Guide
How to get involved in local government as a teen
You don't have to wait until you're 18 to shape your city. Here are five concrete ways students in Fargo, West Fargo, and Moorhead can be part of the decisions that affect their schools, streets, and neighborhoods — starting this week.
1. Read the agenda
Every city council posts its agenda online a few days before the meeting. Skim it, pick one item you care about, and read the background packet. That alone puts you ahead of most adults in the room.
2. Attend a public meeting
City council and school board meetings are open to everyone, including under-18 residents. You don't need to speak — just showing up teaches you how decisions actually get made.
3. Email your council member
Keep it short: who you are, what issue, what you want them to do. Council members read constituent email — even from constituents who can't vote yet.
4. Use Youth Voice
Vote on the active polls and add your argument to the debate. We share the aggregated, nonpartisan results with local officials so the under-18 perspective actually lands on their desks. See the active polls →
5. Bring a friend
A single teen at a council meeting is a novelty. Five is a constituency. Civic power is a team sport — organize your friends.