The Governor’s Youth Commission (GYC) was originally created in 1989 as the Governor’s Youth Commission Against Drugs. The GYC’s responsibilities have expanded from year to year, focusing on such areas as volunteerism, service-learning, leadership, civic engagement, and substance abuse prevention. 

Currently, the purpose of the GYC is to advise the Governor and the Governor’s Office for Children, Youth and Families on issues affecting youth in Arizona. Through research and service projects, the GYC’s goal is to make youth policy recommendations to the Governor on issues related to substance abuse prevention, youth homelessness, education, and domestic violence prevention.

The mission of the GYC is to promote youth volunteerism and service learning, to increase awareness of community issues, and to enhance civic participation.

The GYC envisions Arizona’s empowered youth living in a healthy, safe environment while actively serving their communities.

Accomplishments

1. Released a policy report, “Addressing the Issues of Today’s Youth,” on June 17, 2009.
2. Awarded the 2008 Youth Education & Enforcement – Outstanding Enforcement award from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and Mother’s Against Drunk Driving.
3. Since 2007, have hosted Youth Leadership Day, an event attended by nearly 250 members representing over 30 different youth organizations each year for a day of civic participation. Youth attended skill development workshops, were informed of leadership opportunities, and had the opportunity to meet with Governor’s Cabinet members and agency officials.
4. Facilitated an underage drinking prevention workshop at the 10th Annual National Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.
5. Administered a $40,000 Alcohol Retailer Mapping in Proximity to Youth Mini-Grant.
6. Conducted six focus groups which invited parents from across Arizona to discuss issues related to youth and alcohol. The data collected was used in the Underage Drinking in Arizona Data Findings 2007 Report and helped to develop a statewide media campaign.
7. Learned how to make policy recommendations and how to approach youth issues through expert speakers from Arizona State University’s Morrison Institute for Public Policy, the Governor’s Division for Children, the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and Children’s Action Alliance.
8. Was an integral part of the launching of Draw the Line, a statewide media campaign directed at changing adult attitudes and behaviors towards underage drinking.

Executive Committee

Committee on Education

Committee to Prevent Domestic Violence

Committee on Juvenile Justice and Substance Abuse Prevention

Committee on Youth Experiencing Homelessness

14th Annual Governor’s National and Community Service Conference

Draw the Line

Forms