Houston Republic

In celebration of World Children’s Day, the Mayor’s Office of Education and Youth Engagement proudly unveils “Another Step for Youth,” an informative podcast done in collaboration with the City of Houston Youth Ambassadors. This youth-led initiative aims to increase awareness and understanding of children’s rights.

As the first UNICEF-recognized Child-Friendly City in the United States, Houston continues to spearhead initiatives prioritizing the well-being of its youth. “Another Step for Youth” stands as a testament to this commitment, showcasing the voices of Houston’s youth through compelling conversations on children’s rights.

Part of the city’s ongoing efforts, the podcast aligns with City of Houston CFCI Action Plan Report (houstontx.gov), focusing on mental health, emergency preparedness, resource accessibility, and civic engagement. Previous youth-led projects spearheaded by the Mayor’s Office of Education and Youth Engagement, such as the City of Houston Youth Mental Health Guide and the Emergency Preparedness Campaign, underscore Houston’s dedication to addressing the evolving needs of its young population. The Another Step for Youth Podcast stems from community assessments conducted for the Child Friendly City Initiative, addressing the expressed need for enhanced youth participation and civic engagement opportunities.

“In launching this podcast, the city along with the Mayor’s Office of Education and Youth Engagement take another significant step in shaping a brighter future for our youth,” says Mayor Sylvester Turner. “As the first UNICEF-recognized Child-Friendly City in the United States, we will continue to pioneer innovative and meaningful platforms for Houston youth.”

In a move towards youth inclusion, the podcast facilitates intergenerational dialogues with Houston leaders from organizations like United Against Human Trafficking, Cherish Our Children, Mental Health America of Greater Houston, Alief Votes, Houston Public Library, and the Nature Conservancy. Each episode delves into the five Child Friendly City Initiative goal areas, directly linked to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Children.

“My involvement in the 'Another Step for Youth' podcast was more than just a participation; it was a statement," says Angel, a podcast host and City of Houston Youth Ambassador. "It gave me the platform to echo the perspectives of young, underrepresented voices in Houston and to highlight the importance of children's rights within our diverse city.”

The production of “Another Step for Youth” wouldn’t have been possible without the steadfast support of the Houston Community Action Council and the dedication of the City of Houston Youth Ambassadors. Their contributions in hosting, developing episode topics, creating associated artwork, and crafting content have been invaluable to the success of city initiatives and campaigns. A small celebration will take place on December 8th to commemorate this achievement.

The first episodes of “Another Step for Youth” are available now, with the remaining episodes set for release in December 2023. Join Houston in taking another significant step towards a brighter future for its youth.

To get involved in local youth engagement Houston efforts, sign up for the CFCI Houston newsletter. To connect to the Mayor’s Office of Education and Youth Engagement, please email moedu@houstontx.gov.

About the Mayor’s Office of Education and Youth Engagement

Public education is a human right, the great social equalizer, and a key to a prosperous community. Mayor Sylvester Turner believes that each generation of children should be assured a better life and education. Through collaboration, communication, and coordination, the Mayor’s Office of Education and Youth Engagement strives to ensure this goal for all families in Houston by promoting access to equitable education and opportunities.

Original source can be found here.