The city’s Youth Advisory Board has chosen its officers for 2017-2018.
Officers are:
- Abi Fukuyama, president
- Gabriel Williams, vice president
- Isabelle Hammond, secretary
Fukuyama is a student at Kellogg Community College, Williams at Battle Creek Central, and Hammond at Lakeview High School.
The YAB is comprised of local young people, ages 14 to 20, and is empowered to set its own agenda, addressing and acting on issues of its choosing related to the youth voice and making Battle Creek a better place for young people.
The group’s stated purpose is “to create a city where the youth and elder generations will come together to share a friendly environment and formulate solutions to the everyday problems facing Battle Creek, together and with respect to different ideas.”
The YAB meets monthly, typically on the fourth Sunday, at the Southwestern Michigan Urban League, 172 W. Van Buren St.
City staff often attend meetings to present information and discuss various topics with the group. In September, IT Director Charles Norton shared his staff’s work in cybersecurity, an issue of interest to the students.
Members are encouraged to attend City Commission and other community meetings, to let their voices be heard on the various issues up for discussion. This year, the attending member at City Commission meetings sits on the dais with city staff. Members also spend time volunteering for various causes throughout the year.
City Commissioners Lynn Ward Gray and Andy Helmboldt serve as liaisons to the board in an advisory role.
Contact and learn more about the YAB at yabbcmi@gmail.com.