The Moraga Youth Involvement Committee (MYIC) is making an effort to provide teens the opportunity to help in their community and communicate with the town council on youth related issues. The group volunteered at the Tree Lighting ceremony, the Santa Claus Breakfast, and St. Mary’s Parents Night Out in December.

There are 22 people in the committee, including 2 adults. The majority of students in the committee are from Campolindo. They meet once a month on Thursday from October to June, with the other 3 months reserved for the application process. The MYIC is divided into several subcommittees.

New member Panna Vyatkin said she joined the MYIC “to help the community.”

“Initially it was just that my mom saw an ad in the newspaper. [It was] just to get me involved and see what we could do for the community,” the freshman explained.

Vyatkin is in the Drive and Donation subcommittee (a smaller division of the MYIC), but also participated in the Santa breakfast on December 10 and Christmas tree lighting. She raised $350 dollars for the MYIC at the tree lighting.

Vyatkin also serves as the treasurer and keeps track of all the funds the MYIC collects.

MYIC gives Vyatkin “an opportunity to change something, act as a leader and a role model to the community.”

Sophomore member Maile Nomura said being part of the group is a “great way to help out the community.” Nomura recalled her application process started with a friend telling her about the committee. Then she had to turn in an online application with a follow-up interview.

Nomura said being in the committee helps bring people together.

There are many future meetings and events planned for the Moraga Youth Involvement Committee, including a food bank day and work with Blue Star moms organization.