What:

A diverse group of students that meet regularly to think through various issues, identify potential action and engage in advocacy with and on behalf of the class, building, or district they represent.

How to do it:

1. Define the goals of the student advisory council including how they will relate to the larger group they represent (e.g. school, district, etc).

2. Define parameters for who may be a part of the student council (e.g age, academic requirements, diversity, etc.).

3. Communicate purpose, process to staff, students and families.

4. Recruit potential applicants.

5. Provide an orientation to members of the advisory council.

6. Student council identifies their leader and agrees upon the format and content of their work.

7. Student council works on priorities and actions.

8. Student council has clear communication with larger organizing body.

Things to Consider:

• When developing the student council it is important to recruit participants from a broad range of diverse identities.

• It may be helpful to address logistical considerations such as transportation, potential stipends, provision of food, etc. to support optimal youth engagement.

• See the linked toolkit below for in depth steps to consider as well as templates of various documents to support the development of a youth council.

• This process elevates student voice and puts students in the lead of making change. Adult partners need to support that process so students can see and feel action or they will lose interest.

Take It to the Next Level:

Leveling Up Towards the Leadership End of the Spectrum of Student Voice-Oriented Activity

• Engage students in co-creating roles, responsibilities, and goals.

• Consider how students can provide leadership from facilitating meetings, recruiting future members, and sharing in on-boarding activities.

• Create clear structures to communicate council work broadly across the school or district. Be clear about engaging decision-makers to ensure student input is actionable.