Title
Phoenix Outstanding Youth Leader of the Year Program
Description
This report provides the Community and Cultural Investment Subcommittee with an update on the Phoenix Outstanding Youth Leader of the Year program, formerly known as the Outstanding Young Man/Young Woman.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
The Youth and Education Commission began rethinking how simple changes to program names can ensure inclusive services based on a recommendation from a current high school commission member. The member suggested that gender specific language be removed from program names to better reflect the youth community. While many individuals use specific gender terms without the intention to exclude others, gendered language does not acknowledge the existence of those who identify beyond the gender binary.
The commission identified Outstanding Young Man/Young Woman of the Year as a gendered phrase where a new inclusive, gender-neutral name could be adopted. Phoenix Outstanding Youth Leader of the Year was adopted to be more inclusive while continuing to recognize the outstanding achievements of young people in the community. The program has been in existence for 36 years and will continue to be sponsored by the City of Phoenix, Phoenix Rotary 100, and the Salt River Project (SRP).
The Youth and Education Office will accept applications for the 2022 Phoenix Outstanding Youth Leader of the Year from Dec. 6, 2021, through Feb. 25, 2022. Applications are open to students who live within Phoenix city limits or who are currently enrolled in a Phoenix high school.
Applications are evaluated by a team of volunteers from the Youth and Education Commission, Phoenix Rotary 100 and SRP based on the students' positive contributions to the Phoenix community. Applicants are also required to articulate to a panel of business members on how they addressed community issues through advocacy, policy changes, and/or program creations. Youth also express their future educational and professional goals/endeavors during the interviewing process.
Two young people will be chosen from each council districts and will receive $500. Among the 16 district winners, two young people will be recognized as the overall Outstanding Youth Leader of the Year and will receive an additional $1,500. All winners will be recognized at a luncheon hosted by the Phoenix Country Club in May 2022. Teachers, counselors, and/or community members who contributed to the winners’ achievements are also recognized at the luncheon.
Phoenix Rotary will also provide a series of leadership development opportunities for winners to engage with local business members to learn various leadership styles and strategies. The overall goal is to expose young people to effective leaders who uphold high personal and professional standards through modeling and mentoring.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Inger Erickson and the Youth and Education Office.