Winnipeg, MB - Kids between the ages of eight and twelve living in Winnipeg are being invited to apply to become Winnipeg's first Kid Mayor, Mayor Brian Bowman announced today.
“This is a fun, but at the same time educational initiative that I hope will build a greater appreciation for and understanding of municipal government,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “As well, it will be a great opportunity for elected members to learn from our kids who can sometimes say the darndest things and are rarely shy about what they think and feel. I hope kids across Winnipeg can find time to share what they think it means to be Mayor, and if given a chance what they would do to make Winnipeg an even greater city.”
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.
Entries will be reviewed by an external panel of judges, and one lucky submission will be selected to become Winnipeg’s first Kid Mayor.
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.
Applicants are required to have permission from a parent or legal guardian to apply. Entries will be received until Tuesday April 3, 2018, and can be submitted online at: www.mayorbowman.ca.
“Being Mayor is an incredible responsibility and it carries with it very high expectations,” said Mayor Bowman. “It’s my hope this initiative will underscore the importance of the Office of Mayor for both kids and parents, but do so in way that’s also fun and educational.”
Kid Mayor is the latest initiative undertaken by Mayor Bowman to engage Winnipeg’s youth in civic government while also building pride in our city. Today’s announcement 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.