The inaugural Youth Summit will be held on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building, 400 Main Street. 

The Mayor’s Youth Council will host and lead the discussion at the event, which will convene young people ages 13-18 to discuss and identify viable solutions for four major issues affecting our city and its residents: community and civic engagement, mental health, violence prevention and homelessness. The day will conclude with participants presenting their ideas to elected officials, local leaders, teachers, parents and other community members who would like to attend. 

“The Youth Summit is an opportunity for young people to meet other engaged citizens their age and, in one day, brainstorm tangible solutions to important issues that challenge our community,” says Emily Norris, the City’s Youth Engagement Coordinator.
 
“Young people are idealists and problem solvers,” Norris says. “They don’t have to wait until they’re old enough to vote to make change in our city. They can influence the decisions and inform elected officials about their priorities and the changes and improvements they want to see in their community.” 

Since its formation in May 2021, the Youth Council has met regularly to learn about municipal services, collaborate with peers and youth-serving nonprofit organizations, and create a strategic plan focusing on the issues deemed of highest importance to Knoxville’s young people.

The Mayor’s Youth Council consists of up to 16 young people who share a desire to be more involved with local government and decision making.

The Youth Summit is open to all Knoxville residents ages 13 - 18 with an interest in civic and community engagement and creative problem solving. 

Registration is free and open now at https://bit.ly/RegisterYouthSummit; participants under 18 are asked to include a guardian’s name and contact information. 

Click here for more information about the Mayor’s Youth Council.