Glendale, AZ Mayor's Youth Advisory Commission

Type: Program

Status: Ongoing

Source File: http://www.glendaleaz.com/Mayor/myac.cfm#LearnaboutMYAC

Description:

Inspiring youths by guiding them to take an active role in their local government—that is the foundation of the Glendale Mayor’s Youth Advisory Commission. But what is an unexpected byproduct of this highly successful civic program is the inspiration exuded to all others by the incredible achievements each year’s group of youths attains.

The Mayor’s Youth Advisory Commission—often referred to as MYAC—is a working group of Glendale teens from all high schools in our city, as well as public and private schools beyond our boundaries. Each year the teens plan and implement community projects, a Teen Town Hall and Student Government Day.

By serving as a member of the Mayor’s commission, teenagers have the unique opportunity to express their views and share their ideas on a variety of youth-related issues firsthand with Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs and other city leaders. This is an excellent chance for high school students to become directly involved with their city government.

Recent accomplishments include the launch of Teens Today, an independently produced cable program on the city cable channel. The program debuted in September 2000 to overwhelming acceptance. Concerned with what Glendale teens perceived as the negative images of today’s youth by the media, members of MYAC asked for the opportunity to develop, produce and host this youth oriented program to draw attention to the positive contributions of teens in their schools, neighborhoods and community.

MYAC also asked the Mayor and Council for the opportunity to have teens serve on some of the city’s 18 boards and commissions. The result was an amendment to city ordinances that allows for this expanded membership. Since then, several Glendale teens have been appointed as full voting members.

Applications are accepted in early sping. Membership is limited exclusively to high school students living in Glendale who are looking to become actively involved in their community. MYAC is limited to 50 members. To be eligible, teens must be enrolled in high school.