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PHOTO: Lewiston Youth Advisory Council member Hope Rubito, right, talks about bullying during a 2019 presentation. The board is looking for members for the 2021-22 council. (LYAC photo)
LEWISTON — The Lewiston Youth Advisory Council celebrates its 20th anniversity this year and is still going strong.
The city council fist approved the council on Oct. 16, 2001, with the first group meeting in September 2002. The LYAC has since received local, state and national recognition and it enables youth to undertake initiatives and projects that enhance the community, work towards goals to empower youth community-wide and to serve as a liaison between youth and the city.
Those interested in serving a 2021-22 term, which runs from July to July, may apply online at www.lewistonmaine.gov/lyac21-22. [1] The deadline is 4 p.m. Friday, May 14. A selection committee will review applications, conduct interviews and appoint up to 15 members. Going into the new LYAC year, there will be at least seven openings, as seven senior members are graduating from high school this year.
The committee will make its selection by the last Friday in June ane members will be appointed during a July Lewiston city council meeting. Orientation will occur in August. Community Relations Coordinator Dottie Perham-Whittier is the group’s advisor, and city councilors Zachary Pettengill and Luke Jensen are council liaisons. The youth council is annually sponsored by the Lewiston Firefighters Association.
To be considered for membership on the LYAC, an applicant must be in grade 9-12 (or will be in the fall) at either Lewiston High School or St. Dominic Academy or be a Lewiston resident at the time of application. Homeschooled students who reside in Lewiston are welcome to apply. Current members may also apply for another year of service.
The current LYAC has used their tenure via social media to address isolation and mental health concerns during the COVID19 pandemic. In addition, LYAC recently debuted a “A Light in the Dark” photo/narrative exhibit in the window front of Lewiston’s Rinck Advertising to remind people they are not alone amidst the public health state of emergency. Throughout LYAC’s 20 years, it has focused on a Bullyproof Lewiston campaign, Lewiston’s image, Lewiston as a food/dining destination, diversity, park revitalization, recycling, homelessness, college going, U Booze U Looze underage drinking/driving, posting 1,400 uplifting messages on Lewiston High School lockers, the city’s All-America city distinction, arts and culture, posting homes/businesses to aid emergency responders, noise pollution, siting an 1891 E. Howard timepiece as a multi-level presence at City Hall, and much more.
For more information, visit www.lewistonmaine.gov/lyac, call 207-513-3018 or email dottie@lewistonmaine.gov/
