Youth in Governance
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BACKGROUNDYouth leadership development is critical in building civic capacity and long-term community sustainability in Kenosha County. Programs that teach useful skills and build the self-confidence of young people ensure capable, effective leaders for the next generation. Data from a 2006 Kenosha County Search Institute survey documented that only 23% of youth perceive that their community values youth and only 27% believe that youth are given useful roles in the community. These results were among the lowest of all the assets measured and were lower than similar assets measured at a national level. In direct response to these survey results, the Kenosha County Board of Supervisors created the Kenosha County Youth In Governance (YIG) program in 2007. The purpose of the Youth In Governance program is to create a model of youth empowerment within Kenosha County, through direct participation in local government. The overall goal is to bring the youth voice to community issues and concerns while fostering the development of confident, independent, and motivated youth leaders.
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APPLICATION PROCESSThe Kenosha County Youth In Governance program consists of a maximum of 14 youth members. No more than two youth members will serve on a county board committee. The requirements to be on the Youth In Governance are:
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| Prospective youth members will be required to fill out a short application. The application consists of basic contact information, school, GPA, and short answer questions about their intended objectives for the Youth In Governance program and how the program will increase their civic awareness and leadership skills. The application will include a written recommendation from a school staff member. The Planning, Development & Extension Education Committee will then interview applicatns and recommend youth members for appointment by the Kenosha County Board Chairman to serve on selected committees.2012-13 Youth In Governance Schedule 2013-14 Youth in Governance Nomination Form 2013-14 Youth in Governance Application 2012-13 Youth In Governance Handbook |
ANNUAL REPORT |
NEWS ARTICLESCounty Swears in Youth in Governance Members, Kenosha News, May 20, 2012 |
CONTACT INFORMATION |
| John de Montmollin Associate Professor and Youth & Family Educator Kenosha County UW-Extension 262-857-1945 (phone) 262-857-1998 (fax) john.demontmollin@ces.uwex.edu |
| YOUTH IN GOVERNANCE PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Abrianna Barca, Kathleen Barca, Kim Breunig, John de Montmollin, Patricia Demos, Connie Ferwerda, Ronald Johnson, Annie Jones, Richard Kessler, Megan Kroes, Janice Marrelli, Mark Molinaro, Tom Schnaubelt, Jon Tetting, Judge Mary Wagner, Tedi Winnett, Kenn YanceThe Committee would like to acknowledge the contributions of the following individuals: Connie Abert, Waupaca County UW-Extension, Emily Brunner, youth member, City of Waupaca Youth on Board Initiative, Dan Hill, UW-Extension Local Government Center, Matt Calvert, UW-Extension 4-H Youth Development |
