Mayor's Youth Leadership Council
Mayor's Youth Leadership Council (MYLC) is a youth, civic leadership initiative designed to educate Akron’s youth about their government, community organizations and service-led projects. Participants will learn about Akron’s history and social issues, tour City facilities and get a behind-the scenes look at how city government works. MYLC prepares area high school students to become positive role models, and allows them to build character and develop leadership skills through training and youth council meetings.
Mayor Malik is dedicated to encouraging teenagers to advocate on issues that will improve the quality of life for their peers. However, to become an active problem solver in our community, it is imperative that participants understand local government, law enforcement, and public service. MYLC provides youth with a forum to become CHAMPIONS for change and a VOICE in city government! Some MYLC initiatives are:
- Financial Literacy Education
- Anti-Drug Abuse/Opium Crisis
- Youth Violence Reduction
- College/Job Readiness
- Youth-Led Service Projects
- Summer Youth Employment
- Teen Advocacy
The Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council is for students who attend either a public or private school in Akron grades 9-12 who want to learn leadership skills, organizational skills, public speaking skills, meet and work with fellow teens in a diverse inclusive environment, and promote positive teen behavior through community service. Students meet monthly and receive community service hours for each meeting and event attended.
MYLC Mission Statement
To promote community service in the City of Akron through an ongoing comprehensive youth civic program that provides leadership training and public service education, so that participants may become agents of change and community problem solvers.
Join Today
Why Should I Join?
There are Benefits of Community Service for You
Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, high school is a great time to try things that you haven’t done before – including volunteering. Students may think it’s not worth their time to get involved in the community because it doesn’t pay like a normal job would. However, there are several benefits that volunteering can give you that no other job can.
- Social Benefits
- Personal Development Benefits
- Health Benefits
- Community Benefits
- College Benefits
- Professional Benefits
Community service is when you work for free to help benefit the public or your community. Usually, students who choose to do so, volunteers. They choose to help out because they want to do so. You probably know some students in your school who choose to volunteer their free time through community service. There are many ways that you can do this, such as joining a non-profit organization like MYLC, or working with a church group, or you can choose a cause and create your own service project. Either way, community service benefits both you and the community in which you serve.
For the complete article written by Mary Ann Barge go to: blog.prepscholar.com/benefits-of-community-service
Still Not Convinced?
Besides gaining new skills necessary for the job market such as leadership, communication skills, dependability, time management, and decision making. It has been proven that Teens who volunteer perform better at school and also build a stronger resume for college and scholarship applications. Need more convincing, check out the video:
Who Can Join?
- Must have at least a 2.0 GPA
- Must be goal oriented and highly motivated
- Must reside in Akron or attend a school within the city limits of Akron
- Must be currently enrolled in high school or a rising 9th grader
Responsibilities
MYLC students must have a desire to learn more about city government and should be willing to grow as a student leader. MYLC students will represent their peers when they communicate with the Mayor, city administrators, and community leaders. Each year MYLC students must complete the following:
- Complete the MYLC Membership Application
- Attend a mandatory new member's orientation.
- Attend a minimum of six program meetings each year.
- Complete a minimum of 12 hours of community service within twelve months of enrolling and continue to complete 12 hours annually until graduation.
- Participate in MYLC community service projects, serve on committees, attend leadership training, and other MYLC opportunities and events.
During the holiday season, City of Akron employees volunteer their time and donate winter items. MYLC students sort hundreds of donated hats, gloves, and socks and distribute them through a city-wide “Hugs N’ Gloves” event during the months of November and December.
City volunteers and youth leaders from the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council distribute gift cards and new hats, gloves, socks, and books to K-12 students living in North Hill, Lawton, Mason, Buchtel and Firestone Park communities.