As we continue to explore ways to engage a younger demographic of members, we open our minds to ideas, concepts and programs that haven\u2019t existed at Missoula Electric Cooperative (MEC) in decades past. And sometimes, if we\u2019re really lucky, an opportunity for involvement falls right into our lap! Such was the case this spring, when a well-crafted letter was received from a local Hellgate High School Sophomore, Kennedy Kuhn. Kennedy\u2019s thoughtful proposal, and vision for her cooperative, blossomed into our first ever Youth Ambassador Program, which is scheduled to launch this fall.<\/p>\n
MEC\u2019s Youth Ambassador Program will be a distinguished opportunity for High School Juniors and Seniors to contribute to their communities and enhance their leadership skills. Students chosen to serve as Youth Ambassadors will play an essential role in our cooperative and within their local communities. Ambassadors can expect to partner with student leaders from other school districts, collaborate with our leadership team to grow their understanding of cooperatives, engage in their local communities through acts of service, and interact with our membership. In exchange for their service, students will receive a certificate of achievement, earn eligibility for a handful of scholastic awards, and receive a small per diem for each meeting attended.<\/p>\n
High Schools within our service area will be allotted two seats for Juniors or Seniors who are in good academic standing, and are dependents of a parent or guardian who is an MEC member. Applications will be available on our website beginning August 12th, and application instructions will also be delivered to school counselors at participating High Schools. We will accept applications until 5 PM on September 13th.<\/p>\n
Once selected, Youth Ambassadors are required to serve a full term, which runs October 2019 \u2013 May 2020, with the exception of December. Monthly Youth Ambassador Meetings are a requirement for all Youth Ambassadors and will recur throughout the school year on the third Wednesday of the month from 12 \u2013 2 PM. Ambassadors cannot miss more than two meetings per term. In March, Youth Ambassadors will be invited to attend and present at the Missoula Electric Cooperative Annual Meeting, which will serve in place of their regularly scheduled meeting. Youth Ambassador Meetings will kick-off in mid-October with a luncheon and Youth Ambassador Orientation at the MEC office.<\/p>\n
Do you know a student that is a natural-born leader? One that is willing to step up and make a difference in his or her community? Perhaps they have a spirit of volunteerism and a desire to engage with community leaders and non-profits. If this sounds like a student you know, encourage them to apply! One two-hour meeting each month could open countless doors and create an abundance of opportunities.<\/p>\n
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