Youth Governance
Dane County Youth Governance Program
Program Areas
Purpose
The Dane County Youth Governance Program (YGP) offers opportunities for youth leadership development and youth empowerment in Dane County through direct participation in county government decision-making; provides real-life learning opportunities for youth in the functioning of local government; and brings a direct youth voice to community issues and concerns while fostering the development of confident, capable and independent leaders for the next generation.
Program Structure
Each youth representative is appointed to a Dane County Board committee for a one year term from September through May, and is matched with a supervisor-mentor on their committee. YGP mentors closely assist youth in learning about and contributing to the governance process. YGP youth have the same opportunities for committee participation and involvement as elected county supervisors, except that they have a non-binding advisory vote.
In addition to committee meetings, youth representatives attend YGP education meetings, which provide a space to connect with other youth representatives; deepen learning; and grow youth leadership, civic engagement, and other important professional skills.
Program Expectations
- Must attend at least 75% of committee meetings but strive to attend all committee meetings.
- Notify mentor, committee chair, & YGP facilitator if a meeting will be missed. No more than 3 absences without notice.
- Stay up to date on committee business and read necessary material in advance in order to stay engaged in committee meetings
- Maintain constant communication and actively participate in YGP projects and cohort meetings.
- Keep track of emails for important updates and information.
- Recognize the significance of the program, and commit to making the most out of this valuable opportunity.
- Total time commitment is about 6-8 hours per month.
- This program requires active participation from dedicated and responsible youth who are committed to the program. As a distinguished opportunity with a high level of interest, it’s important to take this commitment seriously.
For a printer-friendly version of this information, download the YGP Description. For more information, the YGP Handbook provides further details regarding the program, its history, Dane County, Parliamentary Procedure, youth leadership, and more.
History
Background
The Dane County Youth Governance Program was created in January 2012 as an opportunity for the youth of Dane County to make change in the county while developing valuable skills for the future. It was modeled after Kenosha County’s Youth in Governance program, which has been extremely successful and has benefitted the county as well as each of the individual youth representatives. Youth in Governance programs are coordinated by UW Extension throughout Wisconsin.
History of the Dane County Youth Governance Program
At its 2010 annual conference, the Wisconsin Association of County Extension Committees (WACEC) included a break-out session on statewide youth governance initiatives. The session focused on a program initiated in Kenosha County by UW Extension in 2006 that appoints youth members to serve on county board standing committees.
Inspired by the WACEC presentation, several county supervisors on the Dane County Extension Committee and Dane County Youth Commission held discussions both individually and with their respective appointed bodies on the concept of a youth governance model for the Dane County Board, and the programmatic linkages that could be created between the County Extension and Human Services Departments. The timeline to develop the program occurred in the following manner:
December, 2010 – January, 2011
Informal conversations began between Board Supervisors, Extension Staff, and Youth Commission staff about the opportunities for a youth government program in Dane County.
February – June, 2011
A series of meetings were convened in which the group examined other youth governance models throughout the state and locally [YMCA’s Youth in Governance (YIG) program, MMSD Board of Education and Kenosha County’s YIG program]. The group identified the program’s goals: community development, youth development, and civic engagement.
July 1st, 2011
A Special Study Committee was appointed by the County Board Chair, Scott McDonell. Committee members met numerous times between July 27th and September 20th and received valuable input and feedback from community members (youth and adults) regarding program modifications and improvements.
October 28th, 2011
A Youth Summit was held during WEAC, which 24 adults and youth attended. There was much interest in the program and feedback was very positive.
January, 2012
Supervisors and supporters presented the proposal to various committees for approval.
January 19th, 2012
The Dane County Board of Supervisors approved the Youth Governance Program, and the process of fully developing and carrying out the program began by Dane County Extension.
June 7th, 2012
The first cohort was inducted into the Youth Governance Program with a Reception and Pinning Ceremony at a meeting of the Dane County Board of Supervisors.
