News release from the City of Fort Wayne:
Mayor Henry invites city teens to get involved
Youth Engagement Council provides teens hands-on civic engagementMayor Tom Henry is inviting city high school students to get involved in their community and learn more about city government by applying to join the Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council. The deadline to apply is June 22.
Applications are available at www.cityoffortwayne.org/myec, and may be faxed to (260) 427-1115 or mailed to Mayor’s Office, 200 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne, IN 46802.
The council is a group of up to 25 students who work to develop and implement service-learning initiatives. Since the council was started in 2010, the group has looked for ways to engage their peers, volunteered at community events and learned about local non-profit organizations and businesses. They have also hosted “Fort Wayne’s Almost Famous,” an annual event that showcases youth talent.
“We have many bright and talented young people in our community. The Youth Engagement Council provides a great forum for current or future leaders to get involved in their city, make known their ideas and work on civic issues,” Mayor Henry said. “We are committed to our young people and want our city to be a place where young talent can blossom. Involving them in local government is one way we can do that.”
Applicants must be city residents entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year in public, private or home schools. Students selected for in-person interviews will be contacted by July 16.
Students are selected based on the strength of their application, which includes short answer questions and requires two references. Final selections will be made this summer.
Youth council members will be asked to make a 12-month commitment. Monthly meetings — which run between 60 to 90 minutes long — start in August at 5:30 p.m., on the second Tuesday of each month.