MYC Mission Statement:
The mission of the Little Rock Mayor’s Youth Council (MYC) is to promote youth civic engagement by providing the chance to:
(1) advocate for issues affecting their communities;
(2) research and inform city staff about policy matters that impact the lives of young people;
(3) develop a passion for local governance;
(4) invest in their communities through volunteer work; and
(5) learn to be ambassadors of Little Rock to other Sister Cities across the globe.
What does MYC do?
The Mayor’s Youth Council meets monthly from August to May of each year. During the year, members will identify an issue affecting them, learn from experts, and pursue solutions to that issue. At the start of each school year, the council members elect new officers who work with their peers and the Mayor’s Office Staff to develop a passion project for that school year. This project serves as a theme for the year. For 2024-25, MYC has voted to make food insecurity their passion project. Previous passion projects include health and wellness, homelessness, environmental sustainability, and mental health awareness.
Over the summer, MYC focuses on international exchange in partnership with the Little Rock Sister Cities Commission. Competitively selected students from the council are trained in cultural appreciation and global awareness. Students then act as ambassadors for Little Rock on international outbound youth exchanges and hosts to delegates from our Sister Cities on inbound exchanges.
Why Join MYC?
MYC unites high school students from across Little Rock together with a common goal of making the City a better place for youth by tackling issues that affect youth. As an MYC member, you will have numerous opportunities to develop leadership skills, participate in volunteer opportunities, create valuable connections with government officials and passionate students (like yourself!), raise awareness for issues important to you, engage with your local government in a unique and rewarding manner, and represent Little Rock on a global scale. Being a member of MYC means becoming a better informed, better prepared, and better devoted Little Rock resident!
Who can join MYC?
The MYC is comprised of high school students – grades 9th – 12th – who attend public, private, or charter schools or are homeschooled in Little Rock. Members must be Little Rock residents.
To join, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page! Member are admitted to the group on a rolling basis upon application review.
Members are expected to do the following:
- Attend monthly meetings,
- Actively engage with the information presented in these meetings,
- Respect the opinions and contributions of fellow council members, and
- Challenge themselves to grow through meaningful participation in the program!
Check out MYC on Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, & X | @littlerockmyc
For more information about MYC, contact James Owen at jowen@littlerock.gov.