Post by ridge on Mar 30, 2016 20:30:38 GMT -5
March 28, 2016
Contact: Ray Rustem, 517-284-6070
DNR recruiting applicants to serve on NRC Youth Conservation Council
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications from youth ages 14 to 18 who are interested in a position on the Natural Resources Commission Youth Conservation Council. Applications will be accepted through April 30.
The council’s academy-like structure offers young people interested in nature and who care about Michigan’s great outdoors an opportunity to gain leadership experience, explore outdoor recreation issues and participate in activities under the guidance of the DNR.
“Council membership is a chance to meet new friends and work with other young people from across the state who have the same interests in the outdoors,” said Ray Rustem, the DNR's Youth Conservation Council advisor. “It’s also a great opportunity to participate in discussions and share input and perspective on all aspects of Michigan's outdoors and current and future recreation opportunities and involvement.”
The appointment is for two years, and members will be expected to participate in four meetings each year. At least two of the meetings will be offered as weekend training sessions at a conference facility; other meetings will be shorter with possible attendance through teleconferencing and/or Web-based applications.
“Council members who have participated in the weekend meetings have learned a great deal about the natural resources of our state and the outdoor opportunities that exist,” said Rustem.
During their time on the council, members will be partnered with local department personnel to enhance their learning experience.
Rustem said the council is continuing to explore how to use social media to engage youth, and already has developed a Facebook page and established a youth blog. Several council members also have been involved in preparing YouTube videos to promote outdoor activities and an Instagram photo-sharing site (#yccoutdoors) for youth to share their favorite outdoor photos.
During the meetings, members participate in discussions, conduct research and brainstorm ideas about ways to protect, promote and enhance outdoor recreation and the use of Michigan's natural resources. The council will present recommendations to both the NRC and the DNR about policy, program and legislative changes that members believe will boost young residents’ interest and involvement in the outdoors, including hunting and fishing.
In addition, members will be expected to complete the following:
Attend a Natural Resources Commission meeting.
Write and submit three articles on outdoor activities for the Youth Conservation Council blog.
Help develop and participate in local events to encourage kids to get outdoors.
Applications are available on the DNR website, along with a roster of frequently asked questions that offers more detail about the Youth Conservation Council. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr, choose Education and Outreach. Information for the Youth Conservation Council is located on this page.
Completed applications must be postmarked by April 30, 2016, and mailed to:
NRC Youth Conservation Council
ATTN: Raymond Rustem
P.O. Box 30028
Lansing, MI 48909
Contact: Ray Rustem, 517-284-6070
DNR recruiting applicants to serve on NRC Youth Conservation Council
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications from youth ages 14 to 18 who are interested in a position on the Natural Resources Commission Youth Conservation Council. Applications will be accepted through April 30.
The council’s academy-like structure offers young people interested in nature and who care about Michigan’s great outdoors an opportunity to gain leadership experience, explore outdoor recreation issues and participate in activities under the guidance of the DNR.
“Council membership is a chance to meet new friends and work with other young people from across the state who have the same interests in the outdoors,” said Ray Rustem, the DNR's Youth Conservation Council advisor. “It’s also a great opportunity to participate in discussions and share input and perspective on all aspects of Michigan's outdoors and current and future recreation opportunities and involvement.”
The appointment is for two years, and members will be expected to participate in four meetings each year. At least two of the meetings will be offered as weekend training sessions at a conference facility; other meetings will be shorter with possible attendance through teleconferencing and/or Web-based applications.
“Council members who have participated in the weekend meetings have learned a great deal about the natural resources of our state and the outdoor opportunities that exist,” said Rustem.
During their time on the council, members will be partnered with local department personnel to enhance their learning experience.
Rustem said the council is continuing to explore how to use social media to engage youth, and already has developed a Facebook page and established a youth blog. Several council members also have been involved in preparing YouTube videos to promote outdoor activities and an Instagram photo-sharing site (#yccoutdoors) for youth to share their favorite outdoor photos.
During the meetings, members participate in discussions, conduct research and brainstorm ideas about ways to protect, promote and enhance outdoor recreation and the use of Michigan's natural resources. The council will present recommendations to both the NRC and the DNR about policy, program and legislative changes that members believe will boost young residents’ interest and involvement in the outdoors, including hunting and fishing.
In addition, members will be expected to complete the following:
Attend a Natural Resources Commission meeting.
Write and submit three articles on outdoor activities for the Youth Conservation Council blog.
Help develop and participate in local events to encourage kids to get outdoors.
Applications are available on the DNR website, along with a roster of frequently asked questions that offers more detail about the Youth Conservation Council. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr, choose Education and Outreach. Information for the Youth Conservation Council is located on this page.
Completed applications must be postmarked by April 30, 2016, and mailed to:
NRC Youth Conservation Council
ATTN: Raymond Rustem
P.O. Box 30028
Lansing, MI 48909