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Suwanee Youth Leaders (SYL)

Contact

Denise Brinson, Assistant City Manager

www.suwanee.com

Council Info
2014
About 60 a year.
Sophomores and Juniors in high school.
About $10,000
City’s general fund.
February-September - once per month for 4 hours. Two-day weekend retreats are scheduled in February. During June and July five to six small group meetings (students must attend at least two).
Mainly Suwanee City Hall. For small group meetings, other locations.
Mission Statement

Building youth leaders inside the community and outside the classroom.

Code of Conduct

It is set each year during our 2-day retreat with the current class.

Selection Process

The application process is marketed through city channels and through three local high schools. A team of approximately a dozen past Suwanee Youth Leaders (SYL) make the first review of the applications and make their selections. Then, those selected are reviewed and rated by high school principles. The final selection is made by city staff members who work directly with the program.

City department responsible for overseeing the council

Economic Development

Does group participate in overnight events?

No.

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

Key – make sure the adults in charge have a passion for teens.  Do NOT do it just to “check a box”…they (the students) will crush you.

Event Description

Our 2-day retreat is very interactive and MANDATORY, no exceptions.  This weeds out students who may not be fully committed and assures that everyone meets and interacts with others.  (Many other perks as well.)