Now is the time to apply for a position.
In addition to power lines, one of the things Hurricane Milton took down was the 2024 Plant City Youth Commission. The storm hit at the same time as the beginning of the Commission, and the chaos, destruction, and recovery made it impossible to proceed. However, it is a new school year, and the time for the start of the new 2025 Youth Commission.
The vision of the Plant City Youth Leadership Commission is to inspire and educate Plant City’s next generation of leaders about local government while promoting active community involvement and leadership development.
Spearheaded by Plant City Vice-Mayor Jason Jones, the Youth Commission is a comprehensive program designed for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have a Plant City residential mailing address. It is open to students from public schools, private schools, and home schools. In September, 14 members will be selected for one-year terms. The Youth Commission aims to empower and inspire young people to become active leaders who will shape the future of Plant City.
The Youth Commission provides a means for youth to enhance their leadership skills and obtain insights into how local government operates. Through monthly meetings and activities, members will learn about various aspects of local governance, the roles of city officials and departments, and decision-making about policy development and implementing policy. As a part of their experience, participants will meet with local, county, state, and federal representatives to acquire perspectives on leadership and civic duty. Youth commissioners will also take a field trip to the state capital in Tallahassee, where they will meet with representatives from the Florida Senate and Florida House of Representatives.
These opportunities allow participants to connect with decision-makers at every level of government to better understand how policy impacts them and their communities. Team-building exercises and community engagement are integral parts of the program. Activities like interactive simulations, group projects, volunteer initiatives, and workshops are designed to develop problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills in the students.
“The Plant City Youth Leadership Commission is committed to nurturing young leaders who will contribute positively to their community,” Jones said. “By engaging with local organizations and leaders, members will develop a deeper understanding of community challenges and opportunities and gain the confidence to make a difference.”
One perk of the Youth Commission is that taking part in the community service projects will earn community service hours like those required for Florida Bright Futures Scholarships. In addition, students have a chance to engage directly with city leaders and participate in real-world discussions about governance. Also, this civic experience will enhance participants’ scholarship applications to schools after they graduate.
The responsibilities for the Plant City Youth Leadership Commissioners are: 1. Commit to one year of service on the commission; 2. Attend the city commission meeting on Monday, September 22, at which members will be officially recognized; 3. Attend Youth Leadership Commission meetings on one Thursday per month from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; 4. Attend at least one city-wide function or event during the one-year term; 5. Serve as an ambassador for the City of Plant City; and 6. Volunteer for a minimum of 10 hours at city-sponsored events.
Those who are interested can apply online through the City of Plant City’s website at https://www.plantcitygov.com. Midway down the page on the right side is a “Youth Leadership Commission Applications Are Open!” section. Click that section. A page will appear. At the bottom of that page, select “Click here to apply now!” to find requirements and responsibilities. Then scroll down to the blue “Next” button, and click it to fill in the application. The deadline for submission is Friday, September 19.
