Decatur Achieves UNICEF’s Child Friendly Cities Initiative Status: A Significant Milestone

December 6, 2023 by Leave a comment

The City of Decatur is proud to announce a remarkable accomplishment – the attainment of Candidate City status through UNICEF’s esteemed Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI). This marks a pivotal step forward for Decatur, signaling its commitment to prioritize the well-being and voices of its young community members.

On December 1st, the city celebrated the official launch of its Local Action Plan for Youth, a monumental stride toward the coveted recognition as a Child Friendly City. This comprehensive plan, crafted in collaboration with Decatur’s Teen Leadership Team, comprised of 30 high school students, delineates five fundamental priorities. These priorities focus on amplifying youth perspectives and enhancing child welfare within Decatur.

Mayor Patti Garrett expressed her enthusiasm about this achievement, stating, “Decatur’s achievement of Candidate City status with UNICEF USA’s Child Friendly Cities Initiative is evidence of the progress we are making to shift how we engage our young people.”

The plan, approved by the Decatur City Commission on June 5, 2023, was developed through the CFCI Framework for Action in partnership with prominent community entities like City Schools of Decatur, Decatur Education Foundation, and Decatur Housing Authority. It identifies key priorities encompassing environmental consciousness, equity, trust with law enforcement, public space improvement, and accessibility to mental health resources for children and teens.

UNICEF’s Child Friendly Cities Initiative, established in 1996, operates on a child rights-based framework, striving to create safer, just, equitable, inclusive, and child-responsive cities globally. Commending Decatur’s commitment to this framework, UNICEF USA acknowledges the city’s dedication to fostering a better community for its children.

In alignment with the pursuit of Child Friendly City status, Decatur officials and community leaders conduct a comprehensive situation analysis of child well-being, driving the implementation of action plans that prioritize the best interests of children and youth within local policies.

To learn more or share your ideas, reach out to childfriendlydecatur@gmail.com. Additional information about the Child Friendly Cities Initiative in the United States can be found at http://www.unicefusa.org/mission/usa/childfriendlycities.

About UNICEF USA:
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) operates in over 190 countries and territories, striving for a fairer world for every child. UNICEF USA collaborates with the American public to support vulnerable children worldwide, aiming for a world that upholds the rights of all children. Explore more at http://www.unicefusa.org.

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Launch of the UNICEF CFCI Local Action Plan for Youth in Decatur!

November 15, 2023 by Leave a comment

The City of Decatur is thrilled to share some exciting news as part of the Decatur Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI). We are officially launching the CFCI Local Action Plan for Youth, becoming an official UNICEF CFCI Candidate City!

To celebrate this milestone, the City of Decatur invites you to join us for a special event in collaboration with the Decatur Youth Council-sponsored Screen on the Square on December 1st at 6:30 p.m. UNICEF USA representatives will be present to share in this celebration.

Don’t miss out on the festivities! 

6:00 p.m.: Tunes by DJ K-KAT
Experience the beats of a talented youth DJ as we set the stage for an evening of celebration.

6:30 p.m.: Child Friendly Cities Initiative Local Action Plan Launch
Celebrate with the City of Decatur as we become a UNICEF CFCI Candidate City! Hear from speakers, including members of the CFCI Teen Leadership Team, City of Decatur’s Mayor Garrett, Tracy Nájera, VP of US Programs for UNICEF USA, as we officially launch the CFCI Local Action Plan.

7:00 p.m.: Screen on the Square: Happy Feet
Enjoy a special screening of Happy Feet, sponsored by the Decatur Youth Council. Bring your friends and family for a night of joy and entertainment!

A Child Friendly City prioritizes the well-being and development of its children and youth by ensuring their rights are protected and promoted. Decatur is actively engaged in the Child Friendly Cities Initiative, being one of the first seven cities in the U.S. to sign a memorandum of understanding with UNICEF for this transformative journey.

The CFCI project involves a multi-year commitment to actively involve community members, especially children and youth, in identifying priorities and taking action in key areas: Safety and Inclusion, Children’s Participation, Equitable Social Services, Safe Living Environments, and Play and Leisure.

