Hanscom looking for teens to serve on council

  • Published
  • By Sarah Olaciregui
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  A new program is being established Air Force-wide to give a voice to the teenage population in and around Air Force installations. The program, called Air Force Teen Council, aims to increase and improve communication between Air Force teens and leadership, cultivate civic leadership and help improve the quality of life for youth.

Hanscom is establishing an Installation Teen Council (ITC) and is looking for members.

"The council will work to resolve issues and voice concerns to base leadership," said Scott Craver, Youth Programs chief, who will also serve as the ITC advisor, "and one ITC member will be chosen to represent Hanscom for AFMC [Air Force Materiel Command]."

Throughout the year, council members will conduct surveys to gauge the opinions and attitudes of other teens living on or affiliated with the base. They will share viewpoints on issues teens are most concerned about and communicate these opinions and issues to base leadership during briefings. The members will also reach out to teens who do not participate in other Air Force Youth Programs and encourage them to become involved.

"We want members of the ITC to be looking for leadership opportunities," said Mr. Craver.

In addition to giving teens an opportunity to interact with Air Force leaders and represent the base at the major command level, ITC members will also be able to work toward portions of the Congressional Award pillars, including volunteer public service, personal development, personal fitness and expedition and exploration.

Family members from all active duty branches, National Guard or Reserve units and retired military or civilian employees are eligible to participate. Council members must be in grades 9 through 11 and maintain grades of a C or better. They should also be willing to share viewpoints on issues they are most concerned about and be mature, responsible and organized enough to gather and communicate these opinions to community leaders.

"We want teenagers that are able to work with both adults and youth and are good at carrying out activities," said Mr. Craver. "This is a great opportunity for teens to get involved and become a positive agent of change in their community."

Anyone interested in becoming a member may contact the Youth Center at 781-377-3739 by Nov. 19.