BOSTON, May 27, 2014—Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley has extended the application period for his Youth Advisory Council in order to allow more young leaders the opportunity to provide input on policy, legislation, and crime-fighting strategies affecting young people.

Conley began seeking teens from Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop to staff the 21-member council nearly two weeks ago.  Today, he announced that the application deadline would be extended an additional month from May 23 to June 23.

“Since inviting Suffolk County youth to apply for the panel, we’ve heard from so many talented young people from diverse backgrounds and experiences who all have one thing in common: they are dedicated to improving their communities through their hard work and leadership.  In extending the application deadline, we’re encouraging young people from every school in Suffolk County to take an active role in addressing issues they see in their neighborhoods and the world at large,” Conley said.

Applicants to the Youth Advisory Council should be entering their sophomore or junior years of high school this fall and represent all walks of life. Conley is casting a broad net for potential members, drawing candidates from schools in Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop; Action for Boston Community Development, Inc.; the Talented and Gifted Latino Program, which serves high school students at UMass Boston; the Children’s Services of Roxbury’s Youth and Police in Partnership program; and other sources.

“A position on the Youth Advisory Council requires initiative, dedication, and the drive to better your community,” Conley said. “Young people today have strong opinions and creative approaches to solving problems. It’s important for them to know that adults are listening, and it’s important for us to get that input.”

The Youth Advisory Council will meet regularly with the DA, members of his senior staff, and other interested adults who will help them identify issues of importance to area youth, develop policy recommendations, testify on legislative initiatives, and more. Their most urgent activity will relate to gun violence, dating violence, and substance abuse, but they will be encouraged to study and address other issues as well. Academic credit for participation will be determined by the student’s school and the council will provide valuable volunteer experience for prospective college students.

Students, educators, and others are invited to download the SCDA Youth Advisory Council Application, complete it, and submit it to Legislative Director Fatima Breton by US Mail at One Bulfinch Place, Boston, MA 02114 by or email at Fatima.Breton@massmail.state.ma.us.

–30–

All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.