The City of Seattle is looking for new members for the Seattle Youth Commission, a group of 15 teens who regularly meet with city leaders to discuss issues youth are facing.
Appointed by the mayor and city council, the members represent each of the seven city council districts and include eight at-large commissioners. The commission aims to connect youth to local elected officials and advise on city policies.
Applicants must be between the ages of 13 and 19, and be willing meet on the first and third Wednesdays of each month for the entirety of their two-year term. Some of the opportunities include the following (from Seattle.gov):
- Develop public-speaking, facilitation, organizing and communication skills
- Cultivate a deeper appreciation of cultural competency and inclusive civic engagement
- Learn from key community and City leaders and build new relationships
- Discuss issues and solutions with other Seattle youth and develop projects that address those concerns
- Advise the Mayor, City Council and City departments on issues that impact youth in Seattle
- Collaborate on a community project with other Youth Commissioners
- Plan an annual event (or several events) that connects youth to local government and topics they care about
To apply, complete the Seattle Youth Commission 2017-18 Application and send it via email at seattleyouthcommission@seattle.gov; via post at Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, c/o Seattle Youth Commission, PO Box 94649, Seattle WA 98124-4649; or in person at the Department of Neighborhoods office in City Hall (600 4th Ave) on the 4th floor. Applications are due July 17 at 5pm.
