Youth Delegate Sessions at the Congress of Cities
As part of NLC's continuing efforts to promote youth participation in local government, municipal officials are encouraged to bring youth (ages 15-18 years old) with them to the 2012 Congress of Cities as youth delegates. The conference will be held November 28-December 1, 2012, in Boston, Massachusetts.
At the Congress of Cities, youth delegates - sitting alongside municipal officials in educational workshops and sessions - will learn about issues affecting local government in their own cities and towns. They will also engage in dialogue with both local officials and other youth in order to gain information they can use for discussion and action at home. The main part of the conference begins with an afternoon Opening General Session on Thursday, November 28 and runs through the afternoon of Saturday, December 1.
Youth delegates and adult chaperones must register by fax or mail using this form. Other local officials attending the conference can register online.
By attending this year's Congress of Cities, youth delegates have a unique opportunity to participate in an even wider array of workshops and sessions focused on how city leaders can help children, youth and families succeed, as well as strategies for engaging youth in local government.
Through civic engagement, including attendance at this conference, young people gain experience, acquire new skills, learn responsibility and accountability, develop a greater sense of confidence, empowerment, and membership, and forge meaningful connections to other youth and adults.
Municipal officials in communities large and small are taking steps to ensure that youth have a voice and a role in local government. You and your community can be part of this process by bringing youth delegates to represent your city or town at the Congress of Cities.
Please click the links below for:
- Youth Delegate and Chaperone Registration Form (local elected officials are not eligible for the chaperone rate; the reduced rate is for adult chaperones who would not otherwise attend the conference)
- Online Registration for City Leaders who are not Chaperones
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Making the Most of the Congress of Cities: Advice for Youth Delegates
- Making the Most of the Congress of Cities: Advice to Adult Chaperones
- Tentative Schedule of Youth Delegate Events
If you have questions or suggestions about youth delegate sessions at the 2012 Congress of Cities, contact Leon Andrews at (202) 626-3039 or Andrews@nlc.org or David DeVaughn at (202) 626-3015 or DeVaughn@nlc.org.
