The City of Kingston has opened applications for the second annual Mayor for a Day program, inviting local Grade 5 students to learn about municipal government through direct experience.
The initiative offers one student the opportunity to accompany Mayor Bryan Paterson for a day, observing and engaging in civic activities. The selected participant will tour City Hall, attend a meeting and a public event, sit in the mayor’s seat in Council Chambers, and have lunch with the Mayor. The itinerary will be developed in accordance with the student’s interests pertaining to local governance and municipal functions.
“We were thrilled with the excitement and enthusiasm shown during last year’s launch,” said Mayor Paterson. “This program is all about encouraging young people to explore civic leadership and better understand how decisions are made at the local level. I’m looking forward to meeting another bright and curious young leader this year.”
Applicants are required to submit a video responding to five specific questions: why they want to be Mayor for a day, what their first action would be as Mayor, what they would like to learn about the City of Kingston, where they would like to visit during the day, and what their favourite aspect of living in Kingston is.
All submissions must be received by 4 p.m. on Friday, June 13 through the Get Involved Kingston platform. In-person assistance with video recordings will be available at several municipal facilities on the following dates: Kingston East Community Centre on Friday, May 30 from 4 to 5 p.m.; Artillery Park Aquatic Centre on Monday, June 2 from 4 to 5 p.m.; Rideau Heights Community Centre on Tuesday, June 3 from 9 to 10 a.m.; and the INVISTA Centre on Wednesday, June 4 from 3 to 4 p.m.
A legal guardian must be present at the time of video recording at City facilities, or the student must bring a completed and signed application form.
Questions regarding the program may be directed by email to Mayor@CityofKingston.ca or by phone at 613-546-0000, Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
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