Youth On City and County Boards and Commissions
The Chase Youth Commission collaborates with City of Spokane and Spokane County government officials to create opportunities for youth to serve on city and county boards and commissions and assist in recruiting students to fill previously established youth positions. The Spokane region is one of the very few localities in the nation to provide numerous opportunities for youth to serve on decision-making boards. Inclusion of youth on boards and commissions is an integral part in creating a modern, vibrant, and innovative community in which to live. These opportunities provide youth perspective on a wide range of issues and give youth a voice in decisions that shape our entire community.
The Chase Youth Commission is currently recruiting for several open youth positions (below) on various City of Spokane and Spokane County Boards and Commissions. Applications are due to the Spokane Regional Youth Department (808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd., Spokane, WA 99201). For questions or more information, contact Joanne Benham, Youth Director, at 625-6440 or jbenham@spokanecity.org.
Youth on Boards and Commissions Application Form
Current openings include:
Board/Commission:Youth Advisor to the Spokane City Council (New Position)
Youth Positions Available: (1) Must reside within Spokane City Limits
Meeting Time: 3 to 5 hours per week, City Council Offices
Term: One Year, with option of 1 year renewal if position as started as junior in high school. Open to students entering their junior or senior year of high school.
Position Description: This is a unique opportunity for a youth interested in government. Although assigned duties will vary based on the needs of the Council, examples of opportunities include conducting research in support of various issues being considered by council members, attending community meeting with council members, providing youth perspective, and facilitating quarterly reporting of youth issues/projects at City Council Meetings.
Board/Commission: Bicycle Advisory Board
Youth Positions Available: (1) Must reside within Spokane City Limits
Meeting Time: 3rd Tuesday of the Month, 6 p.m.
Term: One Year, with option of 1 year renewal if position is started as a junior in high school. Must be at least 16 years of age at the time of appointment.
Position Description: This is a great opportunity for a youth interested in bicycling issues. The Advisory Board’s provides advice and direction to the city council and all departments and offices of the City on matters relating to bicycling and to raise public awareness of bicycling issues. For additional information see www.bikespokane.com.
Board/Commission: Human Services Advisory Board
Youth Positions Available: (1) Must reside within Spokane City Limits
Meeting Time: 1st Wednesday of each month, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Term: One Year. Must be at least 16 years of age at the time of appointment.
Position Description: This is an excellent opportunity for youth who would like to be involved shaping the human services available to our community. The Board serves as a liaison between the City Council, the Human Service providers, and the recipients of human services in an effort to determine the human service needs of the City of Spokane, and to recommend the appropriate financial resources to meet the service needs as prioritized by the Human Services Advisory Board. For additional information see www.spokanehumanservices.org.
Board/Commission: Spokane Regional Cable Advisory Board
Youth Positions Available: (1) Must reside within Spokane City Limits
Meeting Time: 4th Tuesday of every month, 5:30 p.m.
Term: One Year. Must be at least 16 years of age at the time of appointment.
Position Description: Members of the Spokane Regional Cable Advisory Board are charged with advising the elected officials of the City of Spokane, Spokane County, and the City of Spokane Valley regarding cable and cable-related issues and concerns. In addition, they are empowered to provide dispute resolution between cable franchisees and subscribers. They also may be asked to serve on one or more subcommittees with additional meeting responsibilities as needed. The Board members are asked to remain informed about cable and related technologies, new trends, opportunities, issues, and concerns. For more information see www.spokanecity.org/government/bcc/info/default.aspx?bccid=1154.
Board/Commission: Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board
Youth Positions Available: (1) Must reside within Spokane County
Meeting Time: 1st Tuesday of every month, 4:00 p.m.
Term: One Year. One Year, with option of 1 year renewal if position as started as junior in high school. Open to students entering their junior or senior year of high school. Must be at least 16 years of age at the time of appointment.
Position Description: The purpose of the Board is to support each person with a developmental disability to achieve and maintain a full and participating life in their community. The Board participates in public meetings to solicit input from Spokane County citizens, service providers and consumers regarding needs and priorities for services. The Board also recommends priorities and service levels. Board members participate in the review of applications and make recommendations on programs for funding which have been submitted to the division as well as review and comment on the division plan for services. Responsibilities also include review of budget material which has been submitted to the division during the application process and to review monitoring reports of contracted services to evaluate annual performance. For more information please see www.spokanecounty.org/commissioners/content.aspx?c=2405.
Board/Commission: Human Rights Commission
Youth Positions Available: (3) Must reside within Spokane City Limits
Meeting Time: 4th Tuesday of every month, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Term: One Year. Must be at least 16 years of age at the time of appointment.
Position Description: The Human Rights Commission advises and makes recommendations to the City Council regarding issues related to human rights, unjust discrimination, and the implementation of programs consistent with the needs of all residents of the City of Spokane. The commission consists of nine members with three representatives from each of the three City Council districts. One of the three membership positions in each district will be filled with a youth representative.
