Press Release – March 6, 2019

NEWS FROM: GOVERNOR’S OFFICE FOR CHILDREN

For immediate release:
March 6, 2019
Contact:
Heather Epkins heather.epkins@maryland.gov
443-422-0037

Governor’s Youth Advisory Council Gives Maryland Youth Opportunity for Public Policy Voice

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Governor’s Office for Children today announced that applications are now being accepted for the Maryland Youth Advisory Council for 2019-2020. This program was established through the Maryland General Assembly to ensure that Maryland youth are given the opportunity to provide feedback regarding public policies affecting their future and take a leadership role in creating meaningful change for our state.

“I believe the voice of our youth is an important component in the legislative process,” said Deputy Director of the Governor’s Office for Children, Jaclin Warner Wiggins. “Engaging our citizens at an early age empowers them to shape their futures and builds a legacy of social and political engagement for future generations.”

As a coalition of diverse young advocates and leaders from across the state, the Council strives to serve as an effective voice that addresses relevant issues by influencing legislation, spreading public awareness, and serving as a liaison between youth and policymakers.

“I got involved in the Maryland Youth Advisory Council because I felt like a lot of issues within my school and my community were being overshadowed,” said Daniel Walker, junior at Wilde Lake High School and 2nd Year member of the Council. “I think having a dialogue that includes active participation from youth that have an active awareness of the important issues is crucial to ensure that Maryland has a bright future.”

Currently, the Council is composed of 24 members representing Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Talbot, and Wicomico counties, and Baltimore City.

Council members must be 14-22 years of age as of September 1, 2019, serve a two-year term (September 1, 2019 – August 31, 2021), and meet monthly from September through May with additional opportunities for events, meetings, and legislative testimony throughout the year.

Council members will be selected to ensure a diverse representation of Maryland’s youth statewide, and are appointed by the:

• Governor of Maryland
• President of the Maryland Senate
• Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates
• Governor’s Office for Children appoints council members nominated by the:
  • Maryland Association of Student Councils,
  • University System of Maryland Student Council,
  • Maryland Higher Education Commission Student Advisory Council, and
  • Association of Local Management Boards.

Applications for 2019-2020 are available from March 1 – July 1, 2019 and are available online at http://goc.maryland.gov/myacapp/.

“I decided to join the council because I have seen the positive influence of bringing all stakeholders to the table when it comes to policy and legislation and believe youth should not be an exception—especially when it comes to decisions that directly affect them,” said Noureen Badwi, Junior at Towson High School and 1st Year member and Vice-Chair of the Council. “As youth, we have a stronger voice now than we ever have had and I’m incredibly excited to work to increase that voice by serving on the Council.”

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About the Governor’s Office for Children
The Governor’s Office for Children works with State agencies and Local Management Boards to promote a stable, safe, and healthy environment for Maryland’s children, youth, and families. Learn more by visiting our website at goc.maryland.gov and connect with us on Facebook.