Los Angeles, CA — Today, the Los Angeles City Council approved Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez’s legislation to create the Olivia Mitchell Youth Council. The council which will include two youth representatives from each council district will educate and invite their participation in their city government.
The Olivia Mitchell Youth Council will be modeled after the Youth Advisory Council established by Mayor Tom Bradly in 1974, and will guide the next generation of leaders, teaching them how local government can work for them, and how to use their voice in Los Angeles City Hall. As a member of Mayor Bradley’s Administration, Olivia Mitchell was charged with leading and nurturing the Youth Advisory Council. The impact of her dedication to empowering youth in Los Angeles can still be felt today. For more than 50 years, Olivia’s passion for mentoring young Angelenos and her love of the City of Los Angeles has inspired leaders including alumni of the program former Councilmembers Tom LaBonge and Wendy Greuel along with current Councilmembers Mark Ridley-Thomas and Paul Koretz.
“The creation of the Olivia Mitchell Youth Council provides a seat at the table for young people to learn and engage in their local government in the name of one of its truest angels of our city, Ms. Olivia Mitchell,” said Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez. “Young people have led movements on gun control, the environment and social justice. Providing them an opportunity to learn and lend their voice to local issues is critical to growing the next generation of leadership and giving them a seat at the table. As a young person that was ignited by the invitation of Mayor Bradley to participate in Student Day in Government in 1992, I know the power of youth empowerment. That early introduction ignited my passion for City service and that of countless elected and civic leaders, today with this action, we hold the door open for the next generation of Angelenos.”
Olivia has always been an advocate for every young person to reach their full potential. In honor of her commitment to youth development, service and the City of Los Angeles, Councilwoman Rodriguez’s motion directs City departments to create the Olivia Mitchell Youth Council.
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Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez serves as the City’s Chair of Public Safety and represents the 7th Council District in the Northeast San Fernando Valley which include the neighborhoods of Sylmar, Mission Hills, Pacoima, Lake View Terrace, Sunland, Tujunga, North Hills, Shadow Hills, and La Tuna Canyon.