Nothing is more basic to developing responsibility than exercising it.
Many cities have youth advisory councils, but the Farmingtons are probably the first in Michigan to charter one by ordinance. As a chartered commission, the Mayors' Youth Council carries added weight, controls an operating budget, and becomes a permanent part of city government. The student group started informally at the urging of city leaders, teenagers and teachers. High school students attended meetings of the National League of Cities and Michigan Municipal League, lobbying politicians they weren't old enough to vote for. They helped get a turn signal in place in front of Harrison High School after a classmate died.