The Lakewood’s Promise Advisory Board develops relationships among citizens and businesses to deliver The Five Promises to Lakewood youth. The Five Promises are adults that care, public safety, health, education, and equal opportunity. Click here to view the amended 2026 Lakewood’s Promise Advisory Board Work Plan.
The 5 Promises for Lakewood Youth
Promise 1 – Caring Adults
Caring adults play a central role in the growth and success of Lakewood youth. Parents and caregivers come first, but young people also rely on teachers, mentors, coaches, neighbors, program leaders, and other trusted adults in the community. These relationships help youth build confidence, develop resilience, and stay connected to positive opportunities.
Promise 2 – Safe Places
Lakewood is committed to providing safe, structured, and supportive environments where young people can learn, explore, and build healthy relationships. Safe places include homes, schools, local parks, recreation facilities, after-school programs, libraries, and summer sites. Community partners—such as the Boys & Girls Club, YMCA programs, and neighborhood-based youth activities—also play an important role in ensuring youth have places where they are welcomed, supervised, and encouraged to grow.
Promise 3 – A Healthy Start
Lakewood supports the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of youth so they can focus, learn, and thrive. Access to nutrition programs, healthcare providers, recreation activities, early learning programs, and safe opportunities for physical activity helps young people build strong foundations for lifelong health.
Promise 4 – An Effective Education
Lakewood partners with schools, youth-serving organizations, and community programs to ensure all young people have access to supportive learning environments and the skills needed to succeed. This includes high-quality classroom instruction, tutoring, enrichment programs, career exploration, and opportunities for skill development inside and outside of school.
Promise 5 – Opportunities to Help Others
Lakewood encourages youth to contribute to the community through volunteerism, leadership roles, and service projects. Whether through school-based service, neighborhood improvement efforts, faith communities, or City-supported volunteer opportunities, giving back helps youth build character, confidence, and a sense of pride and connection to Lakewood.
Description
The Lakewood’s Promise Advisory Board assists the City Council in the following areas:
- Advise the Mayor, City Council, and city staff regarding the delivery of The Five Promises.
- Develop ongoing relationships among Lakewood citizens and businesses.
- Advise the City Council in connection with Lakewood’s Promise issues, including:
- Facilitate coordination between city staff, residents, and other organizations on Lakewood’s Promise issues
- Recommend strategies to boost awareness of Lakewood’s Promise in cooperation with any appropriate private, public, or government agency
- Recommend ways of raising money for the promotion of Lakewood’s Promise programs
- Represent the community and the City of Lakewood to address Lakewood’s Promise-related issues.
Membership
- Ron Banner (Term: Perpetual)
- Megan Dempsey, Vice Chair (Term through May 21, 2027)
- Roxanne Miles (Term: Perpetual)
- Alice Fong, Chair (Term through May 21, 2027)
- Joyce Loveday (Term: Perpetual)
- Kerri Pedrick (Term through May 21, 2027)
- Julie White (Term: Perpetual)
- Lincoln Estrada, Youth Councilmember
- Councilmember Pearson (Council Liaison)
Attendance: Individuals appointed are expected to attend meetings regularly. The Council expects to be informed in the event any committee, board or commission member has three unexcused absences. The Council may, in the event of three unexcused absences, dismiss the individual from service.
Expectations: Adhere to the City of Lakewood’s Code of Ethics, mutual respect among members, be a good listener, and be flexible.
Members shall be residents of the City, or by the nature of their work with youth, determined an asset to the Board. The members shall be appointed from among members of the public to include, to the extent reasonably possible, representation from people involved with or interested in the availability and delivery of the Five Promises.
Members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. Four (4) members representing the partner agencies: Clover Park School District, Pierce College, Clover Park Technical College, and the City of Lakewood shall serve on the Lakewood’s Promise Board. One (1) member shall be a representative of the Youth Council.
Terms are three years. The Youth Council representative shall serve a one-year term.
Applications are available at the City Clerk’s Office, City of Lakewood, 6000 Main Street SW, Lakewood, WA 98499, or online.
Schedule, Agendas, and Minutes
Meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month at 7:30 am at Lakewood City Hall.