"Youth leadership programs are important to our city because these programs help initiate and foster leadership among youth through educational opportunities and outreach. I’m excited about the opportunity to expose local youth to the operation of our local government, build their leadership skills, and foster their need to become more involved in helping with youth related issues." - Mayor Tony Paulk

MISSION

The mission of the Douglas Mayor’s Youth Council is to broaden the scope of youth leadership in Douglas, Georgia through volunteerism, service and initiatives that are directed toward allowing youth input into policy issues, identification of youth issues, and participation in the development of positive solutions. The Douglas Mayor’s Youth Council (DYC) will:

• Involve youth in local government through participation on local boards and committees.
• Increase youth voice and communication in Douglas’ future direction
• Increase volunteerism among youth in civic affairs
• Enhance civic education through teacher training

Opportunities will be presented for youth to become involved in social and political processes so that they may develop leadership, a sense of personal achievement, and an understanding of government. This youth advisory council will be used a platform to discuss issues such as school violence, underage drinking, peer pressure, teen pregnancy, teen entertainment, racial tension, community involvement, safety awareness, driver’s education, etc.

DMYC BROCHURE (PDF)
DMYC FLYER (PDF)

APPLICATION

DMYC Application (PDF)

DMYC Overview (PDF) (tentative - dates and topics subject to change)

REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS

• Must be a 9 to 12 grade student of Coffee County public, private, or home school.
• Must have G.P.A. of 2.5 or higher.
• Must be nominated by local principals, school counselors, the Mayor or Commissioners.

As a Douglas Mayor’s Youth Council Member, students will be expected to:

• Maintain a 2.5 G.P.A. or higher
• Adhere to the Code of Conduct and Council Bylaws
• Attend Orientation
• Commit to a one - two year term; or until graduation
• Attend Regular Monthly Meetings
• Attend Work Session and City Commission Meetings
• Attend networking opportunities with other Mayor Youth Councils in Georgia
• Attend the Annual Retreat in order to set goals and objectives for the year
• Attend GMA Conference that is held in January
• Attend Legislative Days in Atlanta
• Participate in the Monthly Television Show
• Participate in Teen Voting
• Participate in Back to School events
• Plan and host Mayor’s Youth Summit

SELECTION CRITERIA

Youth Council members will be selected through a competitive application process. Our primary criteria for selection will be a demonstration that the young person wants to make a difference in Douglas.

• Application (PDF)
• Extracurricular Activity
• Leadership Skills and Ability
• Community Involvement
• Volunteerism
• Recommendations
• Interest in serving on the Council
• Interview