LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEM
SPONSOR: City Council President Jared Moore
SUBJECT:
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PILOT PROGRAM CREATING A PENSACOLA YOUTH COUNCIL
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RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
That City Council approve a pilot program creating a Pensacola Youth Council.
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HEARING REQUIRED: No Hearing Required
SUMMARY:
Youth Councils have been created in cities across Florida. The creation of such a council provides an opportunity to bring important youth issues to the forefront of government, opportunities to develop programs, projects and activities for youth in the City, helps to equip youth with an understanding of municipal government, enhances classroom civic education with real world experience, prepares youth to be future civic leaders, allows for the opportunity to see how local government operates with hands on experience, assists in building practical leadership skills and techniques, desires to increase youth volunteerism, allows for the city to experience and review youth-identified community initiatives and enhances project planning, organizing and implementation skills.
Those chosen to participate will be exposed to the various City departments and functions such as the Mayor’s Office, the City Council, learning about the City Charter, review of public information and Sunshine laws along with a discussion of ethical considerations. They will learn of municipal operations such as the Police and Fire departments, Pensacola Energy, Parks and Recreation, Public Works, as well as other enterprises and departments in order to get a complete understanding of the intricacies of a functioning municipal government. Students will learn about the budget and budgeting process and will participate in the development and focus of the City Council along with developing, planning and executing a community service project to benefit the citizens of Pensacola.
This endeavor is also taking place with the cities of Milton and Gulf Breeze in a partnership effort with each city creating its own Council. While this first year will be shorter and considered a pilot program, it is hoped that the desired participation will increase and that this will become a permanent program supported by the City.
Due to Covid-19, all meeting and activities will be virtual during the spring 2021 semester. The Pensacola Youth Council will be open to juniors and seniors. The initial pilot program will run for nine (9) weeks, from March 22 - May 21, 2021. Future Youth Council programs would possibly run twice a year for twelve to sixteen weeks during the fall and spring semesters.
PRIOR ACTION:
March 17, 2016 - The idea of creating a Youth Council was presented to City Council.
February 8, 2018 - Resolution 18-07 Established a Youth in Government Day to be Held April 30, 2018.
March 28, 2019 - Resolution 2019-20 Established a Youth in Government Day to be held April 22, 2019.
FUNDING:
N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None at this time
STAFF CONTACT:
Don Kraher, Council Executive
Kelsey Powell, Community Liaison and Outreach Coordinator
ATTACHMENTS:
None
PRESENTATION: No