Laramie Youth Council

Currently accepting applications

The Laramie Youth Council was formed by City Council Resolution 2015-17 on February 17, 2015.

By-Laws

Applications:

If you are interested in joining the Laramie Youth Council for the 2023-24 School Year, please complete the application and return to the City Clerk at clerk@cityoflaramie.org. Interviews will be set up before the end of the current school year.

Why should I join Laramie Youth Council? 

• Laramie Youth Council was created to provide members with a better understanding of government operations as well as provide a voice to the youth of community on topics that will effect them. 
• LYC members work on projects each year to better our community. Some past projects include: 
  • Recycling
  • Plastic bag use
  • Solar projects 
  • Expungement of youth record
  • Food insecurity 
  • Mental Health 

Meetings: 

• Meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month at 4:00 pm 
• Overview and Agenda for the School Year Program 2023-24 (coming soon)
• City of Laramie Staff Liaisons: Janine Jordan, jjordan@cityoflaramie.org; Nancy Bartholomew, nancyb@cityoflaramie.org

Members: (Members are appointed to a one year term.)

The Laramie Youth Council shall consist of up to 15 voting members who will be appointed by members of the GBC established in Resolution #2015-17, and a designated staff appointee with the following guidelines:

i) Age: age 14 -19 (must be at least age 14 years old but not yet 20 years old before the start of the school calendar year. Members shall serve a one (1) year term. Members may be reappointed to the LYC from year to year. Appointments shall be made from applications received during the spring application period.

ii) Each LYC member must attend school and/or reside in Albany County.

iii) Applications will be made available to any interested student at the following locations: Laramie High School, Whiting School, Laramie County Community College (Albany County Campus), Rock River High School, Cathedral Home, University Lab School, and any other Albany County education option including home schooled students.

2023-24 School Year 

Qualities of a Successful Youth Council Member:

Willingness to Serve the Community

Strong and resilient cities are built best when leaders strive to empower others and build synergistic relationships that continuously build the well-being of the community . 

Desire to Learn and Understand 

It takes a village....of different ideas and points of view to build (and sustain) a great community! 

Interest in Principles of Local Governance & Municipal Operations

City government is "closest" to the people and affects residents every day in a myriad of ways; local control ensures residents may collectively determine the nature of their community. 

Commitment to Serve According to Laramie's Core Values

Respect, Integrity, Stewardship and Trust are the foundations of city government and guide every aspect of our operations and our conduct for betterment of the community. 

Purpose: 

The Laramie Youth Council seeks to strengthen our community through youth involvement in public policy and community service. LYC members gain a practical understanding of local and state government and services giving them a platform for positive influence in the community.

Duties/Responsibilities:

a) All LYC members shall act as liaisons between the LYC, the GBC, and their constituents; those constituents being either student body populations or community youth populations.

b) All LYC members shall stay in contact with the young people they represent, so as to best communicate their constituent’s views and needs to the LYC and the GBC.

c) Whenever GBC representatives have youth-relevant items on their regular meeting agendas (City Council, County Commissioners, School Board), and whenever otherwise practical, a representative from the LYC should be in attendance.

d) All officers of the LYC and its committees shall carry out the responsibilities and duties traditional to their offices. It is assumed that all responsibilities not otherwise assigned reside with the Chairperson, and that she/he may delegate such tasks by appointment.

e) All LYC members are encouraged to represent the LYC in the community through other civic engagement and community service.

f) Members of the GBC shall refer any relevant youth issues to the LYC for comment and recommendation. The LYC shall respond in a manner timely to the topic or issue and the next meeting of the corresponding governing body.

Officers: 

Officers shall consist of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, and a Treasurer. These officers shall be elected by LYC members and serve for a one (1) year term. Elections of officers shall be held during the first meeting of each school year, or when vacancies occur.