SIYAC

State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council

We are not currently taking applications for the State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council. Please check back in March 2021 for the 2021-2022 term.

For more information contact: SIYAC@iowa.gov

What is SIYAC?

SIYAC Council

The State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council (SIYAC) is a non-partisan policy advising organization comprised of young people from across Iowa between the ages of 14 and 20. These youth leaders are selected to represent all Iowa youth and engage in topics important to young Iowans. Concerns are drafted and shared with policy makers during the legislative session.

SIYAC was originally established in 2001 by Governor Tom Vilsack as a way to inform legislators and policymakers on issues important to youth. In 2009, SIYAC was established in Iowa Code §216A.140(8) under the Department of Human Rights, Iowa Collaboration for Youth Development.

SIYAC has 21 members. Quarterly meetings are held in Des Moines at the State Capitol Building; monthly meetings are held via conference calls. New members are selected in June of each year and serve two-year terms. There are no participation fees.

Youth Voice

"When people are given an opportunity to participate in government, our democratic values are at their best"...Read more

"The voice of youth is often silent in politics, but SIYAC demonstrates that youth do have a voice and legislators listen."...Read more

Legislative Initiatives

Check back in December for SIYAC's 2020-2021 Legislative Initiatives.

In the meantime, click the link below to see what initiatives SIYAC has pursued in the past.

Legislative Initiatives Agenda Archive

SIYAC Highlights

Stay tuned for new highlights or click the link below for highlights from previous SIYAC years!

SIYAC Highlights from Previous Years

2019-2020 Highlights
	August 11, 2020 A big thank you to Kevin Drahos (center) for serving as Chair of the State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council. The Council fosters communication with the Governor, legislature, and other community leaders about important issues affecting youth. Kevin is being presented with a plaque from the Iowa Department of Human Rights in appreciation for his leadership, time, and hard work as his term ends. [L-R: Steve Michael, Division Administrator, Criminal & Juvenile Justice Planning; Kevin Drahos, 2019-20 SIYAC Chair; Reeva Neighbors, SIYAC Coordinator]
	September 24, 2019 SIYAC members attended their 1st Quarterly Meeting at the Iowa State Capitol. Elections were held for officer positions--Legislative Affairs Chair, Public Relations Chair, and Service Chair for the 2019-2020 term.
	November 12, 2020 SIYAC members held their 2^nd Quarterly meeting to prioritize legislative positions and focus for the year. Five (5) positions were selected as priorities for 2019-2020.
	February 27, 2020 SIYAC members gathered at the Iowa State Capitol for their 3^rd Quarterly meeting to discuss issues taking place in Iowa. Meetings were held with legislators and other community leaders to gain support on position statements and share concerns facing youth in Iowa.
	June 26, 2020 SIYAC members reflected on their service project for the year. The project collected 60 coats, 50 pairs of socks, 50 pairs of gloves and 25 hats for youth in need and were donated to a local youth shelter.

SIYAC Service Projects

Past SIYAC Service Projects

SIYAC 4th QM

Completing service projects in Iowa communities has become a core component of the State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council. To finish up the 2018-2019 SIYAC year, members of the Council helped Polk County Conservation Youth Corps to clean up Jester Park. Tasks included weeding the Elk and Bison area, and removing honeysuckle, an invasive plant species.

SIYAC 4th QM