November 14, 2024
Sara Baxter
Sometimes to make things work, you just have to get out of the way. That’s the approach Ringgold City Council Member Rhonda Swaney decided to take when she realized the newly-formed Youth Council she was overseeing just wasn’t working as planned.
Full Story
October 18, 2024
By Alia Hoyt
To better engage Georgia’s youth, a number of police and fire departments across the state have developed programs that are both educational and extremely fun for the often difficult-to-reach teenaged sect.
Full Story
June 10, 2024
Metro Atlanta Cities Wellbeing Initiative
Throughout the Metro-Atlanta Cities Wellbeing Initiative, the City of Atlanta utilized data to create an action plan aimed at addressing youth violence by improving access to essential needs for community members. To achieve this, the city partnered with The DEN at Jean Childs Young Middle School in Atlanta.
Full Story
March 1, 2023
Chris Floore, Chief Communications Officer, Macon-Bibb County
“Love is the main thing” is now painted on a retaining wall along Main Street, just down from the Mill Hill East Macon Arts Village, thanks to about 20 students on break from seven schools.
Full Story
January 18, 2023
Sara Baxter
An innovative new program from Georgia City Solutions encourages mayors get out into the community and read to children, promoting literacy and community engagement.
Full Story
November 1, 2022
Sara Baxter
The City of Clarkston has found that collaboration is key in finding ways to engage the community with the goal of improving early childhood learning.
Full Story
During GMA's April 12, 2022, Cities Connect call, Dr. Randell E. Trammell, CEO of the Georgia Center for Civic Engagement (GCCE), shared key data points on youth and civic engagement, how cities and officials can get youth engaged now, and a how GCCE engages with Georgia students to increase positive civic outcomes.
Full Story
March 3, 2022
National League of Cities
New survey results from the National League of Cities (NLC) find that mayors, city councilmembers, and other municipal leaders across the country overwhelmingly believe that afterschool and summer learning programs are important strategies to utilize as the nation continues on a path to pandemic recovery.
Full Story
November 1, 2021
Rebecca Rice and Elizabeth Turner, Georgia Family Connection Partnership
What do young people need from their communities? How can decision-makers change local systems to better support younger constituents? What can adults do to ensure youth have the desire and information they need to become active, contributing members of their communities now—and in the future?
Full Story
August 26, 2021
Sara Baxter
Strides have been made in the areas of youth engagement and tackling the challenges that plague youth. But cities need to work together and forge partnerships for continued success in this area.
Full Story
July 19, 2021
Sara Baxter
Two communities found a way to involve their youngest citizens. One uses town hall meetings designed just for kids while the other used an art initiative. The result, increased engagement.
Full Story
July 19, 2021
Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network
This report includes recommendations developed to strengthen the infrastructure and quality of metro Atlanta’s summer learning landscape, increase and coordinate funding, and serve the needs of the whole child. Although the report is metro-Atlanta specific, it can be used as a framework by communities across the state.
Full Story
June 21, 2021
Sara Baxter
Walking in Authority Teen Council teaches Clayton County’s youth leadership, civic engagement, networking and much more.
Full Story
Today's youth face a litany of challenges on their way to adulthood. In addition to peer pressure, kids also face mental health and disconnection challenges. The good news is that there are things adults can do to help – both individually and through organizations and programs – to address and alleviate these challenges.
Full Story
April 22, 2021
Sara Baxter
Youth engagement programs can come in many shapes and sizes and are vital to youth development.
Full Story
March 22, 2021
Sara Baxter
Promoting literacy helps protect the health, well-being and economy of communities, and it’s a great way to engage young readers.
Full Story
February 22, 2021
Sara Baxter
Plagued by the challenges of looming retirements, a competitive job market and compensation issues, city governments are finding ways to cultivate their own employees.
Full Story
January 19, 2021
Sara Baxter
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson has worked with young people and led the Chatham County Youth Commission for more than 25 years. Here he shares some advice for other communities.
Full Story
December 18, 2020
Sara Baxter
If children are engaged and connected in quality afterschool and summer care, everybody wins.
Full Story
November 30, 2020
Sara Baxter
Access to quality child care not only helps children and their families; it can also be a strong economic development tool for cities.
Full Story
October 26, 2020
Sara Baxter
Youth in Dublin have a chance to learn about city government, participate in the court system and gain valuable job experience – all before they’re 18.
Full Story
September 24, 2020
Sara Baxter
Innovative program educates youth on the dangers of joining gangs and gives them tools for a better life.
Full Story