Know Youth Who Would Want to Serve County Government?

12 youth serve on county committees every year. They are full committee members and can participate in all the discussion, but their vote is advisory. It’s a great experience for youth to learn how local government really (doesn’t?) works.

Thanks to Heidi Wegleitner for sending this to our neighborhood listerve (James Madison Park)

From: “Guffey Calkins, Jess”
Date: January 23, 2019 at 2:52:57 PM CST
To: #County Board Recipients , “Kuhl, Lauren” , “Thurlow, Karin Peterson” Subject: Interested in serving as a youth representative in the 2019-20 Youth Governance Program? (Or know someone who might be?)

Interested in serving as a youth representative in the 2019-20 Dane County Youth Governance Program? (Or know someone who might be?)

The Dane County Youth Governance Program (YGP) is currently seeking youth nominations for our 2019-20 cohort! Nominations can be made by any adults connected with youth, and/or youth may ask supporting adults to nominate them. There will be up to 12 YGP positions available in 2019-20.

You can either use the attached 2019 YGP Nomination Form, or complete the online nomination form.

Why YGP? YGP youth representatives have the opportunity to learn about how local government functions by serving as members of Dane County Board of Supervisor committees, and also have the opportunity to bring youth voice to local government decisions. YGP is particularly suited to youth interested in government, law, or business, although all are encouraged to participate. YGP nominees are strongly encouraged to attend a committee meeting (or watch a county board meeting online) before they decide whether to apply to YGP. Please go to bit.ly/YGPcmte for more details about attending committee meetings (or contact Jess, below). All posted committee meetings are open to the public to attend and observe. County board meetings are available to watch online at bit.ly/CBmtgs.

YGP Nominee requirements:
– Dane County residents currently in grades 9-11 (who will be in grades 10-12 in fall of 2019)
– Ability to commit 6-8 hours per month for YGP responsibilities, including attending 2-3 weeknight meetings each month. Regular attendance is essential.
o Most meetings start between 5:15 and 6:00pm, and last approximately 1½ hrs.
o Due to the time frame, involvement in sports or multiple extracurriculars may conflict with ability to commit to YGP – if concerned, but interested in YGP, please contact Jess(below) to discuss.
– Strong interest in community engagement
– High level of maturity
– Good communication & self-expression skills (or willing to develop)
– Responsible, dependable, & self-motivated
– Positive attitude
– Interest in developing skills in leadership, professionalism, and working with adults
– Transportation to/from committee meetings in Madison (bus passes are available)
(find info on meeting locations at bit.ly/YGPcmte)

YGP seeks to recruit a cohort that reflects Dane County’s diversity in every form including geography, race, ethnicity, gender identity, ability status, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, religion, and all other identities. All Dane County youth are encouraged to apply.

Nominations are due Friday, February 8th. After the nomination period closes, all nominees will be sent a YGP application to fill out. Applications are due Friday, March 1st. Following the application process will be an interview process, and final candidates will be chosen.

For more details about the Dane County Youth Governance Program, please visit our website at http://fyi.uwex.edu/youthgovernanceprogram/, or contact me at the information below.

See what current and former YGP youth representatives have to say about their YGP experience:
“I have found a place in my committee, and the support of my mentor and other supervisors has been amazing.”
“…I have begun to more fully understand the process, and have had the opportunity to ask questions and express my opinion.”

We look forward to receiving your nominations and another successful year of YGP!

Jess Guffey Calkins (preferred pronouns: she, her)
Community Youth Development Program Coordinator
Extension Dane County
5201 Fen Oak Dr. Ste. 138
Madison, WI 53718
(p)608-224-3712
(f)608-224-3727
711 for Wisconsin Relay
calkins.jessica@countyofdane.com
http://fyi.uwex.edu/dane4hyouth/
*I am in the office part-time*