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Eatonton Youth Leadership

Contact

Janie B. Reid, Councilmember

www.eatontonga.us

www.facebook.com/City-of-Eatonton-Georgia-

Council Info
A resolution was passed by city council in 2019, h
13
High School (9th – 12 grade)
$10,500 (this year – budget is determined each fis
City of Eatonton’s general fund
Twice monthly.
Meeting places varies dependent upon facilitator and topic.
Mission Statement

The mission of the Eatonton Youth Leadership Council is to help youth build leadership skills, learn about civic responsibility, gain a better understanding and appreciation of municipal government, and prepare them for a lifetime of public and community service.

Its vision is to create a visible and viable network of future leaders united to make our community better.

Selection Process

  • Self-application or nomination from a teacher, counselor, school administrator, parent, or community leader.
  • Face-to-face interview
  • Orientation
  • Complete participation agreements (signed by both student and parent or guardian), contract will be reviewed during the orientation session.
  • Mayor and council confirmation

City department responsible for overseeing the council

City Administrator’s office. Councilwoman Reid is

Does group act as an advisory committee for your City Council and/or County Commission

Yes.

Does group participate in overnight events?

Because of COVID we have not had any overnight trips, however we do plan to very soon. As of yet we have not addressed guidelines.

Words of advice to share with cities considering the establishment of a youth council

For those that are considering implementing a youth council I would urge you to do so now rather than later.  We believe that having a council and engaged youth the benefits are numerous some of which are:

For the youth:

  • Increased self-esteem
  • Development of leadership skills
  • Recognition among peers
  • A better understanding of local community policies and procedures
  • An increased effort to appreciate all citizens regardless of differences and diverse backgrounds
  • Personal contributions to the community through community service
  • An increased awareness of opportunities in, around and outside Eatonton
  • Increased community commitment

For the school:

  • Increased pool of student leaders
  • Increased student engagement
  • Opportunities for community collaborations with student involvement
  • Positive local media coverage

For the community:

  • Positive local media coverage
  • Opportunities for participation of community volunteers, community leaders, business and civic organizations
  • Increased pool of informed, committed, and young emerging leaders

Event Description

Our first session was a tour of the community, and it was also the first session of Putnam County Leadership which is coordinated by our Chamber of Commerce (this is their 25th year).  In conversations with the President of the chamber, I asked if she would agree to allow our Eatonton Youth Leadership Council join her group on the tour, she agreed. Although we’ve had several engaging moments with this group (EYL), this one by far in my opinion was the best.  It gave an opportunity for the youth and adults to hear each other and exchange ideas on our community as a whole.  Very engaging conversations and I think that particular session is the one that actually made the youth think that Eatonton is “a great place to be and it’s a good time to be here”. (Chamber motto).