September 5, 2008

An opportunity for youth to serve the public

The Office of the City Clerk is currently accepting applications to fill a vacancy representing City Council District 8 on the City’s Youth Commission. Eligible applicants are interested youth between the ages of 14 and 21, who live in council district 8. The Deadline to apply is 5 p.m., Friday, Sept 12.

Send applications to:
Office of the City Clerk
Second Floor, Council Wing 
200 East Santa Clara Street
San José, CA 95113

The San José Youth Commission is an appointed body of eleven youth, 14-21 years of age, modeled after the San José City Council. They are recognized as the official youth advisory group to the City Council and the Department of Parks, Rec-reation and Neighborhood Services.

Youth Commissioners are involved with policy recommendations concerning youth. They support the development of youth who desire to serve their community through active civic participation and constructive decision-making by maintaining Youth Advisory Councils in each Council District. 

Youth Commission terms are three years. Commis-sioners actively participate in Youth Commission sub-committees, neighborhood and community meetings, and serve as youth advocates. Commissioners may expect to spend between 10 to 12 hours per month on special youth projects, reports, trainings, and attending meetings. The Youth Commission meets every fourth Monday evening of each month.       

The San José Youth Commission’s Vision is to “create an empowered voice for youth.”  Its Mission is to involve and connect San José youth in order to advise city government on youth-related issues. Its Core Values are inclusion, engagement, empowerment, leadership and teamwork.

Youths who are between the ages of 14 and 21, who have a passion to make a difference in their community, and are eager to participate in city government are encouraged to apply. 

The newly appointed Youth Commissioner then will participate in a swearing-in ceremony, which will tentatively be held on October 7, 2008, during the evening Council session.

Applications may be obtained from the office of the City Clerk, City Hall, Second Floor, Council Wing, 200 East Santa Clara Street, San José, CA 95113, or on the City’s web site at www.sanjoseca.gov/clerk/vacancy.htm. For additional information please call (408) 739-5559.