![DSC00463 DSC00463](https://youarecurrent.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/DSC00463-150x150.jpg)
Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard today announced the launch of the Carmel Mayor’s Youth Council (CMYC), created to identify and address issues youths face today and to encourage greater teen involvement in the community. The concept of the CMYC originated from Carmel High School junior Jeff Hou, who brought the idea to Mayor Brainard earlier this year.
“I am excited to work more closely with the youth leaders in our community. The two-way dialogue available through this youth council benefits both groups. The students will learn more about how their government works and will be able to affect change by participating in the process. The City will benefit from learning more about the issues that are important to our younger residents. Students will learn about the government decision-making process and be able to take part in decisions that affect them,” said Mayor Brainard.
Seeking to recruit about 30 of Carmel’s most capable teen leaders, the new CMYC will be operated by these youth leaders from across the City of Carmel and will provide these leaders with the opportunity to take active roles in identifying and addressing issues. When selected, the members will serve as the official voice of Carmel youth within the Carmel City government and work directly with the Mayor of Carmel and top City leaders on projects and participate in discussions that directly relate to youth issues.
Earlier today, the CMYC released an application on its website, www.CarmelMayorsYouthCouncil.com and to local Carmel schools and community centers. All Carmel youth who will be in high school in the 2011-2012 school year are encouraged to apply. Hoping to finish the selection process by April 15, the CMYC will have two meetings before summer vacation and resume activity shortly after summer vacation has ended.
When asked why he wanted to form the CMYC, Hou said, “I have always had a passion for helping the community, and through my years of participation in other community service organizations, I have realized that community service benefits not only the community but also the volunteers involved,” Hou said. “The CMYC will encourage and promote youth involvement in community service activities. In fact, one of the very first projects of CMYC is a Carmel Mayor’s Youth Summit that will get youth excited and ready to help the community that has helped them so much.”