2010-12-01 P & R Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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__ Youth Corps At our October meeting Mayor Capra suggested that we set up and sponsor a Youth Corps, In the following weeks the Mayor and I have exchanged e-mail notes and had a telephone conversation on that topic. For the December meeting please discuss the idea of a Youth Corps. I will not make that meeting, but will summarize my ideas here. 1. The first step must be to establish the purpose. What is the basic reason for setting up this Youth Corps. I can think of a few: a. To make use of another resource available to the Council and Committee. Members of the Youth Corps could (I think should) be expected to make a physical contribution to the City. The two Eagle Scout projects are good examples of a physical contributions. b. This is a good way to introduce young citizens to the roles and responsibilities of local government. c. They would bring a unique perspective to the Parks and Recreation Committee as we strive to address the needs of all age groups. d. This may be an excellent forum for meeting Community Service requirements that may be set by their schools or scouting programs. 2. We will need to set an age group. My suggestion is 15 - 18 years old. Over 18 they I �� could be a regular committee member. 3. I feel strongly that each person in the Youth Corps should be assigned specific responsibilities. Specific responsibilities will give the corps members a focus and a sense of accomplishment. With specific responsibilities both they and we will know what to expect and have a basis for judging success of the program. I would set this up with a job description and objectives, much like we might set up for an new employee. It should not be long or complicated, but should be specific. 4. The Youth Corps would have to have a"home." That is, it would have to be tied directly to the Council or assigned to one of the finro committees. Two adults currently serving on the Council or a committee would need to be appointed as mentors. 5. The City Council will have to approve the formation of a Youth Corps. The Council may want to (or be required to) appoint the members - as they do for the finro current Committees. 6. The Youth Corps will not have a budget and should not cause additional expense to the City. Here are a couple of ideas on where we might be able to use the Youth Corps.