Macy Eisenhart, a Manheim Township High School (MTHS) student and member of the newly formed Manheim Township Youth Council, hopes that other young people in the area will speak up about issues facing students. "We are interested in hearing perspectives from others in the youth population," Eisenhart said.
The opportunity for local youths to share their thoughts and opinions on local issues grew its roots in the summer of 2021 when the Manheim Township Board of Commissioners wanted to add youth participation to local politics. "We discussed how it could be set up, and we drafted a resolution. We created the Manheim Township Youth Council," said Jim Drumm, Manheim Township manager, who has worked with youth councils in the past. The group held its first meeting on Dec. 6 and is scheduled to meet the first Monday of each month at 4 p.m. at the Manheim Township Municipal Office, 1840 Municipal Drive, Lancaster.
A call went out to local schools, and several students from MTHS became members of the initial council. In addition to Eisenhart, they are chair Krishna Chinnasamy, vice chair Zayne Seyed, Aanya Iyengar, Jack Bear, Soleil Yoder Salim, Sophie Esbenshade, and Zaara Seemeen.
Several of the students commented on why they decided to become involved in the council. Bear said that he does not want to leave MTHS without having taken steps to positively benefit the community. Chinnasamy echoed that comment, and he pointed out that he would also like to raise awareness of local government among other students. "We forget that local government makes decisions that affect us daily," he said. Seyed said he was struck by the importance of being able to represent the youths and have a say in the community.
Eisenhart wanted a chance to express her opinions. "I think it's important to have a youth perspective on local (issues) that could impact us," she said. "When (local government) is doing something involving our age group, they should have our perspective. So, I was interested in helping out."
Some of the council members have already expressed interest in specific issues, including protecting green spaces, adding sidewalks, expanding recreation programs, and improving transportation. Bear has voiced a concern that affects older area citizens. "There are not many public spaces to do pickleball year-round," he noted. "Making sure the senior citizens get exercise and can be out and about and not isolated in their homes, especially during COVID-19, (is important)," he said.
Drumm noted that while most Manheim Township boards are restricted to a specific topic, the youth council may express opinions and ask for presentations on any issue facing the local government. "It's an advisory board, but they have abilities if there's an issue they want to hear about or get involved in," said Drumm. "Outside (the local government), if there's an issue we want to tackle at school district or state level, we can invite officials to come in and talk with them as well. If it's something they feel is important, they could put it together as a recommendation and make a report."
Readers who would like to learn more may visit http://www.manheimtownship.org/1541/Youth-Council. Questions and comments may be emailed to Disti-YouthCouncil@manheimtownship.org.
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