The city’s Youth Advisory Board is, once again, seeking new members to amplify young voices in Battle Creek.
Members must live within the city limits, and be age 14 to 20.
The group is empowered to set its own agenda, addressing and acting on issues of its own choosing related to the youth voice, and making Battle Creek a better place for young people. A YAB representative also sits on the dais with commissioners during the twice-monthly regular commission meetings at City Hall. The YAB and city staff are working on additional ways to engage youth in city government and the community.
The YAB meets at 2 p.m. on the fourth Sunday of each month. In addition to the meetings, YAB members participate in community meetings and events, volunteer with various organizations and causes, and more.
City Commissioners Kaytee Faris and Lynn Ward Gray serve as liaisons to the board, in an advisory role.
YAB members are encouraged to attend City Commission and other community meetings to give their voices to the various issues up for discussion. For example, the YAB recently supported the election of mayor and vice mayor by public vote, as well as staggered commission terms. Members provided input on the city’s master plan, and were featured guests on the Keeping You Informed AccessVision program with Gray.
The YAB also will take the lead during this year’s Keeping You Informed Town Hall, on the topic of school safety, set for May 22. More information will be released as the event is planned.
Applications are due Friday, April 13 by 5 p.m. to the City Manager’s Office, Room 206 at City Hall, 10 N. Division St. The application form is available on the city website, www.battlecreekmi.gov, by navigating to I Want To… Apply … Board or Commission.
The direct link to the application is: http://battlecreekmi.gov/DocumentCenter/Home/View/450