title: Somerville Youth Council.
abstract: In fall 2004, after many years of discussion, the Somerville Youth Council started. Its mission is to create an ongoing process of discussion, critical thinking, and problem solving to develop solutions to the challenges that youth encounter. In order to be an effective voice for youth, the Somerville Youth Council will have a diverse membership, develop expectations of mutual understanding and respect, and ensure that the means of communication builds bridges between youth, decision makers, and all others in Somerville. Owadokun, one of the council founders, has since moved to Nigeria, where she is forming a youth council in her community. Avilés is an active Youth Council youth member.
authors.affiliation: Massachusetts Association for Portuguese Speakers, USA.
authors.forename: Remi Manoela
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Owadokun
authors.forename: Pearlie
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Avilés
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D016497:Adolescent Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D000328:Adult; D018672:Community Health Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019058:Community Networks; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003469:Culture; D003657:Decision Making; D006801:Humans; D008404:Massachusetts; D009147:Music Therapy; D011340:Problem Solving; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support