Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Lakewood Seeks Youth Council members
One of the cool things in Lakewood is a youth council, a group of high school-age youth who model the city council in providing recommendations about public policy and perform community service.
We've received some applications, and the first round of interviews has been held. The founder of the program, City Councilwoman Claudia Thomas, says they are great youth who want to give back. The program has two purposes: give the city a pipeline to what youth are thinking and feeling, and help the youth channel their energies toward public service.
The odd thing this year is that they are ALL from Lakes High School. (and they are mostly girls, which is apparently a bit normal year to year)
Well, Lakes is a great school and the largest. But we got others that Lakewood youth attend. The most obvious is Clover Park High School, but in previous years we've had youth from Bellarmine Prep, the A.I. School, Harrison Prep, Charles Wright, and home schools. We've also had youth from Steilacoom High School because part of the Oakbrook neighborhood is within the Steilacoom district.
So ... well ... help! Know of any youth who might be interested? The letter that we sent to schools follows. Sorry for the length, but I figured it would be easier than something you'd have to download.
POSITION: Youth Councilmember to the Lakewood City Council
DATE OPEN: Monday, March 30, 2009
DATE CLOSED: Friday, June 19, 2009 at 5:00 p.m.
TERM: September 2009 through July 2010
BASIC FUNCTION: Under the direction of a designated City Councilmember, convey to the City Council issues having city wide impact to youth; research, collect, analyze and compile data and information for inclusion in reports; maintain records and files related to youth issues and youth programs.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: Convey to the Mayor and City Council, through oral and/or written presentations at City Council meetings, issues impacting youths that may have city wide impact; assist other students to become involved in their communities; prepare a variety of correspondence, reports and other materials. Maintain records of all communications between Youth Councilmembers and City Council; provide summary status reports relating to issues presented to Council and resolutions, if any. Organize and coordinate youth forums and activities; communicate with youth throughout Lakewood as well as to citizens, community groups, Human Services Collaboration members and outside organizations. Interact with principals and students of designated public and private schools in person and on the phone. Participate on a variety of City committees, study groups and task forces; attend a variety of meetings as assigned. Perform related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination equivalent to: an entering High School student in good academic standing, including a good attendance record. Past leadership experience and/or involvement in school or community organizations and/or events desired. Must attend a school in Lakewood or reside in Lakewood.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
ENVIRONMENT: Business and school environment. Able to attend Lakewood City Council meetings on the first Monday evening of each month at 7:00 p.m. and Youth Council meetings on the first and third Monday evenings of each month at 6:00 p.m.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES: Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
TO APPLY: Submit a letter of interest stating a) why you want to be considered and b) any past/present/future involvement in your school (i.e. clubs, student government, etc.) or community to: City Manager’s Office, Attn: Deanne Wegmann, Executive Assistant, Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main St SW, Lakewood, WA 98499-5027 by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. Please include your contact information on the letter.
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We've received some applications, and the first round of interviews has been held. The founder of the program, City Councilwoman Claudia Thomas, says they are great youth who want to give back. The program has two purposes: give the city a pipeline to what youth are thinking and feeling, and help the youth channel their energies toward public service.
The odd thing this year is that they are ALL from Lakes High School. (and they are mostly girls, which is apparently a bit normal year to year)
Well, Lakes is a great school and the largest. But we got others that Lakewood youth attend. The most obvious is Clover Park High School, but in previous years we've had youth from Bellarmine Prep, the A.I. School, Harrison Prep, Charles Wright, and home schools. We've also had youth from Steilacoom High School because part of the Oakbrook neighborhood is within the Steilacoom district.
So ... well ... help! Know of any youth who might be interested? The letter that we sent to schools follows. Sorry for the length, but I figured it would be easier than something you'd have to download.
POSITION: Youth Councilmember to the Lakewood City Council
DATE OPEN: Monday, March 30, 2009
DATE CLOSED: Friday, June 19, 2009 at 5:00 p.m.
TERM: September 2009 through July 2010
BASIC FUNCTION: Under the direction of a designated City Councilmember, convey to the City Council issues having city wide impact to youth; research, collect, analyze and compile data and information for inclusion in reports; maintain records and files related to youth issues and youth programs.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: Convey to the Mayor and City Council, through oral and/or written presentations at City Council meetings, issues impacting youths that may have city wide impact; assist other students to become involved in their communities; prepare a variety of correspondence, reports and other materials. Maintain records of all communications between Youth Councilmembers and City Council; provide summary status reports relating to issues presented to Council and resolutions, if any. Organize and coordinate youth forums and activities; communicate with youth throughout Lakewood as well as to citizens, community groups, Human Services Collaboration members and outside organizations. Interact with principals and students of designated public and private schools in person and on the phone. Participate on a variety of City committees, study groups and task forces; attend a variety of meetings as assigned. Perform related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination equivalent to: an entering High School student in good academic standing, including a good attendance record. Past leadership experience and/or involvement in school or community organizations and/or events desired. Must attend a school in Lakewood or reside in Lakewood.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
ENVIRONMENT: Business and school environment. Able to attend Lakewood City Council meetings on the first Monday evening of each month at 7:00 p.m. and Youth Council meetings on the first and third Monday evenings of each month at 6:00 p.m.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES: Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
TO APPLY: Submit a letter of interest stating a) why you want to be considered and b) any past/present/future involvement in your school (i.e. clubs, student government, etc.) or community to: City Manager’s Office, Attn: Deanne Wegmann, Executive Assistant, Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main St SW, Lakewood, WA 98499-5027 by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. Please include your contact information on the letter.
