State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council Now accepting Applications

Strengthening Youth involvement in State Government Des Moines, IA-

With the passage and signing of HF315 this spring, the State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council (SIYAC) was formally established in the Code of Iowa. SIYAC, which originated under the aegis of Governor Tom Vilsack, consists of 15 to 21 diverse students who represent youth throughout the state. Applications are being accepted now for the 2009-2010 school year. Motivated students from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. SIYAC members benefit from leadership and civic engagement experience, numerous trainings, and opportunities to network with statewide organizations, communities, legislators, and youth across the state. SIYAC members have tackled a range of issues facing Iowa’s youth, including school drop out rates, health and nutrition, teen drinking, bullying and improvement of after-school programs. As representatives of SIYAC, members are expected to identify issues and engage their communities to promote youth development and involvement. SIYAC holds quarterly meetings in Des Moines. Mileage and meal reimbursements are provided for meetings and related SIYAC activities. For more information on SIYAC and how to apply, contact SIYAC Coordinator Annelise Plooster at Annelise.plooster@iowa.gov or visit the website at www.siyac.webs.com.

Youth Leadership Opportunity

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Bryan King
Wednesday, February 11, 2009 +1 515.242.5023

Statewide Youth Leadership Opportunity
State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council (SIYAC) Currently Accepting Applications

Des Moines, IA—The State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council is currently accepting applications for the 2009-2010 school year from Iowa students who will be enrolled in high school next year. Deadline for applications is March 13th, 2009. Consideration for selection includes; age and grade level (09-10’), geographical location, leadership experience, community and school involvement, and a letter of recommendation from an adult who can attest to your abilities and potential. Next year marks the 9th year of SIYAC representing Iowa’s youth as a statewide advisory council.

Over the past year, SIYAC has transitioned from the State of Iowa Youth Action Committee to the State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council. SIYAC members have worked hard this year to set the foundation and build strong relationships for the upcoming years. Being a SIYAC member will give you numerous opportunities for trainings and youth engagement opportunities, connections with other statewide organizations and youth, connecting with state legislators as a voice for Iowa’s youth and will require you attend quarterly meetings in Des Moines.

This past year SIYAC has formed a strong partnership with the Iowa Department of Education’s Team Nutrition program to host Youth in Action for a Healthy Iowa workshops in Ames this past fall and in Creston, Davenport, Cedar Rapids, and Alta this spring. The workshops aim to address real problems and implement realistic solutions facing wellness, nutrition, and physical activity concerns in Iowa’s schools and communities. Mini-grants of $500 are offered to participating schools to implement a project in their community.

Background Information
SIYAC is a non-partisan youth advisory council created in 2001 by former Governor Tom Vilsack. SIYAC consists of no more than 21 youth from across Iowa, representing a diversity of thoughts and ideas. The purpose of SIYAC is to:

Create open dialogue between policy makers and youth to shape and refine policies and practices to improve youth directed services.
Engage youth in their state and community to improve personal investment and likelihood of remaining in Iowa.
Increase the demand of local and statewide voice for youth by highlighting important issues facing young Iowans.

If you would like to apply for a position on the 2009-2010 SIYAC, please submit a completed application no later than March 13th to the SIYAC Coordinator.

For additional information on SIYAC, including application forms, and Youth in Action for a Healthy Iowa Spring Workshop information, visit www.siyac.webs.com or contact SIYAC State Coordinator Bryan King at Bryan.King@iowa.gov


Bryan King
AmeriCorps VISTA/Program Coordinator

State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council
Department of Human Rights
Lucas State Office Building
Des Moines, IA 50319