The Columbia Youth Commission is a program for local high school students to provide leadership and improve services for youth in the City of Columbia. This group of young leaders will work to bridge the gap between adults and youth, fostering a greater sense of unity, communication, and partnership throughout the city.
Over the past few years, the activism and civic engagement in Generation Z (people born from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s) has been evident, particularly in movements such as The March for our Lives. To better leverage, the energy, ideas, and voices of young people in our community, programs like a Youth Commission are not only beneficial but are imperative for cities that want to more intentionally engage with youth and understand their needs as a demographic.
What would I do as a Youth Commissioner?
Roles and responsibilities of the Youth Commission include:
- Commenting on legislation and policies that impact youth
- Creating public service programs that improve the lives of youth
- Monitoring and measuring the effectiveness of youth programs and policies
- Coming up with program evaluation measures that consider aspects of a program that matter most to youth.Partnering with other youth organizations on shared issues
- Preparing peers for leadership roles, post-secondary education, and career.
How will the Youth Commissioners be selected?
The City of Columbia will hold a city and counties-wide (Richland and Lexington) election, similar to how typical municipal and county elections are held. One youth commissioner will be elected from each city district, with three at-large representatives from Richland County and two at-large representatives from Lexington County. There will be a total of nine (9) people on the Youth Commission.
Eligible candidates are students ages 14-18. High school seniors graduating in June 2019 will not be eligible for elected office.
This election will be unique in that all 14-18-year-olds in Richland and Lexington counties will be eligible voters. Youth commissioners will campaign to voters just as an adult candidate for elected office does, and the election for all candidates will be held on May 7.
Sound interesting?
Apply to be considered as a candidate HERE.
Applications will be accepted until April 5, 2019.
If you have questions, feel free to email Lauren at lauren.harper@columbiasc.gov.