How was the Philadelphia Youth Commission established?
Realizing the impact youth commissions were making in other urban cities, PYC was born out of the activism of a few passionate youth. After partnering with Philadelphia Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY), they lobbied City Council to support the creation of PYC. Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown believed in PYC’s mission and sponsored legislation that put a Youth Commission Initiative on the 2007 ballot. Determined to ensure the Initiative passed, these young people formed the Working Group, a collection of politically active youth from all corners of Philadelphia. Thanks to PCCY and Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, the measure passed successfully garnering 75% of the vote. The Philadelphia Youth Commission began service on January 1, 2008.
