Hinton Youth Advisory Council (HYAC)

HYAC was established by Bylaw in 2019. It is traditionally composed of up to eight (8) students, two (2) Councillors, members from Town Administration such as the Youth Centre Coordinator, and the Operations & Programming Manager of the Northern Rockies Museum of Culture and Heritage.

Objectives

Rooted in the principles of youth advocacy and governance, Council and HYAC will work collectively to ensure that youth are connected and meaningfully involved in community life and that the needs of Hinton’s youth are met.

 HYAC has been formed to:

• Ensure the voice of youth is heard by decision makers in Hinton and elsewhere;
• Enable youth to learn about and support the Northern Rockies Museum of Culture and Heritage and the work of other community organizations;
• Provide insight to innovative, diverse youth engagement strategies and opportunities;
• Assist in the implementation of youth projects and activities;
• Connect youth by encouraging personal network-building and friendships;
• Encourage personal development and strong mental health in youth by providing a supportive environment and a platform to address issues that affect youth (e.g., bullying, self-harm);
• Provide youth with mentorship opportunities with Council and other community leaders; and
• Provide youth the opportunity to improve their public speaking and debating skills, learn the processes of municipal government, and create change within their community.

Up to eight (8) students between Grades 8 through 12 are appointed to HYAC annually at the Town Council annual Organizational Meeting typically head in late October. Each appointment spans October through to the following September.

If a student wishes to apply for HYAC, they must complete the Student Application Form and provide two (2) references.

If a teacher, school administrator, or community member would like to nominate a student for HYAC, they must complete the Student Nomination Form. The Nomination Form must be reviewed and signed by the student prior to submission. 

Applications can be submitted in-person at Government Centre (131 Civic Centre Road) or by email at info@hinton.ca.

Youth Councillors who fulfill their commitment to HYAC as outlined in Bylaw 1128 will be awarded $500.00/term in bursary funds upon graduation with proof of enrollment in post-secondary studies at an accredited post-secondary institution, including trade and technical schools. Bursaries must be claimed within two years following Grade 12 graduation.

Requirements

Satisfactory attendance: Youth Councillors will only be permitted two consecutive unexcused absences per term under a maximum of four excused absences total. Meeting times and dates will be provided to Youth Councillors at least four weeks in advance.

Volunteering: Youth Councillors will volunteer a minimum six (6) hours over the course of their term at a local community non-profit organization

HYAC Resources

• Most Recent Agenda
• All Agendas
• Most Recent Minutes
• All Minutes
• Bylaw No. 1169 Hinton Youth Advisory Council