Members of the Guam Youth Congress have introduced a measure that aims at integrating youth representation into village governance.

Rep. Austin G. Fortuno, Rep. Nathan Paz, and Rep. Nicole Guerrero have introduced Youth Congress Bill No. 8-35 (COR).

The bill seeks to automatically designate elected Guam Youth Congress village representatives as ex-officio, non-voting members of their respective municipal planning councils. These councils, which help shape village-level policies and discussion on community development, infrastructure, and public safety, will now benefit from the insight and advocacy of elected youth leaders.

“Our youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are leaders today,” said Rep. Fortuno. “By including Youth Congress representatives in Guam’s municipal planning councils, we are ensuring that young people have a direct hand in shaping the policies that will define their communities and building a leadership that truly represents all generations.”

Currently, young people across Guam contribute significantly to their communities, with the Guam Youth Congress being the clearest example in our island’s lawmaking process.

This bill would build on this concept by giving youth a seat at the table in village governance, where they can engage in discussions on key issues that affect their streets and neighborhoods, and gives them an opportunity to craft legislation that is in-tune with the ideas and sentiments of their village constituencies.

 “Young people bring fresh ideas, energy, and a deep understanding of the challenges they and their peers face. Having a youth voice in Guam’s municipal planning councils will help ensure that policies are responsive to the concerns of all village residents, even the youngest,” said Fortuno. “This bill represents a major step forward in civic engagement for Guam’s youth. It will help develop Youth Congress leaders while giving them additional experience in governance and policymaking.” 

The bill now awaits further deliberation in the 35th Guam Youth Congress.