Monday, May 14, 2007
Governor Culver Commends SIYAC For Successful Legislative Session
SIYAC Currently Recruiting Members for 2007-08 School Year
(Des Moines) – Governor Chet Culver commended the State of Iowa Youth Action Committee (SIYAC) for speaking up on behalf of Iowa youth for the seventh straight year and working successfully to get many of its agenda items passed this legislative session. The Governor urges those young Iowans interested in serving to apply by May 21st.
“SIYAC provides an important voice for young people in this state, and I commend them for their service this past legislative session,” said Governor Culver.
With a goal of making the voice of youth heard in the State of Iowa, SIYAC works with legislators, state agencies, and other statewide organizations to promote ideas & raise questions relating to youth issues.
“SIYAC has continued to work with legislators this year to bring new ideas and new enthusiasm to ensure youth are provided services, opportunities, and supports so they can continue to be an asset to our state,” said Kevin Shannon, SIYAC Vice-Chair.
The State of Iowa Youth Action Committee or SIYAC (pronounced sigh-yak), is a committee that was chartered into existence in May of 2001 by Governor Tom Vilsack. SIYAC members are chosen through an essay and interview process each spring and come from many parts of the state. They are elected during high school and can re-apply to serve until they turn twenty.
This past year, SIYAC focused on many different issues, including mandatory guidance counselors in every school district, anti-bullying legislation, lowering the age of poll workers to sixteen, and keg registration. “This year was monumental as we saw many of our past and current initiatives addressed and become law,” said Jordan Williams, SIYAC Chair.
In addition, SIYAC has advocated locally and state-wide for youth civic engagement. “Iowans benefit when all youth are engaged and contributing in their communities,” said Amy Croll, SIYAC State Coordinator. “Experiences and connections children and youth have growing up affect their success in school, work, and life. SIYAC provides experiences and connections members—and hopefully legislators— will remember for the rest of their lives.”
SIYAC is currently recruiting members and a college intern for the 2007-2008 school year. Applications can be found at www.icyd.org under “What’s New.” More information, including the 2006-2007 initiatives can be found at www.iowaspromise.org. The deadline for 2007-2008 applications is May 21, 2007. For more information, contact Amy Croll.