Mayor's Youth Leaders in Action

The City of Virginia Beach Mayor’s Youth Leaders in Action (MYLA) is a group of thirty (30) socially, economically and ethnically diverse middle and high school youth from across the city. The group was created with the belief that young people, if given the opportunity, could be meaningfully and successfully involved in making and impacting decisions that affect their lives. They work to build leadership skills, network with similar youth organizations, and give back to their community through volunteering and service projects. 

 

MYLA provide opportunities for youth to develop their leadership and decision-making skills by creating, organizing, participating and implementing youth led meetings and projects. They educate both youth and adults on building effective teams and positive partnerships. Overall, the youth are provided with the opportunity to influence youth related public policies by serving on adult committees. Currently MYLA members serve on the Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Commission and the Youth Opportunities Team (YOT).

 

MYLA was founded with the purpose of training youth to be meaningfully involved in programs and issues that affect their lives. They continue to validate this theory. In the eleven years together, they have become a powerful youth leadership group within the City of Virginia Beach. They are helping to educate and energize the community (youth and adults) around issues related to youth. MYLA is linked to a broader vision of a community where young people are at the table in collaboration with adults – making decisions. 

 

Essentially, through leadership training, community service and civic involvement, the group is preparing itself to assist in creating positive changes in their community.  MYLA continues to ensure that the voices of the city's youth are heard and they strive to promote leadership skills within and outside of its members.

Mission: