By Elisabeth Strillacci

KANNAPOLIS — Annette Keller may be the director of communications for the city of Kannapolis, but she has a particular soft spot for teenagers, and five years ago, she put that fondness into action by creating the Kannapolis Youth Council.

The goal is to gather a group of about 40 local high school students who have an interest in government and future leadership roles, with an eye toward encouraging them to consider serving on boards and commissions and even running for local public office.

“I do love teenagers,” said Keller. “They are so smart, so funny and so engaging. They are all different, and I know some people find them intimidating, but you need to get to know them to appreciate all they have to offer.”

Having started a similar program in Concord, Keller is already familiar with how youth councils work, but she said the city did look to the State Youth Advocacy Office as well as other cities.

According to the city’s website the “council’s goal is to create opportunities for students to become engaged in leadership development, provide avenues for high school students to volunteer, develop leadership skills, develop high standards for behavior, to refine communication abilities, practice teamwork and to have a line of communication with city leaders. Students in Kannapolis public high schools, home school students, charter schools and private high schools are eligible to apply.”

Those selected are not, however, chosen based on grades but on a number of factors including what they want to accomplish as a leader and what they are passionate about. The application process is detailed in that sense. It takes time to review all of the applications, said Keller. Applications for next year are currently open, and will close March 14 at 5 p.m.

In the first year, the council took 20-25 students, but over time, they have determined that “40 is the sweet spot,” a group small enough for them to feel connected to one another and for the three advisors to manage, but large enough to give as many students as possible an opportunity.

“This is a self-managed group,” said Keller. “They elect their own officers, establish their own bylaws, and plan their year including service projects and events.”

“I’m amazed by their ideas and the things they want to learn,” said Keller. “We do offer guidance and advice, but this is really their show.”

Keller said it is a way to encourage young people to consider coming back to their hometown and getting involved, something that can be a challenge for many communities.

“We tell them that we want them to go explore, go to college, serve in the military, learn a trade — whatever they dream — but to return and begin their businesses and lives in Kannapolis,” said Keller. “We teach them about leadership. The first thing they do is learn about government. What is government? What kind of career they can have in government? How they can become a leader in the city?

“We tell them we expect them to run for city council, to serve on committees and boards, to be in civic and church leadership roles in the future,” she continued. “It is our expectation that they will do this. They are needed because they are our future. They are smart, they are fun, they are energetic and they have great ideas.”

The group is every bit as diverse as the city, Keller noted.

Members of the council eventually visit every department in the city and this year they decided they wanted to go a step further. They will job shadow city employees and are giving up a school holiday to do that.

“We work really diligently to make sure they learn but they also have fun,” said Keller. “We make sure they have social experiences that encourage them to get to know each other.”

The previous groups have already made significant contributions to the city as well, Keller said.

“We have surveyed them regarding about our future parks and recreation needs, they served on Imagine Kannapolis Focus Groups, they have aided the Cabarrus Health Alliance with input on how to help meet the needs of youth in the city,” she said. “We have seen them and heard them. Their input has been valuable.”

In addition, each year they have a number of community service projects such as food drives, greeting residents at events and helping parks and recreation staff put on events such as Celebration of Lights and the Summer Concert & Movies. Valentine’s Day is coming, and the council members each year made homemade Valentine’s cards to distribute to residents of a nursing home, then spend the afternoon playing Bingo with them.

Parents of council members have been extremely positive in their responses. Students are held accountable by the advisors, but more importantly, by their peers. Advisors make sure the parents understand the students are expected to be accountable themselves.

“For example, if a youth council member cannot attend a meeting, we do not want to hear from the parent,” Keller explained. “We expect the youth council member to keep the group informed. Parents are invited to an end of the year banquet where they hear from the youth council about their experiences, and the room is always packed with proud parents.”

The council has a point system, receiving points for participation in activities and events, and each semester they must have a certain number of points to continue. If they do not, they cannot go forward. Keller said there have been some who have not met the expectations, and those can be hard conversations, but it is important that all students understand the requirements are serious.

“We’ve had some who didn’t think we would take it seriously,” she said. “But we do. It can be a hard lesson to learn, but a good one.”

Part of the benefit of the group is helping students understand the value of their voice.

“We hear this from the younger brothers and sisters of former members who see both the fun and importance of what their older sibling accomplished in the youth council,” said Keller.

The city leaders, both in administration and on the city council, have been more than supportive. They have funded the council’s activities, attend events when possible, and the council gives an annual report to the council on the group’s accomplishments.

“The youth council provides a connection between the city council and their generation,” said Keller. “It is a voice that city council wants to hear from and they have welcomed the interaction with the teenagers.”

And Keller is not the only fan of the program.

“In just a few short years, we have already seen the positive impact of the youth council,” said City Manager Mike Legg. “Their enthusiasm and hard work is making a difference in our community. We value their input and are looking forward to seeing what the next group of students achieves.”

Keller said she maintains relationships with students even after they leave the council.

“When they graduate, I still expect to hear from the youth council members and I do,” said Keller. “They visit me during breaks and vacations. One former youth council member sends me his report card every semester. I love that. I try to check in on as many of them as I can regularly. I want them to know that they are cared for and supported. I encourage them to be involved in college and community leadership opportunities. Spending time with them is one of the best things about my job. I enjoy their company. I love hearing their ideas for the future of the city and themselves. I am their biggest cheerleader and I look forward to watching them grow into their leadership potential.”