The Maryland Youth Advisory Council recently announced that they are accepting applications for new members.
The Council was established through the state legislature in order to ensure that Maryland youth are given the opportunity to provide feedback and recommendations regarding public policies and programs that affect their future and to take a leadership role in creating meaningful change.
The Council holds at least 4 meetings a year, including a public meeting on issues of importance to youth. Topics for the meeting may be:
- education,
- a safe learning environment,
- employment opportunities,
- increasing youth participation in government,
- health care access and quality of care,
- substance abuse and underage drinking,
- emotional and physical well-being,
- the environment,
- poverty,
- homelessness,
- youth access to services,
- suicide prevention, and
- educational accessibility issues for students with disabilities.
The Council recommends one legislative proposal, provide testimony before legislative bodies on youth issues, and conduct a public awareness campaign to raise awareness about the Council among Maryland youth. Each year, they provide a report to the Governor and the General Assembly.
All youth members must be 14-22 years of age, serve a one year term (September 1, 2013 until August 31, 2014) and they cannot serve more than two consecutive terms. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Christina Drushel at christina.drushel@maryland.gov or at 410-767-2547. The deadline for applications is July 1, 2013.
For more information, see the announcement and application packet.
