The message to Bradford youth is simple: “Get involved.”
That’s according to Ward 1 Coun. Cheraldean Duhaney following council approval of a bylaw confirming the creation of the town’s new youth council advisory committee during the regular council meeting earlier this week.
“If you want see change, be the change,” Duhaney said. “Make your voice heard.”
The town is accepting applications online until Oct. 7 for those aged 12-18 interested in getting involved in the community and becoming a voice for youth.
According to the terms of reference, five young people will be chosen to sit on the committee for a term of one year, and meet quarterly to provide feedback to council and town staff about issues and policies important to local youth, as well as to organize projects or events around youth concerns.
The date of the first meeting has yet to be determined, but Duhaney is hoping it will be before the end of the year.
Two members of council are also expected to sit on the committee and act as mentors, and while those councillors haven’t been selected yet, Duhaney is hoping to be one of them, as she led the charge for the new committee during the April 2 council meeting.
Having the committee officially approved was a “great feeling” for her and she stressed the important role young people “passionate about change” can play for “today, tomorrow and future generations.”
“We need the voices of the youth to help us to shape this community,” Duhaney said.
She’s hoping the young members will be able to take on leadership roles and guide council by recommending what they want to see on the agenda and how they want council to deal with issues, which will help build the character and culture of the town.
The committee is also expected to help youth network and build their resume while collecting volunteer hours.
Parental/guardian consent is required for applicants younger than 18 and more information can be found on the committee website.
