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 GYC is to advise the Governor and the Governor’s Office for Children, Youth and Families on issues affecting youth in Arizona. Through research and service projects, the GYC’s goal is to make youth policy recommendations to the Governor on issues related to substance abuse prevention, youth homelessness, education, and domestic violence prevention.

The mission of the GYC is to promote youth volunteerism and service learning, to increase awareness of community issues, and to enhance civic participation.

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

Accomplishments

• Administered a $40,000 Alcohol Retailer Mapping in Proximity to Youth Mini-Grant.
• Facilitated a workshop at the 10th Annual National Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.
• Planned and hosted the 3rd Annual Youth Leadership Day, an event which allowed nearly 250 members representing over 30 different youth organizations to gather at the Phoenix Convention Center and learn about civic participation.
• Learned about the public policy making process and Arizona’s policies on substance abuse prevention, youth homelessness, education and domestic violence through guest speakers.
• Launched the Draw the Line campaign, a statewide media campaign directed at changing adult attitudes and behaviors towards underage drinking.
• Conducted underage drinking prevention informational sessions at parent organization meetings.
• Recruited schools to administer the Arizona Youth Survey.
• Successfully participated in Covert Underage Buyers (CUBs) details with Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control officials.
• Participated in the Governor’s 14th Annual National and Community Service Conference.
• Awarded the Youth Education & Enforcement – Outstanding Enforcement award from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and Mother’s Against Drunk Driving.

Executive Committee

Committee on Education

Committee to Prevent Domestic Violence

Committee on Substance Abuse Prevention

Committee on Youth Experiencing Homelessness

14th Annual Governor’s National and Community Service Conference

Draw the Line

Forms