September 21, 2007 - Mayor Bill White is proud to announce members of his 2007-08 Mayor’s Youth Council. He will be administering the oath of office at the inauguration on Monday, September 24, 2007, 5:45 p.m. in Council Chambers on the 2nd Floor of City Hall.
This is the fourth Youth Council under Mayor Bill White’s administration. The Mayor’s Youth Council was started in 1998 to encourage young Houstonians to learn more about city government and to provide a voice for Houston’s youth. Youth Council members were selected after a competitive written application and personal interview. They must either reside in or attend school in the City of Houston. The Mayor’s Youth Council emulates the Houston City Council with a Council Chair (Youth Mayor), City Secretary, Chief of Staff, five (5) at-large and nine (9) district council positions and their accompanying senior aides.
Youth Council members develop a sense of personal growth and achievement, an understanding of city departments and a rapport with community leaders, citizens and elected officials. Members are called upon to help make decisions affecting Houston’s youth as well as participate in numerous activities throughout the year. They will be holding a monthly Council Meeting on a weekday evening at which Houston youth may bring forth their issues, concerns and recommendations; Town Hall Meetings, usually devoted to a specific topic, involving community resource experts, as well as organizing and participating in community service projects and programs. Youth Council members also develop a relationship with their respective Council office to become familiar with activities and issues of that office. Most importantly, they will serve as the “voice” for Houston’s youth and report formally throughout the year to the Mayor and City Council on youth concerns.
The officers compose the Executive Committee and Senior Aides represent the Council Member when absent, provide assistance in research and planning, and act as a liaison with the Mayor’s Teen Task Force. All serve a term from September through April.
This year, thirty-two (31) young individuals will be installed:
