Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council Taking Applications

The application period is now open for membership on the Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) for high school students who have an interest in representing the voices of other young people around the state.

The Youth Council is a yearly-appointed body composed entirely of students that addresses the issues affecting the youth of Louisiana and is overseen by the Louisiana Commission on Civic Education.

            State lawmakers created the Legislative Youth Advisory Council and enacted it into law during the 2007 Regular Session. Its purpose is to facilitate the communication between youth and the legislature and to give students a unique opportunity to be involved in the workings of state government. The 21-member body will have the opportunity to study and address issues of importance to young people, including education, employment, strategies to increase youth participation in government, safe environments for youth, substance abuse, underage drinking, and youth health and physical fitness.

            "This is an excellent opportunity for these fine students from across the state to come together and grow as citizens and future leaders," said Dale Bayard, Chairman of the Louisiana Commission on Civic Education and a member of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE).

            Members of the council are selected from a wide pool of applicants from around the state who display a strong interest in civic involvement. Two student members are selected from each of the seven congressional districts (14 members) and seven (7) additional youth members may be designated by and represent a school-sponsored or community service club or organization which has a civic mission. Members must be between the age of fourteen and nineteen and enrolled in a public or private high school or participating in a home study program or in a BESE-approved GED skills program.

            "Being a member of the youth council has broadened my perspective on the importance of civic engagement by students as well as serving as a youth voice. Like members of the council, there are many other students throughout the state who are making a positive impact in their communities every day." said Melanie Benit, 2010-2011 LYAC president and student at Chalmette High School.

            "I have experienced first-hand the enormous impact of political involvement with LYAC. My perspectives have undergone a series of changes because of the exposure to a variety of opinions that I would not have explored otherwise." added Michael Bell, LYAC senior advisor, now a freshman at Millsaps College.

            The deadline for applications is March 15, 2011. Applicants may apply online at http://civiced.louisiana.gov/. The 2010-2011 Legislative Youth Advisory Council will begin its work in June at the State Capitol. For additional information regarding the Council's activities, call the Senate Communications Office at (225) 342-9737 or (225) 342-6145.