Stewart Smith
The Huntsville Youth Council is seeking new members to join its ranks for the 2007-2008 school year.
The Huntsville Youth Council (HYC) acts as a liaison between local governing bodies of the Huntsville community and its youth.
“It gives youth a voice,” said HYC publicity chair Jarred Gibson, 17, a senior at Huntsville High School.
There are eight positions available on the Youth Council Leadership Team in addition to committee chairs for any of committees created by the leadership team.
Membership on the leadership team is open to students in grades 10-12. There are currently 13 members on the Leadership Team.
Participation on the HYC is open to anyone willing to be a part.
“We are looking for kids from different walks of life, religious beliefs, activities in school. It’s really open to just about anyone,” Gibson said. “We want anyone that can give a different perspective, anyone that is looking to speak up on behalf of Huntsville’s youth.”
Gibson said the council offers he and his fellow students a rare opportunity to be heard.
“I appreciate being part of something that can change lives for some many people,” Gibson said. “We have a purpose that helps people in the community and it gives the youth a voice.
“So many times no one really pays attention to the kids. But when we get together, then they start listening.”
The HYC’s goal of providing a vocal outlet for Huntsville’s youth is largely accomplished through organizing events that bring together youth and adults and provide an opportunity for open communication.
“We are currently working on some projects including a Teen Summit where we would get all the youth groups from churches and their leaders together and ask for their opinions on various issues in the community,” Gibson said.
A Diversity Event is also in the works to coincide with the monthly Diversity Forums held in Huntsville.
The council has participated in several recent opportunities to meet with community leaders and provide input including at one of 2006’s Diversity Forums and a meeting with the leadership of Huntsville Independent School District.
Since its inception in 2004, Scott Atnip, executive director of Huntsville’s Promise, said members of the council have done well in making their mark on the community.
“Every year they continue to improve as returning members learn new things and share their experiences,” Atnip said. “I look forward to seeing what they can do with the rest of this year as well as what the returning group can do next year.”
Those interested in applying for the available positions should contact either Gibson at (936) 714-5863 or Atnip at (936) 291-5950.
