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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAP 2008-02-11 Item 2D - Discussion - Student Representative to Tukwila City Council City of Tukwila City Council MEMORANDUM TO: Community Affairs & Parks Committee FROM: Verna Griffin, Councilmember DATE: February 7,2008 SUBJECT: Youth Representatives to the City Council Nothing is more important to the health of our democracy than the active engagement of young people in representative government at the local level. For this reason, city leaders across the nation have sought creative and effective ways to ensure that youth from diverse backgrounds have a "seat at the table" in their cities and towns. Youth participation and involvement in local government promotes the full and healthy development of young people. Through civic engagement, young people gain work experience, acquire new skills, learn responsibility and accountability, develop a greater sense of confidence and empowerment, and forge meaningful connections to other youth and adults. Research also suggests that young people who are involved in positive activities such as community service are less likely to pursue risky behaviors and get into trouble. Tukwila has an opportunity to provide a voice for the youth of our City by implementing Youth Representatives to the City Council. The attachments to this memorandum provide a draft plan for discussion and consideration. YOUTH REPRESENTATIVE TO CITY COUNCIL General Definition The Tukwila City Council seeks the input and experience of youth in the City of Tukwila. Therefore, the City Council has created a non-voting, advisory position for Youth Representatives enrolled in high school. The role of the Youth Representative will be to: 1. Provide student insight and perspective to the City Council; 2. Serve as a liaison to the youth in the City of Tukwila through the established student government and communications networks; and 3. Report to youth about the work of the City Council. The Youth Representatives will be bound by all applicable rules and regulations pertaining to the elected City Councilmembers. The Youth Representatives will pa .. e n City Council discussions, but will not have the right to make motions, vote Board offi es, or attend Executive Sessions. o serve as a munity. 2. unio a senior, will serve as liaisons to will provide insight and support of youth 3. The youth re e tives shall serve in accordance with the qualifications, selection procedures, and responsibilities as listed and described in the following sections. Term of Office 1. The youth representatives shall be selected in the Spring, for the following academic year. 2. The term of office will be for one school year beginning in September and concluding in June. 3. In the event of a vacancy during the school year, a student will be selected from qualified applicants to serve the remaining term of the school year. Qualifications for Application 1. The applicant must be in grade 11 or 12 during the time that they will serve as a youth representative. 2. The applicant must be in proper academic standing equivalent to participation in athletics or other student activities and maintain proper academic standing throughout his/her term as youth representative. 3. The applicant will be expected to maintain personal standards of behavior appropriate to participation in the student activities. 4. The applicant must be willing to convey his/her opinion to the City Council and report back to the City's youth through student government at their school or by means of publication. Application Process 1. Applicants will submit a Youth Representative Application to Councilmember, Verna Griffin or another councilmember to be determined. 2. Applicants must obtain approval signature(s) from parent(s) and their High School principal. 3. Applicants must submit two (2) reference letters, at least one from a teacher or school administrator. 4. Selected applicants will be interviewed Committee. The Committee will re Council for approval. and Parks to the City Removal 1. The you 2. tiv for failure to fulfill his/her or behavior that the Council 1. Attend at least one Committee of the Whole Council meeting and at least one regular meeting per month. Since these meetings occur during the evening hours of a school night, the City Council may grant permission for the youth representative to leave a meeting before the conclusion if the youth report has been given. 2. Dress appropriately for City Council meetings. 3. Attend special meetings or work sessions if requested, but not Executive Sessions. 4. Review City Council agendas and packets and reading materials prior to all meetings. 5. Participate in discussions at open meetings of the City Council when applicable. However, the youth representative may not make any motions or vote. 6. Provide reports to the City Council during the agenda item title "Youth Representative Report." The report will be given at the beginning of the council meetings before citizen's comments. These reports will include outline of youth activities, topics and concerns. 7. Orient new youth representatives. 8. Attend conferences that include youth delegates such as National League of Cities Congressional Cities Conference and Congress of Cities and Exposition, when appropriate.1 When these sessions occur on school days, youth representatives will follow the established prearranged absence procedures at their high school. Responsibilities of the City Council 1. Establish a councilmember as the advisor for the youth representative to the City Council. 2. Provide funding for youth representative to attend conferences as outlined above. 3. Work with School District to ensure that youth representative received 0.5 Elective Credit for each semester of successful City Council service. I Registration fee for these conferences are $100 plus hotel, travel and other expenses. APPLICATION FOR YOUTH REPRESENTATIVE TO THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL Submit the completed application to by Name: Cumulative GPA: Address: Phone: Grade in 2008 - 2009: Email: Please describe your educational and career goals: . submit a letter of reference Email 1. 2. 3. Student Signature: Parent/Guardian Signature: Principal Signature: Date: Date: Date: