The Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) is announcing the creation of a Youth Advisory Council to the Michigan Civil Rights Commission. This is a pilot program and the first and only one of its kind in the nation. We expect to open this program to the entire state based on the success of the pilot program.

The 12-member Council will act as an advisory body to the Commission. The Council will meet regularly to discuss and deliberate pressing civil rights issues and make formal recommendations to the Commission.

MDCR is searching for highly motivated students committed to social and racial justice who are interested in civil rights advocacy. As a pre-requisite to selection, all interested students must write a 500-word essay for the Commission. The topics are:

• "What are the most pressing civil rights issues facing Michigan?
• What role will Michigan youth play in addressing the future of race relations?"

Essays are due by May 15, 2009. A panel will review each essay and select the pilot program participants from those essays.

MDCR Youth Advisory Council Requirements
This is open to tenth (10th) through twelfth (12th) grade students who live and/or attend school in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Livingston or Monroe counties.  Once selected, Council members will:

• Serve a one year term.
• Develop a mission statement for the Council.
• Work with MDCR staff two days a month during the summer and one evening/weekend day each month during the school year.
• Participate in the University of Michigan Summer Youth Dialogue Program.
• Report to the Michigan Civil Rights Commission on pressing civil rights issues facing youth.
• Work with local law enforcement to develop programs and activities to enhance the relationship between law enforcement officials and the youth of that community.
• Participate in a financial literacy program.

If you have questions, please call MDCR Community Outreach Specialist Anthony Lewis at 313-456-3700. Please send essay submissions to:
MDCR Youth Advisory Council
3054 W Grand Blvd, Suite 3-600
Detroit, MI 48202
Essays can also be submitted electronically to mdcryouth@michigan.gov

For more information on the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, call 1-800-482-3604 or visit http://www.michigan.gov/mdcr.