In its first year, the CFCI Teen Leadership Team identified five priorities that will make a significant impact on the lives of young residents in Decatur. These include enhancing trust with law enforcement, promoting an equitable and inclusive city, improving access to and awareness of mental health services, fostering an environmentally conscious community, and enhancing public spaces for all.

On June 5, 2023, the City of Decatur’s City Commission formally adopted the CFCI Local Action Plan for Youth, showcasing our commitment to our younger generation.

Decatur is leading the way towards a brighter and more child-friendly future, proving that a united community’s efforts can bring about positive change and make a lasting impact on the lives of its youngest members.

We look forward to sharing this momentous occasion with you and the entire Decatur community. Your presence will make this celebration even more special.

See you on December 1st!

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Empowering Youth, Building a Sustainable Future: Decatur’s Commitment

August 11, 2023 by Leave a comment

Every year, on August 12th, the global community comes together to celebrate International Youth Day. This significant occasion shines a spotlight on the potential and vibrancy of young people worldwide. It’s a day to address youth issues on the global stage and acknowledge the incredible role youth play as partners in shaping today’s world. Decatur, a community deeply committed to nurturing youth development, seizes this moment to showcase its unwavering dedication to empowering young minds and creating a sustainable future for generations to come.  

A Hub of Youth Empowerment

In Decatur, we recognize that our young community members are not just future leaders, but today’s change-makers. Through a diverse range of initiatives, we provide our youth with platforms to engage, contribute, and lead. This summer, members of Decatur’s Youth Council and Teen Leadership Team traveled to Denver, showcasing their expertise as they presented to the National Civic League. This effort earned Decatur the title of one of the prestigious 10 All-America Cities, underscoring the power of involving youth in identifying and tackling community challenges. This recognition reinforces our commitment to authentic youth involvement, as exemplified by projects like the McKoy skate park redesign and the inclusive playground at Legacy Park – testaments to Decatur’s dedication to a brighter and more youth-friendly future.  

Embracing a Green Transition

This year’s International Youth Day theme, “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World”, resonates deeply with goals outlined in Decatur’s 2020 Strategic Plan. As the world embarks on a journey towards environmental sustainability, Decatur recognizes the pivotal role of young people in driving this green transition. Green skills, encompassing technical knowledge and values, are pivotal for creating a resource-efficient society. Our city embraces this shift, understanding that a greener world is not only crucial for addressing the global climate crisis but also for achieving sustainability goals and improving the overall quality of life for our community. Opportunities abound for youth leadership in environmental issues, including two spots on the Environmental Sustainability Board and participation in the Teen Leadership Team, working on the environmentally conscious city priority area.  

ESB Youth Membership Application

The City of Decatur’s commitment to youth empowerment is tangible through our Environmental Sustainability Board. The board is now seeking two passionate youth members for the upcoming school year. High-school-aged students who aspire to make a meaningful impact on our city’s environmental initiatives are encouraged to apply. Students should fill out the Statement of Interest Form found on the ESB page and submit to the City Manager, Andrea Arnold at andrea.arnold@decaturga.com.   

Championing Child-Friendly Cities

We take pride in leading the charge with the Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI), a pioneering effort that prioritizes the well-being and rights of our young citizens. Collaborating with the Decatur Education Foundation, Decatur Housing Authority, and City Schools of Decatur, our Parks & Recreation team is dedicated to creating a community that safeguards and promotes children’s rights. Our commitment to youth empowerment goes beyond mere symbolism – it yields tangible results. The CFCI Teen Leadership Team, composed of high school students, has already achieved remarkable impact. In its first year, the team explored priority areas like building trust with law enforcement, promoting an equitable and inclusive city, improving access to, and awareness of, mental health services, creating an environmentally conscious city, and enhancing public spaces for all. This dedication has led to the adoption of the CFCI Local Action Plan for Youth, a testament to Decatur’s resolve in creating a child-friendly city. To apply for the 2023-24 CFCI Teen Leadership Team visit the CFCI section on our page and review the informational sheet or reach out to Claire Miller at claire.miller@decaturga.com.  

Join Us in Forging a Brighter Path

Decatur extends a warm invitation to all to be part of our transformative journey. As we celebrate International Youth Day, let’s stand united in supporting our youth, their ideas, and their aspirations. Together, we can construct a world that’s both sustainable and bursting with opportunities for our young leaders.  

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