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Cabarrus County Youth Commission Background At the root of the Youth Commission is North Carolina 4-H. This organization holds a North Carolina 4-H Citizenship Focus in June each year. 4-H'ers (ages 14 -19) attend the three day even in Raleigh, participating in citizenship and government workshops designed to tackle youth apathy and highlight youth participating in civic affairs. The event culminates the 4-H'ers visiting legislators at the state capital building. A major component of the program is that 4- H'ers develop an Action Plan. This plan is to be something that engages the 4-H'er(s) in service that will improve the community, school systems, county, and/or state of each participant. hi 2011, two youth from Cabarrus County attended the event and developed a plan to implement a Youth Commission in the county. The formulated objective of the Commission is "To live in a community that values the opinion of teens and empowers youth to be active citizens." Through Cabarrus 4-H Citizenship Focus, the county Commissioners and employees have validated the need for educating young people on how county government operates. The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) has begun working with teens to address top issues facing teens in communities across the state. In 2011, then -Congressman Larry Kissel established a Congressional Youth Commission to formally initiate the process of teen governmental engagement. The City of Concord has a Youth Council that reports to the City Council. Purpose The purpose of the Youth Commission is to provide teens an opportunity to be active citizens through experiences and education which will ultimately empower youth in the community. The Youth Commission will introduce teens to county government, allow teens an opportunity to discuss issues, and interact with county commissioners and employees through youth -adult partnerships. Membership Members must be residents of Cabarrus County and rising 9`" — 11`" graders. Candidates must complete the application process to be considered for a two-year term on the Youth Commission. Preference will be given to underclassmen, though High School Seniors may apply & fill vacancies as needed. The initial board will consist of nine youth serving a one year term and nine youth serving a two year term. Length of terms will be determined by member preference and/or interviews. All terms thereafter will be for two years. The Youth Commission will be comprised of two youth from the following high schools: A.L. Brown High School, Central Cabarrus High School, Concord High School, Cox Mill High School, Hickory Ridge High School, Jay M. Robinson High School, Mount Pleasant High School, and Northwest High School. There will be four additional students serving as at -large members from the following schools: Performance Leming Center, Early College, Opportunity High School, and private or Aftchmenl number 1 \n F-2 Page 45