Lewiston, Maine - The City of Lewiston is announcing that members are being sought for the 2014 – 2015 Lewiston Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) year of service, which will run from July, 2014 – July, 2015.
Youth who reside in Lewiston are encouraged to apply for membership on the Council, and applications will be made available at Lewiston High School, St. Dominic Academy, Lewiston Middle School, the Lewiston City Administrator's Office (27 Pine Street), and the Lewiston Recreation Department (65 Central Avenue). The deadline for application submission is May 9, 2014.
To be considered for membership, an individual must be a Lewiston resident and a high school student or home schooled student in grades 9-12 or at the time of application, an 8th grade student who will be entering grade 9 in the upcoming academic year. Current members may re-apply.
The Council was first established by the Lewiston City Council in October of 2001 and has since received local, state, and national recognition. The LYAC enables youth to work toward goals to empower youth community-wide, as well as undertake service projects that enhance the community. The youth council also
serves as a liaison between the youth of the community and the City.
Projects that LYAC has been touted for include a 2013 December Holiday’s Cultural Celebration; “Keep In Mind; Be Kind” anti-bullying outreach; a “Homeless Youth in Lewiston: What Can You Do” documentary; a DVD entitled “Cool Happenings on Lisbon Street” highlighting downtown Lewiston’s new businesses and activities. LYAC also worked closely with the Downtown Neighborhood Action Committee towards revitalization of Lewiston’s Pierce Street Park and facilitated a park renaming contest amidst elementary school children, resulting in "Mark W. Paradis Park." LYAC also held a “MOTIVATE ME” youth aspirations recognition event for local middle school students; a World Peace Day Walk & Event; a 2010 Youth Summit; filmed a "Lewiston In the Eyes of Youth" DVD; filmed a "Keep Lewiston Clean . . . Recycle" DVD; developed a recycling story/coloring book for elementary aged children; partnered with the Lewiston School Department to site an electronic message board at the entrance of Lewiston High School; hosted a cultural-exchange visit with Northern Ireland teens; facilitated a U Booze U Looze (UBUL) youth-to-youth underage drinking awareness initiative and developed/filmed “SMASHED,” a UBUL film approved for driver's ed curriculum statewide; demonstrated leadership in the City's successful quest for the National Civic League All-America City Award; held a Youth Fine & Performing Arts Celebration; a "Lessons Through Expressions" art event for area children; partnered with the Lewiston Fire Department for "Is Your Number Up," a house/business address posting campaign to enable quick response by emergency responders; raised funds that sited the City's 1891 E. Howard timepiece as a multi-level presence at Lewiston City Hall; and led a community-wide noise pollution awareness campaign that resulted in an enhanced Lewiston noise ordinance.
When applications for the 2014 – 2015 year are received, a Selection Committee will review all submitted LYAC applications, conduct interviews, and appoint up to fifteen (15) youth. The committee will make its selection by the last Friday in June, and selected youth will be subsequently notified & then officially appointed during a July 2014 Lewiston City Council meeting.
For more information on the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council, interested individuals may visit www.lewistonmaine.gov/lyac
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