‘Enthusiasm can drive real, lasting change’: How Decatur’s Youth Council is shaping the community

Taking the issues and projects that young people believe in, the Mayor’s Youth Council, advised by Jamie Gephart, community coordinator for the City of Decatur, is demonstrating the impact that the next generation can have on the community. 

“The Mayor’s Youth Council’s vision is to empower young adults of Decatur with unique leadership and service opportunities to benefit the youth and the City of Decatur as a whole,” Gephart explains.

Established in 2022, the council initially had 11 members. This year, the council has expanded to 20 members, a sign of growing interest in community participation.

“The members provide a voice for the young adults of the City of Decatur to local government by engaging with the community and performing service-learning projects,” Gephart says.

Participation in the Mayor’s Youth Council offers students experiences and skills that extend far beyond the program itself. Students have the opportunity to serve on committees that represent their chosen issues, as well as attend various city council, park board, and economic development meetings. Gephart shares that these opportunities are both educational and efficient. 

“This hands-on involvement teaches them how decisions are made at the city level, encourages civic engagement, and helps build skills in leadership, teamwork, public speaking, and problem-solving,” she adds. 

Additionally, students have the opportunity to earn service hours, participate in volunteer activities, and attend various community events. Gephart says that these experiences are useful for instilling pride in their community, as well as strengthening their resumes. 

“These experiences not only help strengthen college applications and job resumes but also give them a deeper understanding of how their contributions can impact their community,” she says, “Skills and values that carry over into school, future careers, and lifelong civic involvement.”

Working with the community has also helped the council develop a relationship with the local government, as well as community members. Gephart says this group of students has had a large impact on the people they work with. 

“The council’s involvement in community events and beautification efforts has been well-received, and many residents appreciate seeing young people actively engaged in making a positive impact on Decatur,” she says, “Their enthusiasm and fresh ideas continue to inspire and bring energy to our city projects.”

Throughout the years, the council has worked on various projects, as each one is determined by the interests and issues that the current council strongly believes in. Not all issues evolve into projects, but Gephart says their recognition of issues sparks meaningful conversations and changes across the community. 

“Their input has sparked improvements in local parks, brought attention to traffic safety concerns, and helped shape broader conversations about youth needs in Decatur,” she explains. “Even when projects are carried out by other city departments or committees, the students’ voices are being heard by key stakeholders, showing them that their ideas matter and can lead to real progress.”

One example of this is the council’s Beautification Program, which is working to support the improvement of Decatur’s visual appeal and revitalization. The project is funded by a $15,000 annual budget from the City Council and helps homeowners to improve their properties. Currently, in its second year, Gephart says this program has proved to be of interest to the community.

“The program has already supported over 50 property owners in making visible, positive changes to their homes,” she says.

The Beautification Program operates as a matching grant program, offering up to $500 for a $1,000 project, or up to $750 for a project worth $1,500 if submitted jointly with an immediate neighbor. 

Multiple improvements are eligible under this program, including landscaping, home exterior maintenance, and plant care. Gephart reports that community members who have utilized this project are happy with the outcomes and are appreciative of the work that the Youth Council is putting in. 

“The response from the community has been incredibly positive,” she says. “Residents are grateful for the assistance, and the program is helping foster a stronger sense of pride and care in Decatur’s neighborhoods.”

The Youth Council’s input has directly impacted recent projects and created a lasting impact on the community.

“We’ve seen incredible progress from the Mayor’s Youth Council, and it continues to reinforce how vital it is to listen to the voices of our youth and young adults,” she adds. “Their perspectives help shape a city that is not only responsive to their needs but also more welcoming to families and future generations.”

Gephart says allowing youth to find their place in the community and better understand how they can create that impact is important.

“Many recent projects have become more impactful simply because we took the time to listen and collaborate,” she says. “When young people are given a seat at the table, their ideas and enthusiasm can drive real, lasting change. This council has proven that with guidance and opportunity, our youth are more than capable of leading positive growth in Decatur.”