Youth Advisory Council – Seeing Denton Through the Eyes of Our Youth
Over 2000 years ago, the youth coming of age in ancient Athens were asked to recite and commit to this oath:
“We will never bring disgrace on this our City by an act of dishonesty or cowardice. We will fight for the ideals and Sacred Things of the City both alone and with many. We will revere and obey the City’s laws, and will do our best to incite a like reverence and respect in those above us who are prone to annul them or set them at naught. We will strive increasingly to quicken the public’s sense of civic duty. Thus in all these ways we will transmit this City, not only not less, but greater and more beautiful than it was transmitted to us.”
What are we doing as a city to help our young people develop their citizenship so as to be future contributing and engaged members of our democracy? What are we doing as a city to foster our children’s sense of civic duty and responsibility? As the father of two young children, I find myself re-discovering the city and its purpose and potential through their eyes.
As such, I am officially launching the creation of Youth Advisory Council for District 1. I am forming the council with the hopes of bringing our younger citizens into the process of local governance. The council will meet once a month to advise me on issues that concern them within the city. There will also be an educational component – through guest speakers, site visits, and projects, the students involved will learn more about their city and gain a greater sense of social and civic responsibility.
The Youth Council is open to students in 5th grade through 12th grade. Although the focus of the group will be toward the needs of District 1, students living outside the district are welcome to apply. Click here to download an application.
Adults – please help in spreading the word to interested parents, teachers, and kids in your neighborhood. Please direct any questions to me at kevin.roden@cityofdenton.com or 940-206-5239.
One Comment
I’ll let my English class know. Thanks for treating kids like people.