June 6, 2018
Smyrna, GA – The City of Smyrna plans to launch the inaugural Smyrna Youth Council during the fall of the 2018-2019 academic school year and is seeking young adults to apply.
The Smyrna Youth Council will provide an opportunity for local high school students in the Smyrna area to learn about local government, participate in the process, and communicate the needs of the community’s youth to elected officials and city staff.
The first cohort of the Smyrna Youth Council will include between eight and twenty-five high school students interested in this unique leadership opportunity who are able to think critically, possess potential leadership skills, and have an interest in learning about how local government functions.
Local high school administrators have been involved with city staff for the development of the Youth Council and are thrilled to see the initiative come to fruition.
“Whitefield Academy applauds the City of Smyrna for not only engaging our young residents in learning how local government works, but giving them a voice in the future of our city, as well” says Nathan Stevens, Upper School Principal at Whitefield Academy. “The Smyrna Youth Council experience is a fantastic opportunity to build relationships among students from different schools and train future leaders for our community.”
“As the Youth Council connects our students to government in action, it will enrich their understanding of the Georgia State Standards in government,” says Campbell High School Principal Dr. Jeanne Walker. “Student members will be able to advocate for civic responsibility among their peers and positively impact future community engagement in Smyrna. Campbell High School is excited to have this leadership opportunity to support our school vision and mission of student success.”
The application is now open and will close on September 12, 2018. Interested students from all grade levels should apply via the City website and online application. Applications will be reviewed by city staff with the help of school administrators.
Cities and counties across the state have implemented their own youth councils and commissions to represent their youth population. The Georgia Municipal Association offers a Youth Delegate program during their January Mayor’s Day Conference to further engage youth in local government. Participants in Smyrna’s Youth Council will have the opportunity to attend this program in January 2019 and be involved in policy meetings, network with professionals, and engage with members of other Georgia youth councils.
The Smyrna Youth Council will begin meeting in October and will continue for the remainder of the school year at Smyrna City Hall, located at 2800 King Street, Smyrna, Georgia 30080. / Application
