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LEWISTON — The City of Lewiston is seeking applicants for its 2017-2018 Lewiston Youth Advisory Council year of service, which will run for 12 months beginning in July. The deadline for application submission is May 15.
To be considered for membership on the LYAC, the applicant must be a grade 9 through 12 student at either Lewiston High School or St. Dominic Academy (or will be in the fall) OR a Lewiston resident at the time of application. Lewiston homeschool students are also welcome to apply for membership. Current members may also reapply. Six (6) seniors will be leaving the council in June, so there is ample room for new members!
The Council was first established by the Lewiston City Council in October 2001 and has since received local, state and national recognition. The LYAC enables youth to work toward goals to empower youth community-wide, as well as undertakes service projects that enhance the community. The youth council also serves as a liaison between the youth of the community and the City.
Projects LYAC has been known for include its recent T.A.L.K. campaign — Treat All Listeners Kindly — a positive communication campaign; Lewiston Community Jeopardy, exploring Lewiston’s past and present; “DO YOU DO LEW?” public-image campaign; 2014 Celebration of Immigration community event; 2013 December Holiday’s Cultural Celebration; “Keep In Mind; Be Kind” anti-bullying outreach; a “Homeless Youth in Lewiston: What Can You Do” documentary; a DVD titled “Cool Happenings on Lisbon Street” highlighting downtown Lewiston’s new businesses and activities.
LYAC also worked closely with the Downtown Neighborhood Action Committee toward revitalization of Lewiston’s Pierce Street Park and facilitated a park renaming contest amidst elementary school children, resulting in “Mark W. Paradis Park.” LYAC also held a “MOTIVATE ME” youth aspirations recognition event for local middle school students; a World Peace Day Walk & Event; a 2010 Youth Summit; filmed a “Lewiston In the Eyes of Youth” DVD; filmed a “Keep Lewiston Clean … Recycle” DVD; developed a recycling story/coloring book for elementary aged children; partnered with the Lewiston School Department to site an electronic message board at the entrance of Lewiston High School; hosted a cultural-exchange visit with Northern Ireland teens; facilitated a “U Booze U Looze” youth-to-youth under-age drinking awareness initiative, and developed/filmed “SMASHED,” a UBUL film approved for driver’s ed curriculum statewide.
Additionally, LYAC has demonstrated leadership in the City’s successful quest for the National Civic League All-America City Award; held a Youth Fine & Performing Arts Celebration; a “Lessons Through Expressions” art event for area children; partnered with the Lewiston Fire Department for “Is Your Number Up,” a house/business address posting campaign to enable quick response by emergency responders; raised funds to site the City’s 1891 E. Howard timepiece as a multi-level presence at Lewiston City Hall; and led a community-wide noise pollution awareness campaign resulting in an enhanced Lewiston noise ordinance.
When applications for the 2017-2018 year are received, a selection committee will review all submitted LYAC applications, conduct interviews and appoint up to 15 members. The committee will make its selection by the last Friday in June, and selected youth will be subsequently notified and then officially appointed during a July 2017 Lewiston City Council meeting.
For more information on the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council, interested individuals may visit www.lewistonmaine.gov/lyac or contact Community Relations Coordinator Dot Perham-Whittier by calling (207) 513-3000, X3205, or emailing dottie@lewistonmaine.gov.
