If you're between the age of 18 and 34, the city of Coquitlam wants you.
Applications are being sought for 52 citizen representatives on various municipal advisory committees, with a new focus on bringing in a younger crowd of residents.
"We want that perspective," said Sean O'Melinn, Coquitlam's legislative services manager. "We are planning to do things for the future for them… They will be the ones reaping the benefits in 10 to 20 years."
The city already has a youth advisory committee and O'Melinn said older, more established residents tend to have more time to volunteer and participate.
But younger adults who are busy getting their post-secondary education or are just starting out in their careers tend to be underrepresented on citizen advisory committees, he said.
Matthew Sebastiani, 26, is one citizen advisor who fits the demographic the city is seeking.
The Burquitlam resident has been a member of the universal access-ability advisory committee for four years and is intending to re-apply for his position for another term. Sebastiani lives with colitis, what he calls an invisible disability, which he said compelled him to get involved.
More younger people should participate, he said, noting that the next generation of Coquitlam residents needs to have an influence in shaping municipal decisions.
"This is the community we live," he said. "It is very interesting work. You get to see how city hall works and really try and make a difference for our community."
Andrea Kwasnicki, 28, is a member of the multicultural advisory committee and said the experience has helped her connect with her new city after moving to Coquitlam a year ago.
The City Centre resident told The Tri-City News that she enjoys having the opportunity to influence decisions and policies at the committee table and hopes to be re-appointed to her position for another year.
"When you actively participate, you have more say with what happens in your city," she said. "That translates into a sense of belonging and increases your chances to want to stay in the city."
Both Sebastiani and Kwasnicki said their committee workload was manageable, with one two-hour meeting each month as well as some reading and prep time ahead of the meetings.
In selecting applicants, the city is looking at four general categories: skills and interest; education; affiliations; and other volunteer involvement and contributions to the community. To date, 62 applications have been received and the recruitment process will close Nov. 6.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants may not be employees of the city of Coquitlam and must live or be a representative of an organization operating in the municipality. All ages, genders, neighbourhoods, ethnicities, income levels, sexual orientations and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Application packages can be picked up in the clerk's office at city hall (3000 Guildford Way) and must be submitted by 11 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 6.
For more information go to coquitlam.ca/acv2020.
