MISSION STATEMENT

The Manchester Youth Commission is a diverse group of youth collaborating with local government, in an effort to create open communication in the decision making process, making it possible to strengthen the community through the voice of youth.

APPLICATION MUST BE RECEIVED BY: 4:00 pm; May 4, 2020

Manchester Youth Service Bureau 63 Linden Street Manchester, CT 06040-0191 Attn: Manchester Youth Commission

FAX: 860-647-5253

E-MAIL: heatherw@manchesterct.gov

PHONE: 860-647-5215

INTERVIEW DATE: May 19, 2020 5:30-7:30 at the Manchester Youth Service Bureau, 63 Linden Street, Manchester

To give each applicant the opportunity to demonstrate his or her eligibility for the Youth Commission, answer the following questions. Please limit each response to 150 words.

Requirements & Responsibilities:

In 2008, the Manchester Board of Directors established an independent Youth Commission to serve as on-going advisors to the town’s Board of Directors.  This Commission has increased communication between adults and youth and ensures that the youth in the community are an integral part of government decision-making in Manchester.  It also fosters and encourages civic and neighborhood pride and a sense of identity through knowledge and understanding and increases involvement of Manchester’s youth in present and future municipal affairs.

The Youth Commission consists of up to twenty-four (24) members.  Members are youth who:

• Reside in Manchester
• Are enrolled in or entering grades 9 through 12, or, for up to four members, under the age of 19 enrolled in Manchester Community College (MCC)
• Able to serve a minimum of two (2) years unless joining as a senior or MCC student

Duties of the commission include, but are not limited to:

• Serving as a catalyst for identifying and promoting youth issues
• Fostering greater involvement of youth in municipal government
• Proposing youth related policy recommendations and priorities to the Board of Directors
• Reviewing municipal matters referred to the Commission by the Board of Directors or others
• Help to monitor the effectiveness of municipal youth programs, projects and policies
• Partnering with governmental agencies, neighborhood and /or community organizations
• Partnering with other Town boards, commissions and committees
• Managing grant and other funds appropriated to the commission for the support and encouragement of youth-led initiatives

Attendance Policy:  ONLY 5 absences, excused or unexcused, and no more than 3 consecutive absences are allowed each year.  Meetings are held on the 1^st and 3^rd Tuesday each month.

All applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, or disability.

I have read the above and I am interested and committed to working with others to find the most comprehensive and potentially effective approaches to making Manchester a better place for young people.  I’m interested in being considered for a seat as a member of the Manchester Youth Commission.  I understand that selections will be based on the completed application, nomination, and an interview.