Local Youth Invited to Make Statewide Impact
Two Programs Provide Experience in Leadership, Policymaking
The State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council (SIYAC) and the Iowa Youth Congress (IYC) are currently accepting applications for their 2014-2015 terms. Local youth of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply for these programs, which provide leadership opportunities for historically underrepresented youth. The council strives for diverse membership in areas of race, ethnicity, disabilities, gender and geographic residence of applicants.
SIYAC is the state’s sole youth-led council, outlined in Iowa Code, and is comprised of 21 youth members ages 14 – 21 from across Iowa. SIYAC members forge partnerships with state-level agencies, talk with legislators at the Capitol about proposed bills, and develop state-wide service initiatives. The Council meets quarterly at the State Capitol, as well as biweekly through conference calls.
Meanwhile, Iowa Youth Congress participants hold elections, propose mock legislation, debate solutions, and pass youth-centered bills on the floor of the House of Representatives during their annual three day program. IYC members later present their bills to state senators and representatives, who can then introduce them in the Iowa Legislature.
There are no fees to participate in either program. Please visit http://icyd.iowa.gov/SIYAC/index.html or http://iyc.latinoaffairs.iowa.gov/ to access this year’s application and additional information about SIYAC or IYC, respectively.
Applications submitted by May 1 will receive priority consideration, and all applications must be submitted by June 15. Members selected will begin their terms July 1.
SIYAC and IYC are part of the Iowa Department of Human Rights, whose mission is to ensure basic rights, freedoms and opportunities for all by empowering underrepresented Iowans and eliminating economic, social and cultural barriers.
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