Meet Layla, a high school junior who is a passionate student and a committed NC InCK Youth Council member. At school, she is actively involved in the Art Club, Student Government, and Debate Club. Additionally, she is a dedicated member of the National FFA Organization, National Honor Society, and Girl Scouts, where she engages in numerous community projects. With three years of experience on the NC InCK Youth Council, Layla joined to connect with like-minded peers who share her dedication to positive change. Most of all, she believes in amplifying the often-overlooked voices of adolescents and young adults. Hear more from Layla below.
Responses have been edited for clarity and readability.
How has the Youth Council encouraged you to collaborate with other young people to better understand their experiences?
Layla: Being a NC InCK Youth Council member encouraged me to come out of my shell and start conversations with new people. During meetings, I feel comfortable exchanging ideas with other like-minded students and hearing about their own experiences and opinions.
How have monthly Youth Council meetings impacted your understanding of child and family-led community programs and partners?
Layla: Through Youth Council meetings, I have become more informed about things like community programs that I would not have learned otherwise. Increased awareness about these resources has allowed me to fully appreciate their impact.
How does the Youth Council help NC InCK incorporate the adolescent and youth-adult experience into their decision making?
Layla: The Youth Council does everything in its power to include the voices of the adolescents and youth who will be engaged in the NC InCK model. It is important that we include the opinions and experiences of those who are actually dealing with the problems we hope to solve. Without this perspective, it is impossible to know what will truly help these individuals. Everyone’s voice needs to be heard.