​Wisconsin Rapids Mayor’s Youth Council highlighted at workshop

Office of the Mayor
​
Zachary J. Vruwink, Mayor
444 West Grand Avenue Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495
Phone: (715) 421-8202 Fax: (715) 421-8278
E-mail: [email protected]
 
August 20, 2018
 
Contact: Jennifer Clark Phone: 715-421-8216
E-mail: [email protected]

​Wisconsin Rapids Mayor’s Youth Council highlighted at workshop
 
Monday, August 20 – The League of Wisconsin Municipalities has recognized the Wisconsin Rapids Mayor’s Youth Council as a unique force that engages young people and inspires solutions that enhance a community’s quality of life.
 
Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Zach Vruwink, who formed the Youth Council in 2014, detailed its history and activities during the League’s 2018 Chief Executives Workshop, held August 16-17. Almost 100 State of Wisconsin city and village chief executives gathered to share ideas and tactics that lead to positive outcomes.
 
During a panel discussion, Mayor Vruwink cited the Youth Council’s role in: fund-raising for City  projects like the proposed Aquatic Park at Witter Field, youth-led design of the splash pad at Mead  Field and the annual 4th of July fireworks show; taking the lead in developing recreational events and proposals such as Kids to Parks Day and the Municipal Zoo Master Plan; and pitching in on neighborhood beautification programs such as community cleanups and tree plantings. Informational videos featuring Youth Council members describing their efforts accompanied the mayor’s  presentation.
 
“It was my honor to bring the valuable work of the Mayor’s Youth Council to the attention of my fellow chief executives,” said Mayor Vruwink. “As one of just a bare handful of such formally organized  groups in the entire state, our Youth Council garnered a lot of admiration as a model for tapping the intelligence and enthusiasm of future community leaders.”
 
The Mayor’s Youth Council gives local high school students a space in which they actively contribute   to policy, service and recreation Initiatives. Guided by a Youth Council Advisory Team and chaired by the Mayor, the Youth Council reports to the Common Council. The Youth Council presents its recommendations and findings to Common Council committees and the public, administers surveys  and produces content for broadcast and online media. High School students from are eligible to apply for membership. For more information, visit www.wirapids.org/mayors-youth-council.
 
The League of Wisconsin Municipalities was created in 1898 to help Wisconsin cities and villages share ideas and learn from one another; to train and provide information to elected and appointed public officials who help govern those cities and villages; and to advocate on their behalf with the Wisconsin legislature, governor and state agencies.

City of Wisconsin Rapids NR_Youth Council Spotlighted_082018[2]