Hillsboro Youth Advisory Council Applications Due April 28

HILLSBORO, OR – The deadline is fast approaching for high school students in Hillsboro to apply for the city's Youth Advisory Council.

Made up by 30 students in grades 9 through 12, the Youth Advisory Council serves as liaison between the city's adult and youth populations, helping to inform the Hillsboro City Council's policy decisions by offering invaluable insight as the city's future leaders.

Eight spots are available, and the deadline to apply is April 28.

"We really want kids that interested in local government and getting involved with local politics," Advisor Kristi Wilson told Patch Wednesday. "As more advisory councils are being formed around the city, and so many of them focused on education –– from IGNiTE and S-COMM (both of which are Hillsboro School District youth groups) to various city library councils –– we're looking to put a strong emphasis on local government and public service."

Last year's iteration of the council focused on community service and volunteering. This year, Wilson said, the Youth Advisory Council will be a lot more involved with city council proceedings, and will actually work toward drafting policies that the city could ostensibly adopt as official city mandates.

Wilson said the youth council has already started researching plastic bag and voting age policies, as well as organizing a TEDxYouth event at the Walters Cultural Arts Center, 527 E. Main St, May 20. Titled "What We Don't See," the TEDxYouth@LincolnStreet event will give six local speakers the chance to share their perspectives on a variety of subjects, including what it's like to work at an aids hospital in India, being a transgender youth, and having undocumented parents.

In past years, Wilson said, the Youth Advisory Council tended to render itself ineffective by attempting to address too many topics and themes. This year Wilson wants to refocus the council and really dig into the group's core mission to improve the Hillsboro community through positive activities, strengthening relationships, appreciating diversity, and forming more supportive relationships between youth and adults.

Click here to apply.

Photo Courtesy: Kristi Wilson, City of Hillsboro