The Lewiston Youth Advisory Council is being touted by the Department of Education's Maine Citizenship Education Task Force as a model for youth civic engagement. As such, four members of the group presented information on the council's work at the October 20th "Communities for Children & Youth Conference" at the Augusta Civic Center.

The Maine Citizenship Education Task Force, enacted by the Maine State Legislature in 2004, is comprised of over 50 education, community, and policymaking stakeholders who are committed to making students' civic learning and engagement a priority in every school, community, and higher education institution in Maine, as well as in comprehensive school reform.

Fran Rudoff, Task Force Member & Director of the KIDS Consortium, who facilitated the session the youth presented at, noted, "We're very excited to be able to include the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council on the web site and in our work. We're also pleased that the City of Lewiston has taken steps to encourage young people to participate in the community's civic life, as by doing so, the City is assisting them in acquiring the knowledge and skills to be effective citizens."

Presenting for the youth council were Ally Beaucage, Ashley Morgan, Rachel Spilecki, and Tim Stretton. A summary of the council's work will soon be launched on the Task Force web site as a case study regarding youth advisory councils.

First meeting as a group in 2002, the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council has actively contributed to the community with such projects as a noise pollution awareness campaign, an Is Your Number Up residence/business address posting campaign with the Lewiston Fire Department, developing the Mayor's Citation of Excellence youth recognition award, raising over $25,000 for the the multi-level historic siting of the City's 1891 E. Howard timepiece, as well as participating in several municipal efforts and commenting on various pieces of Maine legislation. Currently, the council is working towards the placement of two electronic message boards at the entrances of Lewiston High School, in partnership with the Lewiston School Department, and is taking the lead role on nominating the City of Lewiston as a 2006 All America City.

For further information contact: James A. Bennett, City Administrator, City of Lewiston, 784-2951, X111, TTY/TDD: 784-5999
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FOR MORE INFO on any Press Releases contact:
Dot Perham-Whittier - Community Relations Coordinator
Lewiston City Hall
784-2951 - Extension 110
dottie@ci.lewiston.me.us