FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Lori Turner at (401) 842-6599 or lturner@middletownri.com 
MIDDLETOWN MUNICIPAL YOUTH LEADERSHIP SIGNUPS NOW
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (SEPTEMBER 28, 2023) – Are you a Middletown High student looking for a new way to learn more about the community and get more involved?
The Middletown Outreach Department is offering its first Municipal Youth Leadership Council Tuesdays starting in October to provide local students that opportunity while giving them more of a voice.
Healthy Communities Coordinator Lori Turner said the council is intended to be a fun, inclusive way for teens grades 9-12 to learn from local and state leaders, create and participate in youth-led community service projects and advocate for policies that matter to them.
Through the council, Turner said participants will meet new people while completing the school service requirement to graduate from high school in an upbeat, supportive learning environment. Time will also be used to explore careers connected to their projects and interests. Space is limited, so signups are required ahead of time.
The group is slated to meet one to two Tuesdays a month from 5-6:30 pm in the Middletown Fire Station Community Room, 239 Wyatt Road. To apply, visit https://mdl.town/YouthLeadershipCouncil online. For more information, contact Turner at lturner@middletownri.com or 842-6599.
“This is the first time we’re holding a Youth Leadership Council and it’s a great way for students to be part of making positive change in the community,” Turner said. “There’s so many things to love about Middletown and the youth council will serve as a way to hear from younger residents on what they love and would like to see in town and be part of a group to make things happen.”
Town Councilor Emily Tessier who is co-facilitating the youth council said she is a big fan of the initiative, saying it would have far-reaching positive effects for Middletown High students.
“The Youth Council is something that I wish I could have joined while I was in high school,” Tessier said. "It will be a fun and accessible way for students to gain hands-on experience with leadership and community participation. We need more young people involved in the process, and I believe it's our duty as a town to provide as much mentorship and opportunity as possible to do so.”
Turner agreed, saying it was critical for students to have a say in what they’re learning too with the youth council.
“It’s been shown over and over again that students learn best when they are invested,” Turner said. “I’m excited to hear from and learn from these students and have them positively contribute to the community. Middletown is such a special, dynamic place to live and I’m looking forward to helping facilitate the inaugural youth council this year.”
Document Link: https://www.middletownri.com/DocumentCenter/View/9469/NYCU-Muni
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