At this important time in our country we see the involvement of our young people working hard on many levels whether it be through community activism, presidential and political organizations and even local fundraising for the needy. The New Bedford Mayor’s Youth Council has always taken this to a different level. The Mayor’s Youth Council consists of 20+ members from grades 9-12 that have an vested interest on making sure their voice is heard and that they affect change in people’s lives in New Bedford.

The Mayor’s Youth Council and it’s many members meet on a bi-monthly basis for their regular meetings. The council is open to all that apply and show a willingness and desire to make New Bedford a better place. They have several projects including an annual Coats for Kids Drive for needy children as well as a program called Operation Backpack. Operation Backpack is aimed to help young people or children affected by family problems receive a new backpack and school supplies to be prepared for school. In this last fall, each council member was tasked with the responsibility of raising a set amount of money which they would use to purchase backpacks for young people.

The next and most recent charity event that students have taken part in was the 3rd annual Coats for Kids drive which was held on December 28th at the Unitarian Church in New Bedford. The event yielded more than 275 coats to children and adults throughout the greater New Bedford area. “This event is a way for all of our council members to roll their sleeves up and see what community service is all about,” director Pam Pollock said

The groups elected chairperson this year, Jarred Rose, Senior at NBHS speaks about his experience below “For the past year I have had the pleasure and privilege to be in a great group for youth, the Mayor’s Youth Council. The Council is a leadership enhancing organization that represents city youth with community service and involvement. On a personal note the council has been an amazing opportunity to get involved in the city, tackle issues, and make great friends. This past August I was elected to be the council’s chairperson. As the chair it is my responsibility to make sure that the council is on the right track and that we complete our goals. The council is a fantastic chance for youth to get involved and I strongly encourage them all to do so. ”

One of the main functions of the youth council is to act as an advocacy group for city officials about local issues that relate to youth and students throughout New Bedford. One way that the council stays up on getting the message and concerns of youth to city officials is by assigning liaisons to different government bodies. The Mayor’s Youth Council regularly meets with the Mayor, Scott Lang, various department heads as well as the City Council and School Committee on issues when they arise. Mayor Scott Lang has met with the council over different issues and the members seem pleased with his commitment. “He tells us about his plans for New Bedford and we tell him about our plans for New Bedford and he listens to what we have to say and invites us to help him out,” said Sean Gauthier, 18, a Senior at New Bedford Regional Vocational High School.

Sean decided to talk a little bit about what the Mayor’s Youth Council has been to him. “I have been on the Mayor’s Youth Council for 3 years now. Since I have been on the council, I have been involved in many projects including Operation Backpack, Coats for Kids, Battle of the Bands and the Youth Summit. The Mayor’s Council is one of the best things I have been involved in and I have met some great people. I started out as a new member and then last year I became Member At Large and that was a position where I got to serve on the executive committee. After half the year had past, I took over as City Council Liaison which is my current title. As City Council liaison, I am in charge of making sure that people attend city council meetings. The Mayor’s Youth Council has changed me and I think it is a great opportunity for teens to get involved”

The Mayor’s Youth Council this year is also planning a Stereotype workshop at the annual “youth summit” program which was will be held at White’s of Westport on April 18th. In this workshop the council members will work on educating their peers about stereotypes by using innovative techniques to get their points across. This program is one that will prepare students to talk about the issues that they deal with everyday in or after school. This program has served to be very useful in the past in getting the message to young middle age students to treat people with respect and to understand people’s differences With all of the many activities the council pursues, they still have time to run their bi-monthly meetings at the YWCA building and they even do it by Roberts Rules of Order. It wouldn’t surprise most people that meet any of these active teens that as they move on in life, they will be using Roberts Rules of Order again soon!