City of New Haven
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council
“Youth of Today......Leaders for Tomorrow”

ABOUT US

Hey! Want a chance to have your voice heard? Want to make a difference in your community? Or do you just want to hang out, meet some really great people, share food and have a great time? Check out the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council and let people know what teens can do in their community.

Since 2002, the New Haven Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council has welcomed youth aged 13-19 who would like to have a say in the issues which directly, or indirectly affect young people in the community and who have worked to make a difference. The MYAC organization actively participates in planning activities and opportunities for youth in and around New Haven that raise awareness of youth-related issues. MYAC acts as a liaison between local officials in city government and youth in this area. This Youth Council works to ensure that young people have a voice. MYAC also provide a “sense of purpose”. This is the place for the government and the community to get some feedback, opinions and concerns from young people to make this community even better. MYAC also offers to help build the necessary skills that will benefit youth to become successful adults and leaders for tomorrow. MYAC gives back to the area through community projects which benefit others in the community. Through generous corporate sponsorship and fundraisers, MYAC continues to grow and gain statewide recognition.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council shall provide a voice for the young adults of our community allowing the opportunity to address issues and concerns that affect them directly and offering solutions to local government officials through participation and community involvement.

WHAT THE PROGRAM IS ABOUT

Youth Advisory Councils and Commissions have been established in cities throughout the United States to work in conjunction with local government authorities. These Councils and Commissions consist of young adults who are dedicated to their community and selected by their peers to represent their communities. Youth Advisory Councils have been designed to provide an opportunity for young adults to get involved in local government affairs. The Youth Advisory Council will advise the Mayor and meet with City Council members pertaining to issues that will benefit our youth in New Haven.

BENEFITS FOR YOUNG ADULTS

By participating in the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, young adults will learn to build leadership skills and develop other skills they can use throughout their lives, such as, decision making, teamwork, developing creative ideas and finding out how governments operate. The Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council will provide an educational opportunity while fostering a sense of civic responsibility.

MYAC GOALS

- To serve as a liaison between the Mayor, City Council and other local government departments by reporting on the achievements and progress of all our youth.

- To serve as a forum for the youth of New Haven to present ideas and suggestions that foster wholesome youth development.

- To investigate needs, problems and issues affecting the youth of the City of New Haven.

- To identify and reward those youth in the City of New Haven who make a significant contribution to their community by their volunteer service, positive impact on their peers, and by their willingness to achieve success in their endeavors.

- To address needs, concerns, and social issues that affect the healthy development of mind and body by researching solutions and implementing effective programs.

WHY GET INVOLVED?

The Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council is established for those young adults who simply want to make a change that will benefit their peers and who are willing to make a serious commitment to this organization. Other reasons to get involved include:

- Build as a group with a vision

- Open doors for opportunities with local government

- Potential internship for Youth Council members to work with various departments of the City on certain projects.

- Build mutual respect between local government and young adults

- Serving as advisors to the Mayor and City Council on issues that affect our youth

- Work toward a better knowledge of local government

APPLICATION

All interested students must complete an application and submit it to the Youth Council Director, Deb-Anne Smith, at the Mayor’s Office, 815 Lincoln Highway East, New Haven, Indiana 46774. If you need additional information, please contact Deb-Anne at (260) 748-7072.

SELECTION PROCESS

Upon completion of an application, the Youth Council and Adult Advisors will continue to select a diverse group of individuals who are willing to make a commitment to their community.

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

- All members must reside in New Haven, attend a New Haven school or have a special interest in the community.

- The student must maintain an acceptable grade level. (Members must maintain an academic grade level no lower than a “C” average.)

- Members must be between the ages of 13-18.

- Members must make a commitment to be involved in serving your community.

MEETINGS

Youth Advisory Council meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month. These Advisory Council meetings are run by its youth members. Meetings will generally be held at the New Haven City Hall in the Council Chambers located at 815 Lincoln Highway East in New Haven.

For further information, please contact Youth Director Deb-Anne Smith at the Mayor’s Office at
(260) 748-7072.