The Governor’s Youth Commission (GYC) was originally created in 1989 as the Governor’s Youth Commission Against Drugs. The GYC’s responsibilities have expanded from year to year, focusing on such areas as volunteerism, service-learning, leadership, civic engagement, and substance abuse prevention. 

Currently, the purpose of the  Governor’s Youth Commission is to address issues that affect youth in Arizona which may result in making recommendations to the Governor’s Office for Children, Youth and Families.

The mission of the Governor’s Youth Commission is to promote healthier communities through youth volunteerism and service learning, increased awareness of community issues affecting youth and civic participation.

The GYC envisions Arizona’s empowered youth living in a healthy, safe environment while actively serving their communities.

Accomplishments

1. Released a policy report, “Addressing the Issues of Today’s Youth,” on June 17, 2009.
2. Awarded the 2008 Youth Education & Enforcement – Outstanding Enforcement award from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and Mother’s Against Drunk Driving.
3. Since 2007, have hosted Youth Leadership Day, an event attended by nearly 250 members representing over 30 different youth organizations each year for a day of civic participation. Youth attended skill development workshops, were informed of leadership opportunities, and had the opportunity to meet with Governor’s Cabinet members and agency officials.
4. Facilitated an underage drinking prevention workshop at the 10th Annual National Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.
5. Administered a $40,000 Alcohol Retailer Mapping in Proximity to Youth Mini-Grant.
6. Conducted six focus groups which invited parents from across Arizona to discuss issues related to youth and alcohol. The data collected was used in the Underage Drinking in Arizona Data Findings 2007 Report and helped to develop a statewide media campaign.
7. Learned how to make policy recommendations and how to approach youth issues through expert speakers from Arizona State University’s Morrison Institute for Public Policy, the Governor’s Division for Children, the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and Children’s Action Alliance.
8. Was an integral part of the launching of Draw the Line, a statewide media campaign directed at changing adult attitudes and behaviors towards underage drinking.