Nominations for Youth Governance Program Now Open
January 29, 2016
Supervisor Shelia Stubbs
(608) 345-6961
The Dane County Youth Governance Program (YGP) is currently seeking nominations for the 2016-2017 term. Nominees must be Dane County residents who will be in grades 9-12 in the Fall of 2016.
The Dane County Youth Governance Program was created in January of 2012 as an opportunity for the youth of Dane County to make change in the county while developing valuable skills for the future. The purpose of the Dane County Youth Governance Program is to offer greater opportunities for youth leadership, development, and empowerment in Dane County through direct participation in county government decision-making; to provide real-life learning opportunities for youth in the functioning of local government; and to bring a direct youth voice to community issues and concerns while fostering the development of confident, capable, and independent leaders for the next generation.
To achieve these goals, youth serve on Dane County Board Committees for a one year term running from June 1 through May 31. Youth members have a non-binding advisory vote on all County Board standing committees, but are given the same opportunities for committee participation and involvement as elected county supervisors. There are two or three youth representatives on each of the six County Board standing committees.
Nominees should be consistently responsible, dependable, and self-motivated youth who have leadership potential or experience. Ideal nominees should also have the time capacity to commit to 2-3 meetings per month for a total of 8-10 hours. This program is particularly suited to youth who are interested in business, government, or law, although all are encouraged to participate. After nominations are made, Dane County UW-Extension will send information about the programs as well as applications to each nominee.
Nominations can be made by any adult. For more information on the Dane County Youth Governance Program, and for the nomination form, please visit the YGP website at http://fyi.uwex.edu/youthgovernanceprogram/ or contact Jess Guffey Calkins, 4-H Youth Development Assistant, at 608-224-3712, or calkins.jessica@countyofdane.com.