Mayor's Youth Council

MISSION

The mission of the Columbus Mayor’s Youth Council (CMYC) is to serve as role models in the community and among the youth of Columbus. Members develop leadership skills by taking an active role in City-sponsored activities and youth-lead initiatives aiming to engage citizens of all ages. CMYC strengthens their community through volunteer service work and increased communication with the Mayor and other city departments to improve the quality of life for the citizens in Columbus. 

VISION STATEMENT

We envision a generation of empowered young leaders who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and support to inspire change, uplift their communities, and lead with purpose and integrity.

WHAT DOES CMYC DO?

CMYC meets twice monthly from September to April of each year. During the year, members will identify an issue affecting them, learn from experts, and pursue solutions to that issue.  CMYC provides our youth with a communications link directly to the Mayor to learn about City policies, procedures and governmental workings. It also provides an opportunity to advise the Mayor on issues and concerns facing our youth today.

The Mayor’s Youth Council will enable local officials to be more representative of the community as a whole and improve services that directly affect young people. All CMYC efforts are designed to engage our youth in civic and community initiatives that contribute to our thriving city. Students will have opportunities to develop their leadership skills through community engagement activities and to advocate for youth in community matters, thus increasing the likelihood they will continue their contribution to Columbus communities in their adult years.

WHY JOIN CMYC?

CMYC unites high school students from across Columbus with a common goal of creating a brighter future by tackling issues that affect youth. As a CMYC member, you will have numerous opportunities to develop leadership skills, participate in volunteer opportunities, create valuable connections with government officials and passionate students, raise awareness for issues important to you and engage with your local government in a unique and rewarding manner.  Being a member of CMYC means becoming a better informed, better prepared, and better devoted Columbus resident!

MANDATORY PARTICIPATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

1. Attend Induction Ceremony;
2. Attend Team Building Retreat;
3. Complete fifteen (15) hours of community service;
4. Attend two (2) CMYC meetings per month (2nd and 4th Mondays – 5pm);
5. Contribute to Group Project;
6. Attend the Annual Statewide Youth Leadership Summit; and
7. Attend two (2) City Council Meetings.

Attendance at CMYC meetings is expected. If a member cannot attend due to sickness or for a duly authorized reason, the member shall notify the Liaison through electronic communications. Failure to do so is an automatic unexcused absence. Excused absences include, but not limited to, school functions, testing, extracurricular activities, illness, and family emergencies.

The applications are due SEPTEMBER 2nd.  Fill out the form in its entirety, and please include one letter of `recommendation from someone who is unrelated to the student.

HOW TO APPLY

● Applications for the Mayor's Youth Council may be made online here , or printed and mailed; including signed Student/Parent Acknowledgment.

● One Letter of Recommendation from adults you have worked with within school or non-school activities (e.g. teacher, coach, counselor, supervisor, etc.) Letter writers must include their names, phone numbers, and email address in the letters. Person providing these references are to be non-related to applicant.

● Official/Unofficial copy of your transcript or other school-issued verification of your accumulative grade point average. Report cards are not acceptable unless they provide your cumulative GPA.

SELECTION CRITERIA

● Must be 10th – 12th Grade;

● Have a grade point average of at least 3.0;

● Have a passion for serving their community; and

● Have the desire to learn about city government and be a leader among Columbus youth.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES are available to local businesses, organizations and individual donors. Funds are used to provide MYC t-shirts to use at community service events, social activities and travel expenses for members attending the Annual Statewide Youth Leadership Summit, a two-day event in the beginning of March sponsored by the Mississippi Municipal League. The purpose of the Summit is to bring city officials and youth together to share their experiences of their programs and the impact made on the community. In addition, it establishes a forum where youth can interact and discuss issues and concerns that are important to them. As a result, the Summit has been organized to promote a fun environment for youth and city officials to learn and network with each other.