The Park Human Rights Commission is currently searching for a youth member, according to Chair Sara Wilhelm Garbers. Garbers said a youth presence on the board is important to give the city a youth perspective on issues, especially from a diverse place like Saint Louis Park High School.

“Having age diversity as leaders of all ages is important. I think you all at the high school are in a context that represents who Park really is, in terms of being students across St. Louis Park, all interacting and having a sense of what’s going on,” Garbers said. “Having a student at the high school can provide a particular perspective of different communities and give insight that we might not otherwise have.”

Junior Ellie Muis said youth participation in government should be taken seriously.

“We should be taken seriously because as youth we are the future.” Muis said.

Garbers said the Commission advises and recommends actions to the City council on all policy matters related to human rights and takes action in the community.

“The (HRC)’s role is to serve in an advisory capacity for City Council efforts, initiatives or issues related to human rights. We also do work related to advocacy, human rights concerns or violations that come up,” Garbers said. “For instance, the summer after the Filando Castiel verdict as it related to officer Yanez, we hosted a community conversation. Overall we try to support our legacy of human rights in Park.”

Garbers explained the application process includes submitting an online application and possibly an interview.

“If someone is interested they can just follow the link, it’s just a pretty brief application to let us know a little bit about who you are,” Garbers said. “We do an initial review of all the applications and it may involve having an in-person meeting about why you’re interested.”

Junior Caitlin Arf said she believes youth should always have the opportunity to provide input to issues which affect them.

“Especially with issues that affect youth in particular, like education, it is important that youth have a say,” Arf said.

Garbers said being on the commission will give a student the ability to network, express leadership and witness and influence methods the city is using to stride towards racial equity.

“Using one’s voice, having the ability to be a leader and have cultivating influence in the broader community is a huge benefit. (The HRC is) also a great opportunity get a peek into some ways that the city and Minnesota are working on specific human rights issues,”Garbers said. “There’s also opportunities to co-influence, we’ve had some meeting recently with the Park Police to work on issues of policing and racial equity for example.”

Garbers said the HRC is focused on racial equity and open to any Park issues a youth would like to bring to the table.

“The city itself is looking at substantial racial equity issues, and we’re committed to work with the larger city. We want to be responsive to any issues that arise, so that’s an opportunity if a student has a particular passion or sense something going on we’re not doing a good job dealing with, their advocacy work can lead us there.” Garbers said.

According to Garbers, the application and more information can be found on the city of St. Louis Park Website, and the member position is open until filled.