Governor's Office accepting applications for sixth annual Youth Leadership Council

From the Governor’s Office of Community Service

HELENA — The Governor’s Office of Community Service announced Thursday it is accepting applications for the 2019-2020 Governor and First Lady Youth Leadership Council. The council will consist of seventh- through 12th-grade students from across the state who are committed to ending childhood hunger in their communities.

“Public service is an integral part of our collective culture in Montana,” said First Lady Lisa Bullock. “Youth Leadership Council is a unique opportunity for our next generation to become empowered agents of change in their local communities, particularly as we strive to end hunger in our communities and schools.”

Last year, 19 students from 18 different communities came together to benefit nine local food banks and seven school food pantries. They worked to raise public awareness and educated over 3,000 Montanans about the issue of childhood hunger. Council members engaged more than 30 organizations, community leaders and schools during their service projects. They collectively raised $13,200 and donated 4,100 pounds of food to Montana communities, benefitting food banks, school food pantries, and weekend backpack programs across the state.

YLC members convene at the State Capitol in November for orientation. Then students will design service projects and recruit volunteers throughout the following months. Members will implement their volunteer projects in their respective communities during End Childhood Hunger Week, April 13-19, 2020.

For more information and to apply, visit http://www.fightchildhoodhunger.com . Applications are due by Oct. 4.