MYAC to hold 2011 Youth Summit ‘Better than the Best… Believe It!’

Staff Report

The Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council (MYAC) will host their annual summit for high school-aged youth from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, April 16, at Rockford City Hall, 425 E. State St.

The highly-interactive summit, “Better than the Best… Believe It!” (B3) will provide a forum for youth to learn how to become leaders within themselves, within a group, and within the community.

There will be an opportunity to tackle current youth-related issues and provide input to Mayor Larry Morrissey and other community leaders. The summit will also include workshops, a local college fair, and local youth resource fair.

MYAC is composed of area high school youth committed to civic engagement who advise Mayor Morrissey of new and emerging issues facing area youth and plan related projects and events.

With the mission statement of “engaging and empowering Rockford’s high school youth to affect positive change for themselves, their families and their community,” MYAC recognizes that to have progress in the community, there must be an opportunity for youth to develop leadership skills.

Through this summit, youth will learn how to use their voice to motivate themselves and those around them in working together toward achieving greatness in Rockford.

The summit will also feature entertainment by Hope Despite (2010 RAMI Youth Charity Jam winner), a live DJ and dance crews. The event is free, and lunch will be provided.

Interested youth who wish to participate must call (815) 962-6624 to register.
MYAC is funded by City of Rockford Human Services Department, Community Services Block Grant, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

From the March 30-April 5, 2011 issue