At ACT, we believe a stronger Alexandria is one where every voice is heard, including the perspectives of our youngest residents. The ACT Youth Council is a dynamic group of high schoolers shaping the future of our city. This month, we spoke with Sydney Robasson, a rising sophomore and first-year Youth Council member, about what this experience has meant to her, and why youth engagement matters.
“The ACT Youth Council has been a very exciting experience,” Sydney shared. “We’ve been able to do so much with the community.” From helping organize events like the ALX Dog Walk to meeting with city offices and the Teen Wellness Center, Sydney says her role has opened doors to hands-on leadership, collaboration, and advocacy. “We also do a lot of research, which is cool, researching the issues that are impacting us.”
That research came to life at the Council’s recent symposium, where Sydney helped lead conversations about youth substance abuse in Alexandria. “I specifically enjoyed being able to see all these faces of community members who really did care about the issues we were presenting,” she said. “They added their own feedback and insights, which helped us create more well-rounded solutions.”
She also brought her own lived experience to the table. When planning the symposium, Sydney pushed for an interactive format that would keep people engaged and energized. “I’ve been to other presentations where you’re just sitting there, and it can be hard to focus. I suggested adding a discussion and some group activities, and they really listened.”
For Sydney, the power of youth voice is clear. “At the end of the day, Alexandria is a diverse place… and if we just have certain groups in power, that’s not an Alexandria for all of us.” She believes including young people in decision-making isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s essential for a thriving, inclusive future. “We’re going to have specific needs that somebody maybe in their 20s or 30s are not going to have… so equipping youth now with the skills for leadership can definitely help us build the next generation of Alexandria leaders.”
Looking ahead, Sydney is excited to move from research into action. Her group is exploring strategies to address youth substance abuse with input from community members. “I’m excited to just get out into the community and continue to discuss,” she said.
And to other youth thinking about getting involved? Sydney has this advice: “It’s not as scary as it may seem. You don’t have to be extraordinary to do something for your community… leadership can manifest in many different ways. Just being updated on what’s going on in Alexandria, volunteering, or attending City Council meetings – these are all ways we can lead.”
We couldn’t agree more.