Youth On Boards
What is Youth On Boards?
Youth on boards is a civic engagement project of the City of Burlington’s Legacy Project and its partners. This model program seeks to provide youth leaders with opportunities for representing Burlington’s youth on City Commissions and Boards. Youth on Boards engages youth in developing leadership skills, contributing to building sustainable communities and sharing the wisdom and insight of young people.
Who can serve on Youth on Boards?
Any youth leader between the ages of 14-17
Why serve on Youth on Boards?
Youth on Boards is empowering and exciting! It is an opportunity for youth to represent other young people, gain leadership skills, learn about city government and committees, connect with the community and make decisions that improve the quality of life for all. By serving on Youth on Boards you allow all voices to be heard. Often times adults make decisions for the entire community. When youth are involved in decision making it helps create a community that is inclusive and supportive of all community members.
What skills, knowledge and experiences does one gain by participating on Youth on Boards?
Skills: Leadership, Decision Making, Responsibility, Team-building, and Self-efficacy, or the awareness of one’s own ability to make a difference.
Knowledge: Functions of City Commissions, organizations and Boards, governance processes, your own strengths and weaknesses,
Experiences: Hands-on experience in using your voice, knowledge, insight, wisdom and values to work with adults and other community leaders to make a difference in your community.
What responsibilities and obligations does a Youth on Boards member have?
Most Commissions and Boards meet once a month with some reading to be completed ahead of time. Youth members would work with a mentor to learn the ins and outs of the commission or board they are serving. Beyond representing youth and your community in a professional and respectable manner, you would be responsible for thinking critically about community issues and processes that pertain to specific Commissions and Boards.
What City boards do youth serve on?
Since 2002, youth have been serving on the:
Library Commission, the Parks and Recreation Commission and the School Board.
YOB orientation at BHS; participates included Youth and Mentors
A City Council resolution was passed in September 2003 to extend the Youth On Boards pilot initiative for another year and expand it to the:
Police Commission, the Planning Commission and the Conservation Board.
There are also youth positions on:
The Legacy Project Steering Committee, the Burlington Food Council, and the Social Equity Advisory Committee.
If you are 15 to 17 years old and a Burlington resident you can apply to serve on a City board or commission.
Christopher Parmer alais 'Mr. Brick House", senior at Burlington High School, a member of the Energy Environmental Coordinating Committee, graduating Class of 2009
How do I apply?
Click below for YOB application and information packet items:
- YOB application 2010
- The importance of youth in city government
- What is the Legacy Project?
- YOB Question and answers
- Get To Know You and Your Board Worksheet
- City Gov 101 with Councilors list
ANNOUCEMENTS
Youth On Boards seat opening(s) “Click below”:
Neighbor planning Assembly seats open in Wards 1, 2/3, 5, 4/7, 6: posted 10/3/09
SCHOOL BOARD posted 9 24 09
LIBRARY COMMISSION 3 01 10
Wanda Hines at the Burlington Legacy Project
Email: whines@ci.burlington.vt.us
Phone: (802) 865-7594