Houston Government Jobs Prep for Local Youth
One program is aimed at helping young people who may be interested in future Houston government jobs.
Mayor Annise Parker recently announced that the city is accepting applications for the 2010-11 Mayor's Youth Council, which is meant to help members gain an understanding of city departments and build relationships with community leaders, citizens and elected officials.
"We are looking to lay the foundation for our city’s future leaders," Parker said. "High school students who are interested in helping their community should apply, and we hope they will learn valuable information about how the city works that can be relayed to their neighbors and friends."
The MYC is similar to the Houston City Council and includes a chairperson, city secretary, nine district and five at-large council positions and their aides. Members are asked to help make decisions that will affect local youth and participate in various activities throughout the year.
MYC members also will be asked to plan town hall meetings that cover topics interesting to youth; participate in community service projects; and gather input from other students through the Houston Youth Survey.
Applicants must be high school students between 14 and 18-years old, reside in the City of Houston, and be sponsored by a teacher from their school's social studies department. They also should have a strong interest in government and youth-related issues, be well-organized, and work well with others.
Applications are due by September 10th and will be reviewed by a panel of youth and adult advisors. Qualified candidates will be asked to undergo a personal interview and finalists will be announced mid-September.
The MYC is overseen by the Volunteer Initiatives Program, which promotes volunteer activities throughout the Houston area.
"Our goal is that every young man and woman leaves the Mayor's Youth Council with a better understanding of civic duty and a moral responsibility to the community," VIP Director Cameron M. Waldner said. "Even though they are a small group of 33 members, their actions have a far-reaching effect on the City of Houston."