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Youth in Governance

Logo for Youth in Governance Program
 
Youth 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. In addition, recent national trends including an increase in youth civic service and new emphasis on civic education in schools indicate a growing need for leadership training to ensure young people are prepared to participate in political and civic life.
 
Data from a local Search Institute survey in 2010 documented that only 25% of youth perceive that their communities value 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 in the survey and were lower than similar assets measured at the national level.Kenosha County and Kenosha County government value the youth of our community.  In response to the lack of leadership opportunities for Kenosha County youth as reported in the Search Institute survey, the Kenosha County Extension Education Committee propose that the Kenosha County Board of Supervisors develop a Youth In Governance program.
 
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, and community service.  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.Youth participating in Youth In Governance will be selected to sit on each of six the Kenosha County Board Committees: Executive, Finance/Administration, Human Services, Judiciary & Law, Planning, Development & Extension Education, and Public Works/Facilities.  In addition, youth are also appointed to serve on the Joint Services Board.
 
The 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:

  • Must be a high school students in the 10th or 11th grade at the time of application.
  • Must have a GPA of 2.5 or greater
  • Must be a Kenosha County resident
  • Must be able to attend the monthly meetings (Youth members will not be paid a stipend or mileage for attending meetings.)
  • Must be able to attend additional committee meetings that are combined with other committees
 
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.A committee convened by the Kenosha County UW-Extension office will do selection of youth members which may include an interview. The Planning, Development & Extension Education Committee will then recommend youth members for appointment by the Kenosha County Board Chairman to serve on selected committees.

2012-13 Youth In Governance Group Information

2012-13 Youth In Governance Schedule  This form has important dates relative to the Kenosha County Youth In Governance program including nomination and application deadlines.
 2012-13 Nomination Form This form is to be used by high school teachers, counselors and administrators to nominate students who meet the basic requirements.
  2012-13 Youth In Governance Application  This is the application form to be used by high school students in applying for the Youth in governance program.
  2012-13 Youth In Governance Handbook This handbook is designed specifically for Kenosha County Youth In Governance program participants.
 2011 – 2012 YIG Annual Report  A report highlighting the 2011-12 Youth in Governance Program.
Several articles have appeared in the Kenosha News regarding the Youth in Governance program. See the links below for copies of the articles.
 Youth enthusiastic to have seat at County Board’s table  This article appeared in the Kenosha News on June 8, 2011
 18 teens join YIG-2010  This article appeared in the Kenosha News on May 30, 2010.
Youth in Governance swears in new participants  This article appeared in the Kenosha News on April, 26, 2009
County: Youth will be allowed in most closed sessions This article appeared in the Kenosha News on June 22, 2008
Laurel  This article appeared in the Kenosha News on June 24, 2007.
It’s risky to expose student to the County Board This article appeared in the Kenosha News on March 22, 2007.
County considers youth input This article appeared in the Kenosha News on September 7, 2006.
Board approval This article appeared in the Kenosha News on March 21, 2007.
County officials open door to involve youths in government  This article appeared in the Kenosha News on March 15, 2007.
 
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

 

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