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Who says youth do not have a voice in Redmond! The Redmond Youth
Partnership Advisory Committee (RYPAC) is the voice for youth which
is made up of youth and adults who help shape programs for our
community. RYPAC is a unique board made up of youth and adults who
focus on three areas of interest: recreation, youth voice, and
service. With the help of the RYPAC coordinator, the committee
creates, implements, and supports program they feel best represents
the needs and interests of Redmond’s youth. The commitment is only a
few hours a month so come and get involved in being an active part
of your community. RYPAC is open to youth ages 13-19 and adults who
reside, work, or attend school in Redmond.
In the 1990s, the City of Redmond conducted a series of focus groups
and surveys to learn about the community’s thoughts on youth
programs and services. The surveys indicated that Redmond teenagers
felt undervalued and unchallenged. In response to the survey
results, in 1996, the Redmond Youth Partnership (RYP), a task force
comprised of youth and adult community members was established. RYP
began to address these concerns with the mission of being a voice
for young people and to promoting a community where youth are valued
and involved. In 2003 the City of Redmond had the opportunity to
take RYP under the Parks and Recreation Department, forming the new
Redmond Youth Partnership Advisory Committee while maintaining a
similar mission of youth voice and empowerment.
RYPAC’s purpose, under the direction of the City of Redmond, is to
be a voice for young people and to promote a community where youth
are valued and involved by providing opportunities for youth to
develop leadership abilities and interest in volunteerism through
participation in the creation and delivery of projects within the
community.
Be a part of the change! Get involved
in RYPAC!
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