BACKGROUND

Youth leadership development is critical in building civic capacity and long-term community sustainability in Kenosha County. Programs that teach useful skills and build the self-confidence of young people ensure capable, effective leaders for the next generation.

In addition, recent national trends including an increase in youth civic service and new emphasis on civic education in schools indicate a growing need for leadership training to ensure young people are prepared to participate in political and civic life.

Data from a local Search Institute survey in 2006 documented that only 23% of youth perceive that their communities value youth and only 27% believe that youth are given useful roles in the community.  These results were among the lowest of all the assets measured in the survey and were lower than similar assets measured at the national level.

Kenosha County and Kenosha County government value the youth of our community.  In response to the lack of leadership opportunities for Kenosha County youth as reported in the 2006 Search Institute survey, the Kenosha County Extension Education Committee propose that the Kenosha County Board of Supervisors develop a Youth In Governance program.

PURPOSE 

The purpose of the Youth In Governance program is to create a model of youth empowerment within Kenosha County, through direct participation in local government, and community service.  The overall goal is to bring the youth voice to community issues and concerns while fostering the development of confident, independent, and motivated youth leaders.

Youth participating in Youth In Governance will be selected to sit on each of nine the Kenosha County Board Committees:

Administration
Human Services
Building & Grounds
Judiciary & Law
Extension Education & Conservation
Land Use
Finance
Legislative
Highway & Parks

LENGTH: 

The YIG initial launch will run from September 2007 through the April 2008 election. Youth would participate in the committee meetings on a regular basis.  After the initial phase, the program will run from April 1 through the following April election.

MEMBERS: 

The proposed Youth In Governance program will consist of a maximum of 18 youth members. No more than two youth members will serve on a county board committee.  The requirements to be on the Youth In Governance are:

• Must be a high school student between the ages of 16-18
• Must have a GPA of 2.5 or greater
• Must be a Kenosha County resident
• Must be able to attend the monthly meetings
• Must be able to attend additional committee meetings that are combined with other committees

Youth members will not be paid a stipend or mileage for attending meetings. Additionally, the Youth In Governance program will have two adult members, one from the County Board and one from Extension Education & Conservation Committee.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Prospective youth members will be required to fill out a short application.  The application consists of basic contact information, school, GPA, and short answer questions about their intended objectives for the Youth In Governance program and how the program will increase their civic awareness and leadership skills.  The application will include a written recommendation from a school staff member.

A committee convened by the Kenosha County UW-Extension office will do selection of youth members which may include an interview. This selection committee will consist of 1-2 county board members, 1-2 high school seniors, and UW-Extension staff.  The Extension Education Committee will recommend youth members to the Youth In Governance program for appointment by the County Board Chairman to the selected county board committee.

YIG 2008 - 2009 Timeline (1 page, 258 KB) This form has important dates relative to the Kenosha County Youth In Governance program including nomination and application deadlines.

YIG Nomination Form (3 pages, 510 KB) This form is to be used by high school teachers, counselors and administrators to nominate students who meet the basic requirements.

YIG Application Form (5 pages, 754 KB) This is the application form to be used by high school students in applying for the Youth in governance program.

ARTICLES ON YOUTH IN GOVERNANCE:

Several articles have appeared in the Kenosha News rergarding the Youth in govereance program. See the links below for copies of the articles.

County considers youth input (2 pages, 16 KB) This article appeared in the Kenosha News on September 7, 2006.

County officials open door to involve youths in government (2 pages, 24 KB) This article appeared in the Kenosha News on March 15, 2007.

Board approval (1 page, 12 KB) This article appeared in the Kenosha News on March 21, 2007.

It's risky to expose student to the County Board (2 pages, 20 KB) This article appeared in the Kenosha News on March 22, 2007.

Laurel (1 page, 12 KB) This article appeared in the Kenosha News on June 24, 2007.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

John de Montmollin
Assistant Professor and Youth & Family Educator
Kenosha County UW-Extension
262-857-1945 (phone)
262-857-1998 (fax)
john.demontmollin@ces.uwex.edu

YOUTH IN GOVERNANCE PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

Abrianna Barca, Kathleen Barca, Kim Breunig, John de Montmollin, Patricia Demos, Connie Ferwerda, Ronald Johnson, Annie Jones, Richard Kessler, Megan Kroes, Janice Marrelli, Mark Molinaro, Tom Schnaubelt, Jon Tetting, Judge Mary Wagner, Tedi Winnett, Kenn Yance

The Committee would like to acknowledge the contributions of the following individuals:
Connie Abert, Waupaca County UW-Extension
Emily Brunner, youth member, City of Waupaca Youth on Board Initiative
Dan Hill, UW-Extension Local Government Center
Matt Calvert, UW-Extension 4-H Youth Development