Washougal City Council seeks youth representative

The city of Washougal is accepting applications for a student representative to serve in an advisory capacity to the Washougal City Council. The student representative and an alternate will attend City Council meetings, participate in discussions on “important community matters,” and bring forward the views and concerns of Washougal’s youth, according to a news release. “(This is an) outstanding opportunity for Washougal High School juniors and seniors to make their voices heard and have a direct impact on their community,” the news release states. “High school students will gain firsthand experience in local government and civic engagement.” Rose Jewell, the City’s community engagement coordinator, explained to the Council during its Aug. 12 meeting that the City established a student representative position in 2014. “The school district selected a student and sent them our direction,” she said. “In 2019, the Council amended the process by resolution, creating a formal application process and interview panel, incorporating grade level requirements and adding the provisions for an alternative student (representative).” Paige Moore served as the City’s first student representative in 2014-15, followed by Caleb Bischoff (2015-17), Lauren Boyles (2018-19) and Mariah Moran (2020-21). The position has been vacant since 2021, according to Jewell. “Mostly that was due to COVID,” she said. “We lost a rep, and then we never resumed once we restarted in-person meetings, because we had different (COVID-related) requirements than the school district.” In July, the city of Washougal’s Community Engagement Committee reviewed the City’s student representative guidelines and proposed the following amendments: Allow juniors or seniors to participate in the application process. “Adding juniors to participate in the program extends the opportunity to more students,” according to a staff report. “Currently, only seniors can fill the student representative seat.” Amend application and set interview process timeline for May and June. Have the term run from September to June, to coincide with the school year. Allow a student to serve two consecutive years, with summer participation being optional. Establish the Community Engagement Committee as the interview panel to streamline the process. The City Council approved the updated guidelines during its Aug. 12 meeting. “This is a fantastic way for students to gain valuable experience, develop leadership skills, and make a meaningful impact on their community,” said Washougal Mayor David Stuebe. “We encourage all interested juniors and seniors to apply and seize this chance to become part of Washougal’s future.” The student representative will not have voting rights on matters before the Washougal City Council. They will serve a one-year term, beginning in October, with the possibility of an extended, two-year term for juniors. The representative will be expected to attend and participate in Council workshops and meetings; provide insights and feedback on issues affecting young people in Washougal; collaborate with Council members to develop and support initiatives that benefit the community; serve as a liaison between Washougal High students and the Council; and observe how city government functions. Alternates will be expected to attend at least one Council workshop and meeting per month as an audience member and fill in for the student representative in their absence. Students who apply to be this year’s representative must be a junior or senior living within the boundary of Washougal High School or inside Washougal city limits for the 2024-25 academic year; demonstrate strong communication and leadership skills; meet the Washougal School District’s academic eligibility requirements; and commit to attending regular Council meetings and additional events as needed. To apply, students must complete an online application form, available on the City’s website at cityofwashougal.us/StudentRep; submit a one-page cover letter outlining interest in the student representative position, how they plan to contribute to the Council and noting their community involvement and extracurricular activities; and submit a resume of no more than two pages by Thursday, Sept. 18. City leaders will conduct interviews on Friday, Sept. 24, and administer an oath-of-office on Monday, Oct. 14. For more information, visit cityofwashougal.us/StudentRep.

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