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The City of Virginia Beach Mayor’s Youth Leaders in Action (MYLA) is a group of socially, economically and ethnically diverse middle and high school youth from across the city.
Mayor's Youth Leaders in Action
The City of Virginia Beach Mayor’s Youth Leaders in Action (MYLA) is a group of socially, economically, and ethnically diverse middle and high school youth from across the city. The group was created with the belief that young people if given the opportunity, could be meaningfully and successfully involved in making and impacting decisions that affect their lives.
MYLA is a youth-led program that exists to be a positive force in the community through leadership, service, education, and representation.
Leadership: develop and/or enhance youth leadership skills such as time management, organizational skills, decision making, team building, goal setting, and mentoring
Service: volunteer opportunities through city events, building camaraderie amongst the group to inspire and motivate others, build relationships, show a commitment to the community, and develop professionalism
Education: share knowledge and facilitate learning through training youth and adults on various topics, facilitating and coordinating leadership workshops and retreats, developing creativity and public speaking skills
Representation: opportunities to serve on city and community boards and committees and provide a youth perspective as well as networking opportunities
Youths are accepted into the program through a selection process led by current MYLA officers. Prospective youth must submit an application and two recommendation letters. Pending review, applicants will be notified of their status. An interview and program visit may be scheduled. Applications for MYLA are currently closed.
MYLA General Meetings are held twice a month on Monday evenings. Please note that MYLA follows the school calendar, meaning if the school is out on a meeting Monday, it will be rescheduled for the next available time.
MYLA Registration for the academic year begins May 1 and will end July 31. All youth who are interested in joining MYLA are encouraged to apply during this application window. Interviews will be scheduled based on applying youth and program staff availability.
MYLA worked in partnership with the Teen Media Studio to create videos for the Season for Nonviolence, the Mayor's Brunch event, and a playlist of children's stories, crafts, and fitness videos.
