Lewiston Youth Advisory Council seeks teens as new members

LEWISTON – The city is seeking new members for the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council’s July 2022 – July 2023 year of service. The LYAC enables youth to undertake initiatives/projects that enhance the community, work toward goals to empower youth community-wide, and to serve as a liaison between youth and the city.
Those interested in serving for the 2022 – 2023 term may apply online at www.lewistonmaine.gov/lyac22-23, and the deadline for submission is 4 p.m. Friday, May 13.
Copies of the application can also be printed from the web link and mailed to the Lewiston City Administrator’s Office, 27 Pine St., Lewiston, ME 04240.
Going into the new LYAC year, there will be multiple openings, as 10 members are graduating from high school in June, which will conclude their tenure on LYAC.
To be considered for membership on the LYAC, an applicant must be in grade nine through 12, or will be in the fall, at either her Lewiston High School, St. Dominic Academy or be a Lewiston resident at the time of application. Homeschooled students who reside in Lewiston may also apply. Current members may also re-apply for another year of service.
Mayor Carl Sheline looks forward to additional youth seeking ways to become engaged within the community, “LYAC provides our city a needed perspective from those who will be most affected tomorrow by the decisions that we make today.”
The youth council has been actively engaged since 2002 and it’s latest effort was a naming contest for Lewiston’s newest athletic park, Mike McGraw Park. The current group also facilitated a job fair at Lewiston Armory and partnered with Museum LA for a community giving and cultural event during December holidays, participated in the April 16 Litter Pickup Day in partnership with the Lewiston Public Works Department and is planning for a July Celebrating Lewiston event to highlight the positive things about the city.
When applications for the 2022-23 year are received, a Selection Committee, which will include Sheline, will review all submitted LYAC applications, conduct interviews, and appoint up to 15 youth.
The committee will make its selection by the last Friday in June, and those selected will be notified. They will be appointed during a July Lewiston City Council meeting. Orientation will be in August.
Community Relations Coordinator Dottie Perham-Whittier is the group’s advisor, and City Councilor Linda Scott is the City Council liaison.
For more information, visit www.lewistonmaine.gov/lyac.