Recommendations
On Policies that Impact the Youths of Vermont
February 11, 2026
Founded in 2022 by Act 109, the Vermont State Youth Council is a group of 28 youth aged 11 to 18, from all walks of life. The Council further consists of five subcommittees: Equity and Anti-Racism, Climate Change, Youth Voice, Youth Mental Health, and Education. Committees are tasked with the creation of recommendations related to their focus, which are then voted on by the whole Council. From there, the Council is tasked with providing these recommendations to Vermont’s Governor and General Assembly, alongside recommendations on specific topics such as “the preservation of Vermont’s traditions and the future of Vermont’s rural character, activities, and professions” as well as “the participation of young persons in Vermont’s economy and keeping young Vermonters in the state.”
Over the past few years, the Council has held a public hearing, sent multiple surveys to Vermont youth, written and revised bylaws, and presented to the General Assembly and the Governor on two occasions. This year, we have moved forward with a new strategy for recommendation creation and presentation, which will better align with the legislative biennium. This strategy consists of presenting recommendations at the start of the legislative biennium, leaving the latter half of the biennium as time to connect with legislators, write bills, and provide testimony. The Council has also been ramping up its outreach to youth constituents, and is planning to hold several public hearings during and after the current legislative session.
The Council has been a key player in providing a platform for youth voice in government. It has allowed youth to have a real impact on each other and their futures as the leaders of tomorrow. The recommendations provided by the Council herein are a reflection of the most pressing issues affecting Vermont youth today.
Respectfully submitted,
Aiden B. Otterman
Chair