Youth City Councils Utah League of Cities and Towns 2006 Midyear Convention Stanley Guy Utah State University Extension Dixie Convention Center St. George, Utah April 7, 2006

Youth City Councils Taylorsville Youth City Council The Mission of the Association of Youth Councils is to provide an opportunity for youth to develop mature citizenship, leadership, a sense of personal achievement, and an understanding of government.

History of Youth City Councils Originally, part of Utah Community Progress Program sponsored by USU Extension, Utah League of Cities and Towns, and Utah Department of Community and Economic Development Then Hyrum Mayor Bruce Darley and USU Community Development Specialists Wes Maughan and Jeri Winger were instrumental in starting the first YCC in Utah Association of Youth Councils formed due to the increased number of Youth Councils in Utah.

Types of Youth Councils Youth City Councils typically mirror the regular City Council with: Youth Mayor Youth Councilpersons Youth Recorder Youth Department Heads (If needed) Youth County Councils Youth Chamber of Commerce

Youth Councils provide Leadership Development Serve in a leadership capacity Learn to accept responsibility Learn to work as a team Learn how to plan an agenda, conduct a meeting, give oral reports, and be accountable for assignments Acquire self confidence Serve in the community

Local Government Experience Youth learn duties of City Council Participate in voting or interviews, elections, and being sworn into office Observe and sometimes, shadow city council in operation Deal with local community issues Experience differences in assignments and duties of mayor and city council Participate in discussion with local government officials Highland YCC unveils entrance sign to the city.

Communication Between Youth and Adults Opportunities for youth to: Recommend community changes Be involved in community projects Opportunities for adults to: Ask advice of local youth city council on local youth related issues Ask for assistance on community projects Train future community leaders

117 Cities and Towns with YCC’s?

The Utah League of Cities and Towns sponsors a “Day at the Legislature.” Many YCC’s take this opportunity to learn what is going on at the State Capitol and to have lunch with their legislators. Murray City Youth Government

Some YCC Service in 2005 Food BoxesSenior Citizen DancesFireman's Breakfast Christmas Box HouseRelay for LifeElection Judge lunches Halloween CarnivalsParadesTutoring Trunk or TreatThanksgiving projectsShadow Day Safe HalloweenEaster Egg Hunts Preparedness FairMeet the Candidate Nights Youth ConferencesArmed Forces Appreciation City CelebrationsPresentations Elementary Schools Sub for SantaFundraise for Community Organizations Anti-tobacco campaignsSchool Supplies for children

Motivational Speakers Share Fair Concert Breakout Workshops Youth City Council’s Leadership Workshops Awards Banquet Dance 24 th Annual AYC Leadership Institute Co-sponsored by USU Extension on the USU Campus

Motivational Speakers John Bytheway, Popular Youth Speaker, Author, and Barney Fife Impersonator Sharlene Wells Hawkes, Former ESPN Sports Broadcaster and Miss America 1985 Neleh Dennis Nielson, Former KUTV Reporter and Runner-up of Survivor Marquesas

Share Fair Youth Councils shared their accomplishments and activities through poster displays. Youth City Councils are doing great things in their communities.

Clinton Youth City Council Safety Fair Relay for Life Swearing In Breakfast with the City Council Sub for Santa Sorting Painting Fire Hydrants Halloween Dance Hot Dogs at RC Willey’s

Springville Youth City Council Poster voted “Liked the Most” by the Youth City Councils in attendance. One vote per each council. The South Weber YCC organized the fair and provided the prize - a box of donuts and a South Weber YCC T-shirt.

Root Beer Reunion (a.k.a. “The Fuller Boys”) Kort and Braden Fuller entertain youth city council members at the Thursday night concert. They each play a number of instruments, including fiddle, guitar, flute and Irish whistle. They’ve honed the yooo-del- a-he-hoooos to perfection.

Breakout Workshops by Adults Caring adults presented workshops on preparing for higher education; strategic planning and setting goals; managing stress; community alcohol, tobacco, and drug prevention; Youth Mayors workshop; and Advisors workshop.

Youth City Councils’ Workshops Say What – Highland YCC Davis County Youth Games – South Weber YCC Leadership through Teamwork – Taylorsville YCC Eat the Cannibal – Millville YCC Chart Your Course – Springville YCC The Charlie Brown Syndrome – Brigham City YCC Getting to Know You – Payson YCC Communication Breakdown – South Ogden YCC Race to Greatness – Murray City Youth Government What Would You Bring? – Clinton YCC

Awards Banquet Layton Youth Council received st Place Award of Excellence. Springville YCC – nd Place Award of Excellence Taylorsville YCC – rd Place Award of Excellence Five hundred youth, advisors, and invited guests attended the Awards Banquet

DANCE!

Resource People Stanley Guy Community Development Educator Utah State University Extension 2949 Old Main Hill Logan, Utah Gary Sessions Association of Youth Councils PO Box 254 Mount Hope, KS Additional on-line information is available at