The Advisory Commission on Youth frequently accomplishes its work through chartering committees to conduct research, make recommendations, and/or to produce work on behalf of the ACOY. These branches of ACOY offer regular opportunities for additional community participation, input and involvement. The work of these committees is driven by need or opportunity, with some projects requiring ongoing work, and others being shorter term in nature. Following is a sample listing of some of the typical ACOY committees.
Teen-Centered Network Committee
The Loudoun County Teen-Centered Network Committee is working towards the creation of an integrated system of TeenCenters and teen services that reflect teen input and feature programming that is attractive to LoudounCounty teens. This programming will offer a comprehensive selection of fun, leisure, cultural, and social opportunities. The Teen Centers will serve as “hubs” for the teen network, with integrated and coordinated services provided by diverse sources including faith-based, non-profit, business, LoudounCounty government, LCPS and community organizations. The services provided within this network will be open and available to all LoudounCounty youth, will include the youth in planning and leadership, and will be ongoing and offered year round, with the scope of the programs representing the fullest continuum of services that contribute to the healthy development of youth.
Youth Fest Committee
The Youth Fest Committee is formed to plan and implement the annual Youth Fest event. The committee is charged with creating a countywide event that will incorporate fun and community, while providing information and outreach on prevention and healthy youth development for all of the teenagers of LoudounCounty. The target audience for this event are middle and high school age youth. The Youth Fest Committee is made up of adult and teen volunteers, representing diverse organizations and interests, as well as Loudoun Youth Initiative staff. Numerous subcommittees are formed to effectively manage the various areas of responsibility in a countywide event of this scope.
Step-Up Loudoun Committee
The Step Up Loudoun Planning Committee is responsible for planning and coordinating this signature event. Step Up is a youth-focused event that identifies youth and community priorities, and helps create enthusiasm and momentum towards making LoudounCounty the best place to grow up. This event provides opportunities for examining the priorities, influencing the strategies adopted for addressing the priorities, and for participating in the development of action plans. Step Up encourages active engagement in youth-identified programs and services, and brings the diverse components of the community together, to include public and private schools, government, nonprofit, faith-based, community and business organizations, as well as the youth of LoudounCounty.
Respect and Healthy Living Committee
The Bullying and Substance Abuse Prevention Committee is focused on creating and coordinating the delivery of activities and services that complement the existing prevention services offered through the various youth serving organizations in the county. Two of the primary goals include the following:
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Confront the challenges faced by Loudoun's youth with respect to the detrimental effects of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
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Address the issues of "bullying" and "peer intimidation" and their effects on members of Loudoun's youth communities.