North Liberty Youth Council

The North Liberty Youth Council program invites local high school students to engage more deeply with the city, develop leadership skills, support the community through service projects and advocate for other young people in North Liberty.

Read the 2022-2023 North Liberty Youth Council’s letter to the North Liberty City Council.

Youth Council meetings are typically held on the North Liberty Community Center campus from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of the month from September to May, and include regular opportunities to engage with city staff and community leaders. The group will meet once a month in January, June and July.

Participation in the North Liberty Youth Council requires around three to six hours of service each month. This includes attending Youth Council meetings, participating in group service projects and planning and hosting Youth Council‐sponsored community engagement events and programs throughout the year.

Members of the 2023-2024 North Liberty Youth Council, with a term that runs from September 2023 to August 2024, include:

  1. Asher Bonner (Liberty)
  2. Chase Lovetinsky (CCA)
  3. Kevin Ni (Liberty)
  4. Leela Strand (Liberty)
  5. McKenna Kelley (Liberty)
  6. Megan Quinn (Liberty)
  7. Mi’niri Jurgens (Regina)
  8. Montana Duron (Liberty)
  9. Olivia Roling (CCA)
  10. Piper Kearney (Liberty)
  11. Vacant
  12. Vacant

Youth Council applications are accepted on a rolling basis while vacancies remain. Participation is open to students in grades 9 through 12. Public, private and home school students who live in North Liberty or attend school in North Liberty are eligible to apply.

We aim to be representative of the diversity of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives of the youth of North Liberty, so please take a moment to fill out our application to let us know who you are, what you’re passionate about and why you want to join the Youth Council.

Questions? Contact Outreach & Equity Coordinator Micah Ariel James at [email protected] or (319) 640‐8172.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis while vacancies remain.

2024

NLYC Youth Basketball Tournament

Sunday, Feb. 18, 12-5pm

North Liberty Recreation Center, Jones Gymnasium, FREE to attend / $5 registration per team

The North Liberty Youth Council invites junior high and high school students to participate in a co-ed, 3-on-3 basketball tournament as part of Beat the Bitter 2024. Two age divisions: 12-14 and 15-18. Registration is $5/team and payment (cash only) is due at check-in on the day of the tournament. Winning team in each age division will receive $30 in Pancheros gift cards. Register by Feb. 12.

The NLYC Youth Basketball Tournament is free to attend and tickets are not required.

Register a Team

Youth Council Storytime

Saturday, Feb. 10, 10:30-11am

North Liberty Library, FREE

Join the North Liberty Youth Council for a very special Family Storytime exploring what it means to participate in democracy as a “young citizen”. Geared toward early elementary and younger.

Banned Book Club

Monthly on the 4th Saturday beginning Jan. 27

North Liberty Library, Meeting Room CD, FREE

Join us in reading and discussing recently banned and challenged books. All teens are welcome!

Hygiene Products Drive

January 8-31

Help us help our community! The North Liberty Youth Council is collecting hygiene products to donate to the North Liberty Community Pantry. We are seeking donations of personal care items including deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, lotion, shampoo and conditioner, pads and tampons and other common toiletries.

Due to this month’s multiple winter weather disruptions and closures, the drive has been extended through January 31. Find an NLYC donation box and drop off items at the following locations in North Liberty during regular business hours:

Hills Bank
590 W. Forevergreen Rd.

Iowa LEAP
70 Circle Dr, Suite D

MidwestOne Bank
465 Hwy 965 A

North Liberty Community Center
(boxes available at the Library and the Rec Center)
520 W. Cherry St.

Area students are also invited to bring items to the NLYC donation boxes at CCA High School, Liberty High School, and Regina Junior/Senior High.

Youth Survey

Nov. 17, 2023 – Jan. 18, 2024

We want to hear from you! The North Liberty Youth Council would like to gain more insight into what the youth of North Liberty are impacted by and care about. If you are a junior high or high school student, please fill out our youth survey. Youth who complete our survey will be eligible to win one of five $10 gift cards. Winners will be selected at random and notified on Friday, Jan. 19.

2023

Pizza & Politicians

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 6-7:30pm

North Liberty Library, FREE

Are you a teen who’s curious about how local and state government work? Do you have questions for your representatives? Visit the North Liberty Library for pizza and conversation with local politicians. Speakers will include Ruthina Malone (ICCSD School Board President), Amy Nielsen (Iowa House of Representatives), Erek Sittig (North Liberty City Council Member), two members of the North Liberty Youth Council and an Iowa State Senator.

Teen Movie Night: Spider Man: No Way Home

Saturday, Aug. 19, 8pm

Centennial Park, FREE

Join the North Liberty Youth Council for a free outdoor screening of Spider-Man: No Way Home. The movie will start just after sunset (right around 8:00 p.m.). This screening is especially for teens, but people of all ages are welcome to attend. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and meet us there! Free snacks provided.

Summer Summit, a mental health and wellness gathering for teens

Saturday, July 29, 10am-2:30pm

North Liberty Community Center, FREE

High school students will learn how to develop healthy habits, manage stress, build resilience and enhance self-esteem, and well as completing QPR training, which refers to Question, Persuade and Refer, the three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide. This program is presented by the City of North Liberty in partnership with Better Way Forward, The Big O Foundation, I’m Glad You Stayed Project, the North Liberty Youth Council and United Action for Youth.

The North Liberty Youth Council would like to gain insight into what the youth of North Liberty are impacted by and care about. If you are a junior high or high school student, please fill out our short survey to let us know your thoughts.

Take the Survey

To ensure all North Liberty youth have the chance to excel by expanding equality and resources throughout the community.

A North Liberty where all people, especially youth, have the resources needed to manage their mental health and succeed in an inclusive, sustainable community.

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