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| Siouxland CARES |
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ADDRESS
Siouxland Chamber of
Commerce Bldg
101 Pierce Street
Sioux City, Iowa 51101
MAILING ADDRESS
P.O. Box 4553
Sioux City, IA 51104
PHONE
712-255-3188
FAX
712-255-3188
WEBSITE
www.siouxlandcares.org
E-MAIL
cares@longlines.com
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| Youth Services - Positive Youth Development Programs |
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| This section will give you information on some of the positive youth development programs that Siouxland CARES is involved with including the Sioux City Mayor's Youth Commission, Teen Court, Standing Out in Siouxland...and lots more! |
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Sioux City Mayor's Youth Commission
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Sioux City, Iowa
The mission of the Mayor’s Youth Commission is to explore, communicate, and provide for the needs, problems, issues, and activities affecting the city’s youth.
OUTCOMES FOR THIS YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
·Youth make a positive impact in their community and feel valued.
·Youth develop to their full potential.
·Youth attending leadership sessions increase knowledge and skills.
·Youth participating in community service and activities feel they have made a positive contribution to their community.
MEMBERSHIP The 2007 membership consists of 171 members in grades 9-12 from five Sioux City high schools including Sioux City East, North, West, Bishop Heelan High, Siouxland Community Christian School, and one student that is home schooled.
ELIGIBILITY FOR MEMBERSHIP Any 9th or 10th grader enrolled in a Sioux City public or parochial high school or students who are home schooled and live in Sioux City or students who live in Sioux City but go to school outside the city limits are eligible for membership on the Mayor’s Youth Commission.
APPLICATION Applications are available in school offices and in the City Clerk’s office during the month of October. Eligible students must complete an application by October 31st and shall be approved and appointed by the City Council from recommendations made by Siouxland CARES.
TERMS Students may serve on the Mayor’s Youth Commission for a term not to exceed three (3) years. Terms shall commence on January 1st and terminate December 31st. All new appointees shall be at least a ninth grader/freshmen, and not yet an eleventh grader/junior for the school year in the year of their appointment. The Executive Council will review applications by eleventh graders/juniors who were unable to make the application in their freshman or sophomore year. Recommendations to appoint juniors shall be made by a majority vote of the Executive Council.
REQUIREMENTS The Executive Council of the Mayor's Youth Commission shal meet monthly. The Planning Department shall also hold monthly meetings. To remain in good standing, members shall attend a set number of meetings/activities as determined annually by the Executive Council and shall follow the Good Conduct Policy.
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Meets generally on the first Monday of every month from 7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce Building, 101 Pierce Street, Sioux City, Iowa.
The management and administration of the affairs of this organization shall be by an Executive Council consisting of no more than twenty (20) members who have served for at least one year on the Youth Commission and who are selected by their peers. The duties of the Executive Council are to: (a) ratify the actions of the planning department; (b) approve the plans of work of the planning department; (c) approve a budget for the fiscal year; (d) elect officers annually; (e) approve bylaw changes; and, (f) make an oral presentation annually to the City Council to update it on all Mayor’s Youth Commission activities.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT Meets generally on the third Monday of every month from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at City Hall, 405 6th Street, Sioux City, Iowa.
Legislative: The Legislative Planning Department shall be responsible for issues and bills affecting youth in the Iowa State Legislature and in the Sioux City City Council. The Legislative Committee shall make recommendations to the Sioux City City Council and shall act as liaison between the City and student governments at the Sioux City high schools.
Activities: The Activities Planning Department shall be responsible for planning, coordinating, and/or sponsoring leisure and alternative activities for youth in Sioux City.
Community Service: The Community Service Planning Department shall be responsible for seeking out opportunities for community service, planning service and community projects, and promoting youth participation in such activities.
Leadership: The Leadership Planning Department shall be responsible for informing their peers about leadership opportunities; coordinate trainings for members; and coordinate an annual leadership forum.
The Sioux City Mayor’s Youth Commission is sponsored by the City of Sioux City, Iowa, in cooperation with Siouxland CARES About Substance Abuse.
