BYOP: The Council

The Youth Council

The Council is an elected body that is responsible for all affairs of BYOP at the city-wide level. It is responsible for making sure that BYOP is moving ahead on organization-wide campaigns and trainings; attending and planning trainings; and leading retreats, weekly meetings, and actions. Each council member serves for 7 months (December to June).

Each chapter elects its own Chapter Councilor to serve as a liaison between that chapter and the organization-wide level, and to lead the chapter meetings, campaigns, trainings, and actions. In addition, At-Large councilors - Community Mobilization Chair, Education Justice Chair, Health Justice Chair, Transportation Justice Chair, and Media Justice Chair - are elected by the entire BYOP membership at an annual election in the Fall.

Deandra Atherley


	Health Justice Chair
Hey all, my name is Deandra Atherley and I’m sixteen years old. I am a junior at Cambridge Rindge and Latin high school. I became a member at Boston-area Youth Organizing Project in the summer of 2007. Now I am on the Youth Council as the Health Justice chair. I play for the CRLS’ girls’ volleyball team and varsity lacrosse. When I am not at BYOP, I mentor freshmen and middle school volleyball players to help them prepare for the transition into high school volleyball. I’m a part of BYOP to learn more about youth empowerment and help make positive changes in the world through organizing. The BYOP community inspired me and changed my outlook on the world.

Eric Concepcion


	Community Mobilization Chair
Hello viewers, my name is Eric Concepcion and I am a 16 year old student attending Boston Day and Evening Academy. I am a member on the Youth Council here at BYOP. I got involved here from a friend who got me an interview, but at the time I have had an interest in youth organizing and I'm very glad that I am working here.

Thaina Dessin


	Snowden Chapter Councilor
Hey! My name is Thaina B.K.A Tiny. I’m a junior at Snowden international high school; I will be graduating in 2011. I’m Snowden chapter councilor. I’m a basketball player; I love to eat BK that’s my favorite meal of the day. I became part of BYOP when Snowden was doing the MBTA action in Copley, and I loved what they do so I became more interested in fighting for youth justice because In the future I want to be able to say that I made a change and that it was all because of BYOP!

Chapter Councilor Chairs (Cambridge City, O'Bryant High, and Snowden International School): Maintains the relationship and communication between their chapter and BYOP; mobilizes chapter members in BYOP-wide campaigns, trainings & activities; leads chapter meetings, annual chapter campaigns, trainings, & activities; acts as a leader within the chapter (i.e. having strong relationships with chapter members)

Chapter Councilor Chairs (Cambridge City, O'Bryant High, and Snowden International School): Maintains the relationship and communication between their chapter and BYOP; mobilizes chapter members in BYOP-wide campaigns, trainings & activities; leads chapter meetings, annual chapter campaigns, trainings, & activities; acts as a leader within the chapter (having strong relationships with chapter members, keeping the chapter organized and goal-oriented, making the chapter an accessible and enjoyable school group.)