Mayor Denny Doyle: Youth Advisory Board Applications Due April 15

BEAVERTON, OR – Civically engaged high school students in Beaverton could have an opportunity to make their voices heard at city hall and beyond.

Selected from all Beaverton area high schools, grades 9 through 12, the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board (MYAB) is an ad-hoc committee of 20 civically-minded teens who report to the mayor and city council on topics relevant to the city’s youth. And sometimes, according to Mayor Denny Doyle, they may even get to speak to youth advisory groups from other cities at events in Washington, D.C.

At the National League of Cities conference in D.C. from March 11 to March 15, Doyle watched for the second time one of his Youth Advisory Board members speak to youth councils from around the country.

"A lot of folks don't realize how smart kids are today," Doyle told Patch Monday, adding that youth delegates often spur their peers into joining civic groups and working to help make a difference in their local communities. "If cities can afford (an advisory council), it's important for the kids."

The advisory board selection process evaluates applicants’ enthusiasm for civics, gauges areas of civic interest, and surveys ideas for improving the Beaverton community, according to city spokeswoman and project specialist Michelle Tagmyer.

Doyle ultimately chooses who sits on the board, Tagmyer said, noting that although there are 20 positions on the board, the mayor will only need to fill the vacancies left by graduating seniors and those who choose to resign from the program –– 10 in total.

“It can be pretty competitive sometimes,” Tagmyer said, noting how the mayor often tries to balance between schools –– both home and public –– as well.

"Students who have a variety of experiences outside of academics … bring perspective on many issues," Doyle explained. "We really want to know what the young folks see and how they're thinking."

The deadline to apply is April 15. For more information, email mayormailboxmyab@BeavertonOregon.gov, or call 503-350-4083.

Photo Courtesy: City of Beaverton