By Sama Allam

Youth Town Hall is basically what its name sounds like: a Town Hall, but for youth. Every year during a designated month, teenagers from all over Tempe meet to discuss and solve important issues that the youth in the city of Tempe face. Two Tempe Prep sophomores, Brooke Kirk and Violeta Panayotova, speak of their experiences as members of this year’s Youth Town Hall.

Furthermore, Violeta, who participated in the youth employment committee, speaks on the benefits of participating in Youth Town Hall: “It gets people to think outside of the box, especially if you are in a committee that you don’t know much about.” Despite disliking public speaking, Violeta speaks highly of her experience of the program, highlighting the importance of speaking up and being heard, and in turn listening to others. “This program gives a chance for everyone’s ideas to be heard and there is no judgement.”

Brooke shares her experience in Youth Town Hall as well, retaining a positive outlook. “I would recommend this program to everyone, but especially those that love getting involved.”

Despite their young age, Tempe Youth Town Hall members create change and defeat the stereotype that youth cannot play a powerful part in representing their community. Both Brooke and Violeta left Youth Town Hall in high spirits and urge all Tempe youth to play an active role in their town. It is the youth’s duty to bring about the change they wish to see in their communities.