Olathe Teen Council

The Olathe Teen Council is intended to provide opportunities for youth to move through their teen years connected to their community and its values.  The Council's impact is felt in the community with representatives recruited from each of the local four senior high schools, the seven junior high schools and the Kansas School for the Deaf.  Olathe Teen Council meets on a monthly basis at Olathe City Hall, 100 E. Santa Fe.  Elected officers conduct all meetings with some formalism, which prepares the students with the basic protocols of conducting their business at hand, efficiently and respectfully.

Don't miss your opportunity to MAKE A DIFFERENCE in Olathe! 

Download the 2008-2009 Teen Council application here. 

Meetings
The Olathe Teen Council meets on the second Tuesday of the month, 3:30-5:00 p.m., at Olathe City Hall, 100 E. Santa Fe.  The public is welcome to attend. Sign language interpreters are available upon request.

Click here for January 2008 meeting minutes.

 2007-2008 Olathe Teen Council Officers
Co-chair: Aalok Patel, Olathe North
Co-chair: Devin Smith, Olathe North
Secretary/Treasurer: Kelsey Pennington, Olathe North
Public Relations Coordinator: Nabeel Wahid, Olathe East
Timekeeper: Daniel Cheng, Olathe East

Routine Functions
This youthful council has ignited much enthusiasm and amazement of all other network partners and staff with their potential to shape their schools and our community.  As the Teen Council's role develops, partnership efforts will continue in the community.  When first established, a steering committee met to establish bylaws, a mission statement and annual goals.

Routine functions of the Olathe Teen Council include:

Olathe Youth Congress Priorities
The Olathe Teen Council will assist members of the Olathe Youth Congress in implementing priorities of the Congress.

City Boards and Task Forces
Members are routinely assigned to city boards and task forces for the City.

Teen Voice
Olathe Teen Council members act as the eyes and ears of their peers, serving as the avenue through which youth can submit ideas or concerns to the Olathe City Council or other appropriate organizations.  

Olathe Teen Council Special Projects
Olathe Teen Council members have let their voices be heard by attending and providing feedback in community endeavors such as construction of a skateboard park, development of the No Smoking Ordinance, establishment/design of a proposed recreation center, etc. Other projects include:

Splash Night
The Teen Council hosts an annual pool party for 3rd through 6th graders in conjunction with Olathe Recreation Department.  This event includes contests and games, prizes and general pool fun for the attendees.  Admissions collected help to support local children’s literacy programs.

National League of Cities Congress of Cities
Members of Teen Council have attended the National League of Cities annual Congress of Cities along with Olathe City Council members. The conference hosts special sessions for youth leaders throughout the nation.

150th Time Capsule Project 
The Teen Council is currently working with City staff and local schools to create a time capsule, as part of the 150th birthday celebration for the City of Olathe. 

For More Information contact lead staff member:
Jenny Hesseltine
City Management Intern
City of Olathe
(913) 971-8913
jhesseltine@olatheks.org

Community Partners

• City of Olathe
• Olathe District Schools
• Kansas School for the Deaf
• Olathe Children’s Initiative

Visit the National League of Cities youth only website YOUTHSCAPE to find out what other youth from across the country are doing to improve their communities!