Mayor Parker Announces Call for Applications for Mayor’s Youth Council 
Youth Learn about City Government, Decision Making and Civic Engagement

Houston Mayor Annise Parker announces a call for applications for the City of Houston Mayor’s Youth Council for the 2012-13 term.  The Mayor’s Youth Council is modeled after the elected Houston City Council and consists of a Chair, a City Secretary, 11 District and 5 At-Large Council positions and 11 Council Senior Aide posts.   

“The Mayor’s Youth Council presents an exciting and challenging opportunity for young, aspiring leaders of tomorrow to gain an understanding of how city government works and develop strong leadership skills,” said Mayor Parker.  “They explore the issues of their communities, have a say on matters impacting youth and learn the value of civic action and community service.”

Youth ages 14 to 18 who reside or attend schools in the City of Houston are eligible to apply.  Applicants should demonstrate a genuine interest in city government and youth-related issues, possess strong organizational skills and work well with young people of diverse cultures and backgrounds.  

The application deadline is Friday, September 7, 2012, 12:00 midnight.  Applications must be submitted online.  All questions on the application must be answered fully and completely.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.   

A panel of youth and adult advisers will review the applications.  Selected applicants will be invited for a personal interview with members of the advisory panel.  Application decisions will be announced in late September or early October.

The application forms and guidelines, including eligibility requirements and duties and responsibilities, are available at www.houstontx.gov/myc/.  Applicants can look up the City Council districts in which they reside and the names of their respective City Council elected officials by visiting http://cbtcws.cityofhouston.gov/zipcodes/.

The Mayor’s Youth Council is administered by the Mayor’s Volunteer Initiatives Program, a division of the Department of Neighborhoods.  For more information about the department, visit www.houstontx.gov/neighborhoods.