The Mayor’s Office for Education and Children houses the Mayor’s Youth Commission, a youth and adult body appointed by the Mayor.
The mission of the Mayor’s Youth Commission is: Empowered young voices working with city officials to build a better Denver. The Commission is a youth/adult partnership that provides youth voice and leadership within the City and County of Denver. Established through city ordinance, its primary role is to advise the Mayor on key issues impacting Denver youth. The Commission is made up of 21 members; 11 youth, ages 14-18, 5 representatives from City Agencies and 5 representatives from private/non-profit agencies which serve youth in the community. Commissioners are appointed for three year terms. They meet from August through May on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., and other times as necessary.
This year the Mayor’s Youth Commission developed and distributed a youth perception survey in partnership with the Denver Public Schools Student Board of Education. The survey featured questions on transportation, mental health, jobs/internships, recreation and safety. The Commission has identified two priorities that they will research and develop goals for during the 2012-2013 school year.
The Youth Commission is an exciting leadership opportunity for young Denver residents to be involved in their community. The Commission has 5 youth positions to fill. We are accepting applications from interested youth through May 31, 2012. Successful applicants will be interviewed in June and July. Finalists will be recommended to the Mayor for his consideration and appointment in August 2012.
Youth need to live in the City and County of Denver and be between the ages of 14-18. We strive for geographical representation of Denver middle and high schools. The following schools are currently represented on the commission. Applications for students representing these schools will not be considered at this time: Denver Center for International Studies, Colorado Academy, Denver Waldorf, George Washington, Venture Prep and Grant Ranch.
In order to be considered for an interview, interested youth must submit the following:
- Youth Commission application
- Essay
- Letter of recommendation
Interested youth must fill out the attached application or use the Survey Monkey link provided below:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YouthCommissioner2012
The essay and letter of recommendation must be received by May 31, 2012 and can be emailed or mailed using the following information:
Nancy Gilder
Mayor’s Office for Education and Children
201 W. Colfax, Dept 1101
Denver, CO 80202
If you have questions, contact Nancy Gilder at 720-913-0913 or Nancy.Gilder@denvergov.org .