North Liberty Youth Council completes first term

NORTH LIBERTY — The North Liberty Youth Council, which began meeting in October 2022, wrapped up its first term and is looking at what’s next.

The program is a way for high school students to connect with elected officials, develop leadership skills, advocate for other young people and participate in the community by leading service projects.

“This new Youth Council will help give our youth a voice in local decisions, support our community through service and help build future leaders,” North Liberty Mayor Chris Hoffman said last year.

The 14 members who were part of the 2022-23 cohort included students from Liberty High School, Clear Creek Amana High School and Regina High School. The council includes students from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.

The first cohort developed a mission, established rules of order and selected the first projects to take on, the city said in a news release. The youth council identified three areas of improvement to focus on: sustainability, social and economic justice, and youth activities.

One of the social and economic justice priorities the youth council identified was more mental health support for teens and families. As a result, a mental health and wellness gathering was held in late July. It also will hold an outdoor film screening on Aug. 19 to help broaden activities offered for youth.

“One of the biggest issues facing youth is isolation and feeling disconnected from their community,” the youth council said in a letter. “This issue is at the top of the Youth Council’s list of areas of improvement for North Liberty, especially for teenagers.”

Several members will return for the 2023-24 cohort, but the city is seeking applications from high school students to fill the remaining vacancies.

Participation is open to students who will be in ninth through 12th grade for the 2023-24 school year. Public, private and home-school students living in North Liberty or attending school in the city are invited to apply.

The Youth Council typically meets 4:30 to 6 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of the month from September to May. Participation requires six to 12 hours of service each month, which can include youth council meetings, group service projects and community events.

Interested students should apply online at northlibertyiowa.org/youthcouncil. For more information, contact outreach and equity coordinator Micah Ariel James at mjames@northlibertyiowa.org or at (319) 640-8172.

Applications will be accepted until vacancies are filled. Selected participants will be invited to attend a mandatory new council member orientation from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Sept. 7.

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