City of New Orleans Launches “Mayor for a Day” Program to Inspire Youth Leadership

November 4, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

City of New Orleans Launches "Mayor for a Day" Program to Inspire Youth Leadership

The City of New Orleans is excited to announce the launch of its "Mayor for a Day" program, an initiative in the Office of Youth and Families (OYF) designed to foster and encourage leadership among young people in our community. This program, open to New Orleans youth ages 11 to 18, invites participants to write essays envisioning how they would lead the City if given the opportunity to be Mayor for a day.

Three winners will be selected from the entries and given a unique chance to step into the role of Mayor, shadowing Mayor LaToya Cantrell to learn firsthand about the responsibilities and decisions involved in City leadership. Winners will also have the opportunity to hold their own meetings with leadership aligned with the content of their essay. Each winner will be officially sworn in as "Mayor for a Day," experiencing an empowering journey that highlights the importance of civic engagement and the impact that leaders can have on their communities.

"The 'Mayor for a Day' program is a powerful way to help young people feel connected to their City and see how their voices and ideas can shape our future," said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. "This program is about more than just learning - it's about inspiring the next generation of New Orleans leaders to make a difference."

"The Mayor for a Day program encourages young minds to consider pressing issues in New Orleans, envision solutions, and think critically about the role of leadership" said Asya Howlette, OYF Director. "With this initiative, OYF seeks to plant the seeds of civic responsibility, community involvement, and proactive leadership."

How to Participate:

• New Orleans youth ages 11 to 18 are encouraged to submit essays about their vision for the City. Interested participants can share how they would tackle current challenges, improve City resources, or bring new ideas to enhance life in New Orleans. Selected winners will be notified by mid-December and will experience their day as Mayor in Spring 2025.

Submission Information:

• Submission deadline- Nov. 20
• How to Submit: Essays should be submitted online via www.nola.gov/m4day Instructions for other methods of submission are outlined on the website.

For more information about the "Mayor for a Day" program, please contact [email protected].

The City of New Orleans invites parents, teachers, and community leaders to encourage young people to participate in this unique opportunity. Let's support the next generation in realizing their potential and helping shape the vibrant future of New Orleans.

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