When I was a sophomore, my guidance counselor pulled me out
of class. Naturally, I thought I was in trouble. She told me about a great
leadership opportunity called the Nebraska Governor's Youth Advisory Council. I
was ecstatic, and couldn't wait to apply! The Nebraska Governor’s Youth
Advisory Council consists of up to 25- 14-21 year-old students from across
Nebraska. Members are expected to attend all Council meetings and activities.
All costs associated with membership are paid to ensure equal opportunity.
Meetings are held four times per year with two in Lincoln and two in other
parts of the state.
On March 8th and 9th,
38 GYAC and Project Everlast members participated in our second joint
Legislative Day. On Sunday we all, from different locations across the state,
made our way to Camp Carol Joy Holling to participate in various ice breakers,
learn about the process of making and proposing a bill, and how we as citizens
can advocate for our beliefs. After reading through 25 pages of bills ranging
from healthcare to education, we narrowed it down to the five bills we would
present the next day to senators and the Lt. Governor. We received great help from nine community
partners from Voices for Children, NE Appleseed, Project Everlast, the
Department of Education and UNO.
On Monday we
packed up and headed to the Capitol to meet with Lieutenant Governor Foley. We
then gave 3-5 minute presentations on our five bills and engaged in a debate of
sorts with the Lieutenant Governor. Members learned a lot from the experience
and were grateful for the chance to see things from his perspective.
From there we headed to the First
Baptist Church to meet with Senators at our Senators’ Luncheon. We ate lunch and gave our presentations to 13
members of our state legislature. We engaged in conversation with the Senators
and were very excited that we had nearly a third of the entire legislature for
a whole hour. Such an opportunity does
not come around often. Upon the
culmination of the luncheon, we cleaned up, and headed home, full of ideas and
plans to implement in our communities, so that we can better represent and
advocate for the brilliant youth of Nebraska.
Some GYAC responsibilities include: keeping abreast of the bills,
laws, policies and decisions that may impact on youth; increase
communication between youth, community and government; move the focus off
the deficiencies of youth and on to the assets and their contribution to
Nebraska’s communities; increase youth and adult partnerships in order to
build better communities; provide opportunities for youth involvement on
state and local boards; assure that youth are represented in State
initiatives such as those that impact employment and job training opportunities
rural and urban economic sustainability, juvenile justice and child welfare
services; and to collaborate with other state and local youth organizations.
The Council strives to give youth from diverse populations and geographic locations
in the State a united voice. The Governor, Senators, Department directors,
Program administrators and others will have a direct link to youth through
their contact with this Council and the youth the Council represents
statewide.
Applications are reviewed at both the summer and winter meetings.
Applications may be submitted at any time and will be held until the next
review cycle. GYAC members review applications to the Council and the Governor
makes the final selection. \If you have any questions, please contact the
Council by emailing Cassandra Blakely at cblakely@nebraskachildren.org or
calling 402.817.2003.
While on this council, I have seen the truly amazing minds of
Nebraska’s youth. They can achieve astonishing things when given the resources and
trust to do so. That is why I believe GYAC is important, and why I plan on my
continued service. I hope to bring back the ideas and activities we do, so that
that our communities can be benefited as much as possible!
~James M.
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