LA PLATA, Md. — Young people across Southern Maryland have a new opportunity to make their voices heard and help shape the communities they call home.
LifeStyles of Maryland has announced the launch of its new Youth Advisory Board, a one-year leadership and community-engagement program open to students in grades 6 through 12 from Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties.
Applications are now being accepted through Sept. 8. Students interested in participating can apply at https://lifestylesofmd.org/yab.
The Youth Advisory Board will give students a forum to share their experiences and perspectives on issues affecting young people and families throughout Southern Maryland. Members will discuss community needs, offer ideas that can help inform LifeStyles programs and outreach, participate in service opportunities and connect with community leaders.
Topics could include mental health and wellness, school safety, bullying, homelessness, food insecurity, transportation, access to activities and resources, and other issues identified by the students themselves.
“Young people have valuable perspectives on the challenges facing their schools, their families and their communities, and too often decisions are made without asking them what they think,” said LifeStyles CEO Sandy Washington. “The Youth Advisory Board is our way of making sure those voices have a place at the table. We want to listen to their ideas, learn from their experiences and give them opportunities to help create positive change across Southern Maryland.”
During their one-year terms, members will also work together to identify, plan and complete at least one youth-led community service or awareness project focused on an issue they believe deserves attention.
The experience is designed to help students develop skills in leadership, communication, teamwork, public speaking, project planning and problem-solving while gaining firsthand experience creating change in their communities. Members will receive documented community-service hours and may also have opportunities for recognition and letters of recommendation.
Youth Advisory Board members will meet twice each month for approximately 90 minutes. Meetings will include a combination of in-person sessions at the LifeStyles office in La Plata and virtual meetings via Zoom.
Students selected to move forward in the application process will participate in an interview with LifeStyles. Members of the inaugural Youth Advisory Board are expected to be notified by Sept. 30.
About LifeStyles of Maryland
LifeStyles of Maryland is a community-anchored nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals and families as they navigate housing insecurity, financial crisis and the challenges that place them at risk of homelessness. Through street outreach, emergency assistance, supportive housing, health and wellness services and year-round food access programs, LifeStyles provides the resources and relationships people need to regain stability and build a pathway toward long-term independence.
Rooted in compassion and committed to transformation, LifeStyles ensures that every person — regardless of circumstance — has access to safety, dignity and the opportunity to thrive.