For Immediate Release

Surprise offers Teen Leadership opportunities

Surprise, AZ (May 24, 2012) The City of Surprise is focusing on the leaders of tomorrow by offering two teen leadership public service opportunities- the Surprise Teen Advisory Commission and the Surprise Youth Leadership Commission. 

The mission of both commissions is to cultivate young leaders and increase civic engagement among our city’s youth.

Surprise Teen Advisory Commission (formerly the Teen Advisory Board)
This board is comprised of 15 high school students (5 freshmen, 5 sophomore, 5 juniors) enrolled in public, private, or charter schools or participating in home schooling or other educational venues for the 2012-2013 school year in Surprise. 

The City is currently accepting applications for:  5 freshman, 5 sophomores, and 4 juniors.  Participants must be a Surprise resident throughout their term; complete an online application and go through an interview process.  A few of their duties for this program are:  
• Plan and implement the Surprise Youth Leadership Summit
• Provide advisement to City Council on youth programming, open space, and new facility development
• Promote wellness, school and community pride, character development and civic leadership
• Identify ways to expand the scope and magnitude of involvement from ALL Surprise youth, of ALL ages

Regular meetings are generally held on the first Wednesday of every other month, 5 - 6:30 p.m., at the Community and Recreation Services Office. Meetings are facilitated by Community and Recreation Services staff. 

Beginning May 29 applications may be picked up for both Commissions at the Community and Recreation Services Office, 15960 N. Bullard Avenue, or downloaded at www.surpriseaz.gov/recreation. Submission information is included in the application packets.   For more information please call 623.222.2000.


Surprise Youth Leadership Commission
This newly-created commission will be comprised of 9 high school seniors enrolled in public, private, or charter schools or participating in home schooling or other educational venues for the 2012-2013 school year in Surprise. 

Applicants must be Surprise residents throughout their term; complete an online application; have a letter of recommendation; and go through an interview process. 

This Commission will take direction from the Mayor and City Council.   A few of their duties are as stated:
• Commission members will be expected to meet bi-monthly in Council Chambers
• Commission members will also meet at various times in the Mayor/Council office to discuss,  develop and implement community initiatives and projects that will enhance the quality of life in Surprise community initiatives,
• Commission members will be placed on a rotating schedule to attend and participate in 2 City Council meetings and/or work sessions
o Must observe all City Council meeting rules
o Expected to be seated on the dais and participate in the meeting
o Commission members will represent COS at regional events including West Valley Youth Summit, and Council events
• Commission members will provide input in planning process (i.e., General Plan, Strategic Plan, Village Plan, Development of parks, programming, and services, etc.,)
• Attend Enrichment Sessions to research and apply to various scholarship opportunities
• Commission members will meet with state representatives and other regional leaders to discuss opportunities that will enhance the quality of life in Surprise and the West Valley.

Beginning May 29 applications may be picked up for both Commissions at the Community and Recreation Services office, 15960 N. Bullard Avenue, or downloaded at www.surpriseaz.gov/recreation. Submission information is included in the application packets. For more information please call 623.222.2000.