Winnipeg, MB - Today is the last day to apply to become Winnipeg's first Kid Mayor, Mayor Brian Bowman announced today.
Kid Mayor is a fun, educational initiative aimed at building a greater appreciation for and understanding of municipal government. All kids between the ages of eight and twelve living in Winnipeg are eligible to apply. Online entries will be received until midnight tonight, and can be submitted at: www.mayorbowman.ca. To date, 91 applications have been received.
“Today’s your last chance to submit an application to become Winnipeg’s first Kid Mayor,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “Being Mayor is an incredible responsibility and it’s my hope this initiative will be a fun and educational way to underscore the importance of the Office of Mayor for both kids and parents.”
Applicants seeking to become Winnipeg’s first Kid Mayor need to explain what they think Mayors do, and what they would do to make Winnipeg an even better place to live and why. Submissions need to be under 250 words, can be made into a video if applicants have the means to do so, and can be submitted either online or by mail.
As Kid Mayor, the winner will be provided an opportunity to join Mayor Brian Bowman for an exciting day of being Mayor where they will have an opportunity to pitch City Councillors on their idea to make Winnipeg an even better place to live, cut a ribbon or two, and even host their own press conference.
Mayor Bowman also announced the external panel of judges who will be responsible for reviewing applications and selecting the winning submission. The external panel of judges includes:
- Hon. Gary Filmon – former Manitoba Premier and City of Winnipeg councillor;
- Johanna Hurme – Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce Chair and co-founder of 5468796 Architecture;
- Ace Burpee – radio show host on 103.1 Virgin Radio; and
- Sarah Nick – radio show host on Energy 106.
“Thank you to all these community leaders for volunteering their time to assist with the Kid Mayor initiative,” said Mayor Bowman. “I am confident they’ll select the best kid for the job!”
Mayor Bowman said Kid Mayor is the latest initiative undertaken to engage Winnipeg’s youth in civic government.
Kid Mayor builds on initiatives including the creation of Winnipeg’s first Council Liaison position for School Board and Youth Opportunities, creating the Mayor’s Scholarship for Community Leadership which recognizes and rewards the efforts of high school students who are helping make Winnipeg a stronger community, and undertaking to visit every high school in Winnipeg to directly speak with and listen to students.
The Mayor noted the application window for the Mayor’s Scholarship for Community Leadership remains open until May 18, 2018. Applications can be submitted online at www.mayorbowman.ca.
“In addition to engaging youth in civic government, these initiatives also help build pride in our city and help strengthen our community,” said Mayor Bowman. “As our city grows, it’s important to find ways to keep our youth and their parents engaged in civic government, and it’s also a great opportunity for elected members to learn from our kids about how we can make Winnipeg an even greater city to live, work, and play in.”