Port Towns Youth Council (PTYC) teach youth (8-18 years old) how to lead others by taking responsibility for their own actions. YC members, together with their parents, meet monthly; lead youth and other community citizens in community revitalization activities; plan educational activities that are prevention focused to strengthen communities socially, morally and economically; and keep abreast of local, county and state government issues that impact youth and their communities.

HISTORY
The Port Towns Youth Council (PTYC) was the inaugural YC, established in 1997, to lead youth and others in community revitalization and economic development initiatives. PTYC members are selected by their schools or community leaders to act as the voice of community youth in their homes, neighborhoods, schools, churches and civic organizations. Although parents participate with their youth, the YC is run by the youth and they are the only voting members. To date, four youth councils have been formed that represent 14 Prince George’s County communities.