The city’s Youth Advisory Board is, once again, seeking new members to amplify young voices in Battle Creek.
Members must live within the city limits, and be age 14 to 20.
The group is empowered to set its own agenda, addressing and acting on issues of its own choosing related to the youth voice, and making Battle Creek a better place for young people. A YAB representative also sits on the dais with commissioners during the twice-monthly regular commission meetings at City Hall.
The YAB meets at 2 p.m. on the fourth Sunday of each month. In addition to the meetings, YAB members participate in community meetings and events, volunteer with various organizations and causes, and more.
Recent volunteer activities include a free skate event co-hosted by the Youth Alliance Committee; greeting at the NAACP Freedom Fund dinner; and bell ringing for The Salvation Army during the holidays. A YAB team won first place in the high school division in this year’s NAACP Heritage Quiz Bowl. The group also planned and led a community town hall meeting last year about school safety, including city officials, law enforcement, and local school officials.
The YAB is planning a community art and music event – The Hate You Give Talent Showcase – set for June 22. They want to raise awareness about bullying and racism they see in their schools, and hope to use visual and performing arts to help combat it. Please save the date; more information is coming soon.
Officers this year are:
- Autumn Dorsey, president – Lakeview junior
- Sanye Sichinga, vice president – Battle Creek Central senior
- Isabel Hammond, secretary – Lakeview senior
City Commissioners Kaytee Faris and Lynn Ward Gray serve as liaisons to the board, in an advisory role.
YAB applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday, May 17. Complete the application web form at www.battlecreekmi.gov/boardsandcommissions, or fill out and print the application and return to the City Manager’s Office, Room 206 at City Hall, 10 N. Division St.