In partnership with UW Extension of Fond du Lac County, the City of Fond du Lac is starting a Youth In Governance (YIG) Program for high school youth. This is a school-year-long program starting in August of 2022 and running until May 2023. Youth are engaged in city government by participating in select Fond du Lac City Commission/Board Meetings
This provides real-life learning opportunities for youth about the functioning of local government and brings a direct youth voice to the community while fostering the development of confident, capable, and independent leaders for the next generation. Youth can apply now with interviews held in August. Youth commit to attending a training in August, then, attend and participate a monthly commission/board meeting.
Youth can apply now at:
https://fonddulac.extension.wisc.edu/positive-youth-development
Program Structure
Each youth representative is appointed to a City of Fond du Lac committee/board, with 2 youth per committee/ board for a one-year term (school year) is matched with an adult liaison on their committee or board. Liaisons closely assist youth in learning about and contributing to the governance process. YIG youth have the same opportunities for committee participation and involvement as elected City Council members, except that they have a non-binding advisory (recorded) vote.
In addition to committee meetings, youth representatives will attend an orientation training led by UW Extension Educator of FDL Co. There will be additional training opportunities throughout the year and a mid-year session for youth as part of the evaluation process focusing on leadership, civic engagement, and professional skill development.
Youth Nominee requirements:
Youth who live or attend school in Fond du Lac in grades 9-12 and meet the following requirements:
– Ability to commit to all committee meetings, orientation training, and mid-year training/evaluation.
– Strong interest in community engagement
– High level of maturity
– Good communication & self-expression skills
– Responsible, dependable, & self-motivated
– Positive attitude
– Interest in developing skills in leadership, professionalism, and working with adults
For more information, please contact: Ron Jakubisin, Positive Youth Development Educator, Extension Fond du Lac County (920) 929-3144 or email ron.jakubisin@wisc.edu
