Each year, Macon-Bibb County selects a group of student leaders to participate in its Youth Commission, a year-long civic leadership program that shows them how their local, consolidated government operates. It also gives them the chance to learn more about the role the state and federal government’s role at the local level.
The cohort of 30 sophomores, juniors, and seniors from nine public and private schools was selected after an extensive application and interview process. They were introduced to the community, county leadership, and the media at an Orientation on August 30 at the Cox Capitol Theatre in Downtown Macon-Bibb. The student leaders then participated in a Swearing In before the Macon-Bibb Commission at its regular meeting on September 6.
To see who was selected to this year’s cohort,
check out the Youth Commission’s Facebook page.
“GCAPS is an amazing opportunity for these students to get involved with their community at an early age, and it’s even better that they are going to see how we’re building a new consolidated government,” says Macon-Bibb Assistant County Manager Charles Coney. “We hope these students will take the leadership lessons back to their schools and, in the future, find a passion for improving the communities and cities in which they live.”
About the Macon-Bibb County Youth Commission
For the past four years, Bibb County (and now Macon-Bibb County) has worked with students through its Youth Commission, which is part of the Association County Commissioners of Georgia’s (ACCG) Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students (GCAPS).
Students in the Macon-Bibb Youth Commission get to see how government works, what’s changing through consolidation, and how they can be involved with and improve the community now and in the future. Throughout the course of the year, students take part in team-building exercises, attend Commission meetings, tour county facilities, visit the State Capitol, and interact with local and state leaders.
Pictures from their visits can be seen on their Facebook page. Below are some videos and stories produced by the Office of Public Affairs about their visits around Macon-Bibb, the state, and the country.
Annual student leadership award presented
Student leaders learn about airport’s economic impact
Student leaders visit Washington, DC to learn about federal government
Annual Follies raises money for student leadership program
Student leaders visit water treatment plant at Javors Lucas Lake
About ACCG
ACCG is Georgia’s county association and works on behalf of county officials and their communities by providing public policy and legislative advocacy, leadership development, civic and community engagement initiatives, insurance and retirement programs that specialize in local government needs and other cost-saving programs. Formed in 1914 when county officials came together to help fund the state’s first highway department, ACCG today serves as a catalyst for advancing Georgia’s counties. For more information, go to www.accg.org.