated in Puget Sound Regional Council-Vision 2050 Youth Summit

Requirements

Requirements for serving on the Youth Council:

  • Members shall be entering 8th grade through the 12th grade at time of application
  • Members shall reside within the Arlington School District or have an Arlington Address
  • Meetings are once a month, approximate 2 hours per meeting, other meetings may be assigned
  • One year commitment; however, you are encouraged to apply for a second term
  • Transportation to and from the meetings
  • Attend the majority of the meetings
  • Conduct yourself in a manner that positively represents the City
  • Maintain good academic standing and attendance in school
  • Must reside within the Arlington School District or have an Arlington address

Questions, please contact Sarah Lopez at 360-403-3448.


2019-2020

  • Participated in “Vaping Train the Trainer” with Stilly Valley Health Connections
  • Presentation by Will Nelson to discuss diversity and equity
  • Planned for Stronger Together event- chalk wall and kindness tree
  • Participated in the Downtown Arlington Planning with WWU
  • Participated in Hometown Halloween with booth
  • Planned for vaping education at middle schools
  • Presentation by Rhonda Moen-AHS Intervention Specialist
  • Participated in Arlington Eagle Festival with booth

2020-2021

  • Created a Youth Resource Guide
  • Presentation from Carla Rankin, Arlington Food Bank
  • Presentation from Cocoon House
  • Presentation and feedback with Puget Sound Regional Council- transportation
  • Social media training with Portia Smith

2021-2022

  • Planned a Regional Youth Leadership Summit with Lake Stevens, Marysville, and Tulalip Youth Councils. 

About the Members

Kimberly Leach:

My name is Kimberly Leach. I am a sophomore in high school. I enjoy swimming, golf, Halloween, and I am a major “Trekie”. I play flute and bass guitar in band at my school. I have also done drama and I am part of the library advisory committee in school as well. This is my second year and I’m happy to be serving the city on this council! I think there is a lot we can accomplish and I hope I can have a real impact to help the youth in our community. 
Kathleen Azpiri:

My name is Kathleen Azpiri, and I am a junior at Arlington High School this year. I am involved in my school's Key Club, where we organize events to benefit our school and community. I also serve on the Arlington school district's Board of Equity and Diversity and collaborate with other students to make my school a better place. I also enjoy volunteering, running, and sewing in my free time. I am so excited to serve my community and make Arlington a better, more inclusive place. 

Sera Sabol:

My name is Sera Sabol, and I am a Junior at Arlington High School. This is my second year living in Arlington and serving on the Arlington Youth Council. Since I'm not originally from Arlington, I hope to provide a unique perspective to conversations on the council. Outside of school, I enjoy sports like mountain biking and running. I also enjoy photography, spending time with my family, walking my dog, and reading and watching horror movies. Once I graduate from school, I hope to pursue a career in Politics.

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