The Roundtable of St. Lucie County and City of Fort Pierce are excited to announce that recruiting has begun for Youth Leadership St. Lucie and the Fort Pierce Youth Council (YOCO). Youth Leadership St. Lucie empowers teens to become effective community problem solvers, communicators and advocates. Students will address community challenges through Youth in Action projects focused on reducing substance abuse, violence, school failure, early pregnancy and unhealthy lifestyles. Students get to:
(1) Design and implement effective social norming campaigns against youth substance abuse, violence, delinquency and school failure;
(2) Express youth needs and inspire critical consciousness in community leaders;
(3) Advocate for youth interests before local, state and federal lawmakers; and
(4) Become peer mentors to help other teens develop their own leadership potential.
Participating youth who reside in Fort Pierce will also have the opportunity to join Fort Pierce’s Youth Council (YOCO). This new initiative of the City of Fort Pierce will provide teen residents of Fort Pierce the opportunity to serve their city by representing youth perspectives on issues that affect city government.
"Fort Pierce is one of the most beautifully diverse cities in the country, and as City Manager, it is my intent to seek input and participation from every facet of our community. In an effort to complete this goal, the youth of our community must be engaged. The youth of Fort Pierce are a wonderful group of talented individuals that will lead this community in the years to come. Their successful development is a key component that will ensure our prosperity. We want our youth to play a role in our decision making and their voice needs to be heard," said Nick Mimms, Fort Pierce City Manager.
To participate, students must be in grades 9 through 12, have a 2.5 Grade Point Average, have parent/legal guardian approval, and be able to participate for one year. Applications may be found on the websites of the Roundtable and City of Fort Pierce, and are due by November 11, 2016. For more information, please contact Shaniek Maynard (Roundtable Executive Director - smaynard@roundtableslc.org) or Shyanne Helms (City of Fort Pierce Communications Manager – shelms@city-ftpierce.com).