For all the information on the Sioux City Mayor's Youth Commission, go to: "http://www.sioux-city.org/MYC"
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Standing Out in Siouxland
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What is Standing Out in Siouxland?
The Sioux City Mayor’s Youth Commission, Sergeant Bluff Mayor’s Youth Commission, South Sioux City Youth Leadership Council, and HIWAY (Homer's Involvement With Adults & Youth) - Teen Management Committee would like to recognize, on a quarterly basis, youth in grades K-12 who have made a significant contribution to their community through volunteerism and who exemplify the core qualities of good character (Caring, Citizenship, Fairness, Respect, Responsibility, and Trustworthiness).
Who is eligible?
·Any youth in elementary school (grades K-5), middle school (grades 6-8) or high school (grades 9-12) are eligible to participate.
·Youth-led groups whose members are in grades K-12 are also eligible to participate.
·Youth must be a Siouxland resident.
·Individuals or groups must have made a significant contribution to their community through volunteerism.
How does the recognition program work?
Anyone acquainted with a youth or youth group may submit a letter of recommendation highlighting the significant contribution that this individual or youth group has made to their community and their outstanding displays of character. A group of youth will select one elementary, middle and high school winner each quarter, as well as one youth group to recognize. An article will be written and published in the For Siouxland’s Children quarterly tabloid highlighting the individual/group accomplishments.
How do I nominate an individual or a group?
Submit a letter of recommendation for this individual or youth group. Letters should be no more than one typed page. Please list the person who is nominating the individual or group. A return address and phone number must be listed on the letter. Letters must describe the following:
1. The significant contribution or impact that the applicant has made in the community and how this youth or youth group has demonstrated a significant commitment to this activity/project.
2. How the applicant exemplifies the core qualities of good character--Caring, Citizenship, Fairness, Respect, Responsibility, and Trustworthiness.
When is the application deadline?
Please email a letter of recommendation to us at any time but make sure Standing Out in Siouxland is on the email.
To whom do I send the completed application form?
Our email is cares@fbx.com.
Information is available by calling Siouxland CARES at (712) 255-3188.
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Teen Court
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WHAT IS TEEN COURT?
Teen Court is a voluntary alternative to juvenile law violators who have committed a first time offense or have not been through a diversion program. The goal of Teen Court is to intervene in early anti-social, delinquent, and criminal behavior, and to reduce the incidence and prevent the escalation of such behavior. Teen Court strives to promote a desire for self improvement, and to foster a healthy attitude toward rules and authority.
WHAT HAPPENS IN TEEN COURT?
A youth, who has voluntarily admitted guilt to a crime or an offense, appears for a sentencing hearing before a jury of peers. The jury is presented with evidence relevant to sentencing, deliberates, and passes sentence. Sentences typically include community service and counseling, and stress rehabilitative goals. Upon successful completion of Teen Court, a conviction will be kept off their record.
WHAT TYPES OF CASES ARE HEARD IN TEEN COURT ?
Cases are referred by the City Attorney of South Sioux City to the Coordinator, who accepts cases meeting established criteria. Typical cases that may be heard in Teen Court include shoplifting, criminal mischief, trespassing, vandalism, and alcohol offenses.
WHAT DOES THE COURT DECIDE?
The function of Teen Court is to determine what consequences are appropriate for each individual, considering the circumstances of the law violation. They may impose a sentence that includes community service, restitution (monetary or in-kind), and attendance at classes or counseling sessions.
WHO ARE THE VOLUNTEER TEENS?
Teen Court is composed of volunteers from high schools who have successfully completed training and make a one year commitment to participate. They serve as the attorneys, jurors, bailiffs, etc.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Teen Courts are effective because:
Teens respond better when peers hold them accountable for their actions.
Teens are less likely to commit a second offense.
It allows teenage volunteers to participate in legal system, giving them greater respect to the law.
It allows them to have an impact and investment in their community.
WHAT ARE THE TAX SAVINGS?
Teen Court saves tax dollars by handling cases and not requiring formal legal involvement. With a decrease in repeat offenses, the legal system is saved the cost of additional judges, prosecutors, public defenders, probation officers and clerical staff.
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© 2008 Siouxland CARES -- All Rights Reserved. |
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