A summit to encourage Colombian youth to explore opportunities to participate in city government was held on Sunday.
The Youth Advisory Council set up a booth at the Activity and Recreation Center from noon to 2 p.m.
These booths included information about what the role of city council is and how it plays an important role with the community and council members.
The summit also highlighted how young residents can influence a variety of issues that can affect youth in Colombia.
Helen Hinnant Root is a senior at Hickman High School and chairs the Youth Advisory Council. She said being on her council has made her more aware of what's going on in her community.
“I think a lot of young people don't understand what's going on in city government, so I definitely feel like I'm much more of a party to it,” Hinnant-Root said. “Now that I'm 18, I'm voting for the first time in a city council election. I feel like I'm learning more about what's going on in elections and how my vote can affect me. I felt like that.”
Hinnandrud said she has learned a lot about city politics, especially “behind the scenes” of city government.
“When it comes to city politics, the city process can sometimes feel out of touch with what ordinary people experience every day,” Hinnandrud said. “…and it’s hard to get in if you don’t look for it.”
This is the first year the city and Youth Advisory Committee have held a summit.
