Youth and adults working together in positions of authority to make decisions and take action to strengthen organizations, communities, and our democratic society.

Why is it important?

In 2002, over 2000 Wisconsin residents came together in 83 county-based conversations on youth development. They identified two top priorities which emphasize public support for the role of youth in building healthy communities and a vital democracy:

1. Create a culture in which youth are equal partners in decision making and governance.
2. Encourage youth community service and civic involvement.

Benefits

Youth Voice and Representation: Youth have a voice in decisions that affect them.

Community Improvement: As youth become stakeholders and change agents in communities and organizations, they bring perspectives, knowledge and relationships that lead to better decisions and more productive action.

Positive Youth Development: It promotes positive outcomes among youth. It teaches the skills of active citizenship such as understanding how decisions are made and how to organize, plan, and communicate.

Civic Development: Our civil society is strengthened when youth become informed and thoughtful citizens. Young people with skills, knowledge, commitment, and experience can reflect upon the common good, become full members of their communities, and take political action.

Youth on Local Government Boards and Committees

UW-Madison Division of Extension is working with county boards and city councils and their committees to include youth representation in several Wisconsin counties. There are several models of government involvement, including youth with committee voting rights, youth advisors on county board committees, and youth representatives at full board meetings. Read more about youth representation in local government programs across the state.

Teen Court

Teen Courts give young offenders the option to work with their peers based on a model of restorative justice. Many active programs are coordinated by UW-Madison Division of Extension; others are hosted by partners, with Extension providing training and support. More information is available on restorative justice youth development programs by contacting the Positive Youth Development Institute Associate Director, Annie Lisowski.

Youth Boards

Youth serve as partners with adults or independently with adult coaching in many community leadership boards. Some are focused on youth philanthropy, including Dane County By Youth For Youth and Kenosha County Youth As Resources. Others engage youth with adults to promote health and education in groups and coalitions.

You’ve probably seen a Rock County Sheriff’s Office patrol car or a Rock County snow plow, but did you know that the Rock County Public Health Department inspects and licenses over 800 restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores and food trucks in Rock County each year? Maybe you’re not interested in food. What about the airport? Nursing homes? Land conservation? Water?

Youth participating in Rock County’s Youth in Governance program will learn more about what County government does and how it works. Youth representatives will also get a sneak peek behind the scenes of decision making!

Youth will be assigned a Rock County Supervisor as mentor on one of the standing County committees. As YIG representatives, they will

• learn first-hand about important community issues
• develop opinions and share their perspectives with decision-makers
• build communication skills 1-1 with their mentor and by learning to navigate County government processes
• reflect on, improve and share their program experience from the first orientation to the final evaluation

This program is open to all Rock County youth in grades 8-11, but before you apply, ask yourself:

• Do I have enough time?  You may be expected to attend up to two or three meetings per month.  Typical meetings last 45-90 minutes each
• How can I get to the meetings? While some virtual attendance will be allowed, Youth Representatives will be expected to attend most meetings in person and arrange their own transportation.
• Are you interested enough to participate for an entire year?  The program runs from April 2026 to April 2027. If selected, you will be committing to the entire year.
• Why does this program interest you?  The application for this program includes an essay in which you’ll be asked to share why being chosen matters to you.

Listen to what Dane County youth participants said!

On October 29, 2024, the Rock County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution to create a pilot Youth in Governance program. Read full article ‘Rock County Board Creates Youth in Governance Program’.

County government develops policies and provide oversight of more than a dozen departments, more than 1,000 employees. Their responsibilities range from public safety to parks and from 911 communications to the County Fair.

Youth participants will be assigned to one of the “standing committees“. Follow the links below for more information about each committee.

• Agriculture & Extension Education Committee
• Board of Health
• County Board Staff Committee
• Education & Veterans Committee
• Finance Committee
• Human Services Board
• Land Conservation Committee
• Public Safety & Justice Committee

Specific Rock County Supervisors on participating committees volunteer to be supportive mentors and government navigators. Two youth participants will work together on each committee. The committee range from 5-9 members so youth representatives will have a front-row seat to observe and interact with decision-makers!

Learn more about each committee! (Committee Descriptions PDF)

Applications include:

• Personal contact information
• Essay question that explains why being chosen matters to you (Sell yourself!)
• Letter of recommendation from an adult other than parent or guardian
• Permission forms with signatures

Review the Application (PDF)

Applications must be submitted and received no later than 11:59 PM on Friday, February 27, 2026. Applications are available as:

• Online form
• Printed application that can be mailed to the Rock County Extension Office, 51 S Main St. Janesville, WI 53545
• Printed application that can be dropped off in person or deposited in the external mailbox at the Rock County Extension Office, 3506 N HWY 51 Janesville, WI 53545.
• Printed application that can be scanned and emailed to: William.Wilson@co.rock.wi.us

Applications will be reviewed by the Rock County Extension office. Evaluation of applications, final decisions and invitations to participate will be made by the Ad Hoc Youth in Governance Exploratory Committee.

Positive Youth Development is critical to building civic leadership and long-term community sustainability in Rock County. Invite youth you know!

Explore the terms ‘civic engagement‘ and ‘politics‘, issues youth care about and how communities support youth development.

Learn more about the kinds of activities in Youth in Governance Curriculum Resources

Connect across the state with current UW-Madison Division of Extension Youth in Governance Programs