Monroe Teen Council

Contact

Tishia McRae, Director

Council Info
2005
31
12-17, with an alumni board of 18-23 year olds.
We are not funded through an annual budget, we keep grant and foundation-specific budgets which are project-based.
Donations, fundraising, grants, and foundations.
Twice per month for meetings, activities TBD.
Walton County Board of Education Annex and City Hall.
Mission Statement

MISSION: The Walton Youth Project’s Youth Advocacy Board provides a youth leadership model for civic-minded individuals and a voice for Walton County Youth.

VISION STATEMENT: Through the knowledge gained in leadership and community service experiences, Youth Advocacy Board members will develop their own youth-driven community service and prevention events that target the needs of Walton County teens and their families.

Code of Conduct

Members of the Walton Youth Project’s Youth Advocacy Board are expected to uphold and promote the board's mission and vision, actively participating in meetings, events, and activities. They should take initiative in planning and leading community service projects while being positive role models, demonstrating integrity and ethical behavior. Respect for all members and partners is essential, fostering an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and collaboration. Members should complete tasks on time, and communicate promptly if commitments cannot be met. They should represent the board professionally, advocate for Walton County teens and families, and seek continuous personal growth through leadership and skill-building opportunities. Maintaining honesty, transparency, accountability, respecting confidentiality, and addressing conflicts constructively are also key expectations. This code of conduct ensures alignment with the board’s mission while fostering a respectful and productive environment.

Selection Process

The selection process for the Walton Youth Project’s Youth Advocacy Board is designed to identify civic-minded individuals who are passionate about leadership and community service. The process typically begins with an open application period, where interested teens from Walton County are invited to apply. Applicants submit an application that includes responses to questions about their interest in youth advocacy, leadership experience, and commitment to community service.

After the initial application review, selected candidates may be invited for an interview with the board’s leadership and community stakeholders. Final selections are made based on a combination of the application, interview performance, and the candidate's demonstrated commitment to the values of leadership, service, and advocacy. Successful applicants are then invited to join the Youth Advocacy Board, where they will have the opportunity to develop and lead community service and prevention events, representing the voice of Walton County youth.

Do youth council members attend schools in the city or county or both? Are members enrolled in private school or home schooled?

Both.

Yes.

City department responsible for overseeing the council

The mayor’s office

Does group act as an advisory committee for your City Council and/or County Commission

Yes.

Does group participate in overnight events?

No.

Words of advice to share with cities considering the establishment of a youth council

Prioritize empowering young voices by giving them real decision-making authority and ensuring their perspectives are heard. Provide strong mentorship to guide their efforts, while allowing them to lead and innovate. Focus on diversity and inclusion to reflect the entire community, do not stack your board with high-achieving resume padders or kids with many extra-curriculars. Some of our best members have participated in our board as their only extracurricular. All perspectives will benefit the group greatly, in addition to giving teens diversity among their friends and co-workers. Don’t push an adult agenda, try to make their ideas work, and accept that sometimes they fail. Engage the council in meaningful projects that have tangible impacts. Plan for long-term sustainability with clear structures by making sure they understand how the money works. Celebrate their successes publicly, but let the shy kids fall into the background if they’d like. Let everyone do what they’re good at, instead of having an idea of what a “perfect member” looks like. It’s not our job to push, but to encourage. Collaborate with local organizations to amplify their efforts and integrate their work into broader community initiatives. Investing in a youth council is investing in the future leaders of your city.

Event Description

The Walton Lip Sync Battle was an incredible event that not only showcased local talent but also made a significant impact on our community. The event successfully raised $5,000, benefiting a local school's theater program, as well as several vital charities in our county, including the Humane Society, Habitat for Humanity, and others. Trophies and cash awards were presented to the winners, with the first-place performers being from The Bridge of Georgia, a special needs school in Monroe, GA.

The event was a true community effort, bringing together local businesses, teachers, and individuals from all walks of life. Participants included members from our local CrossFit gym and the Boys and Girls Club, adding a unique and diverse flavor to the competition. We had a local personality host our red carpet introduction, food trucks and vendors also joined us, adding to our sense of unity and shared purpose.

In addition to the entertainment, the Walton Lip Sync Battle served as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when youth rally together. It wasn’t just about the performances; it was about the connections made, the causes supported, and the impact felt across Walton County. The night was a shining example of how creativity and community spirit can come together to make a difference, leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to benefit our local charities and schools for years to come.