How to Apply to be a Council Representative
Learn about what Youth Council service requires and the application process, then start your application.
Responsibilities
If appointed, you will commit to:
- Research important policy issues that affect Minnesota young people
- Participate and be present in full Council, committee, and workgroup meetings
- Engage with your peers in the district you represent (or statewide, for at-large representatives)
- Coordinate and schedule meetings with your elected representatives at least twice a year, at the beginning of term and during the legislative session
- Meet with your assigned adult mentor
- Travel to the Twin Cities metro area at least five times a year for Council retreats, Youth Day at the Capitol, and Council hearings
- Convene at least one town hall session in your district every year
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District representatives
Four members from each of Minnesota’s eight congressional districts represent the interests of all the young people who live there.
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At-large representatives
Council representatives at large represent young people statewide.
Qualifications
All Council representatives must:
- Live in Minnesota
- Attend a middle school or high school in the state
- Be between 13 and 19 years of age
To be appointed, you should:
- Be an active member of your community and a committed advocate for young people
- Lead with equity, collaboration, and quality
- Have a basic understanding of Minnesota’s three branches of government and political systems
MYC Application Process
MYC Application Process
If you meet the eligibility requirements and you can commit to the duties of Council service, we encourage you to apply here.
We accept applications year-round and review them annually, following the timeline below. If a seat is unfilled, we will review the application at any time.
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01
November – January: MYC Program Staff application review period
MYC Program Staff review Youth Council and Congressional District Youth Leader (CDYL) candidates’ applications and send rejection letters with thanks, or invite candidates to advance to an interview.
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02
December–February: Interview offers are extended and conducted
We extend interview invites and conduct interviews. The candidate will appear in front of the MYC Program Staff, one MN Youth Alliance Staff representative, and up to two Youth Council representatives.
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03
Mid-April: Selection of MYC Representatives & CDYL Participants
We review all candidates’ applications and interviews during this time.
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04
Early May: Offers are sent out!
We select MYC and CDYL participants and extend offers. Applicants have two weeks to accept or decline their MYC or CDYL offer.
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05
July 1, 2027: Program year begins
The 2027-2028 program year begins.
MYC representatives are officially appointed on December 20, 2024.
