Hanover Youth Service Council is recruiting new members for 2023-2024!

The Hanover Youth Service Council, HYSC, is seeking membership applications for the 2023-2024 membership term. Rising 8th through 11th grade students who live in Hanover County and/or attend school in Hanover County are eligible to apply.

Application Materials:

Applicants must return signed copies of both the Hanover Youth Service Council Bylaws and the Hanover Youth Service Council Application. Applications should include two (2) letters of recommendation.

Hanover Youth Service Council Application

Hanover Youth Service Council Bylaws

What is the Hanover Youth Service Council?

The Hanover Youth Service Council is a youth led countywide organization consisting of middle and high school students dedicated to community service and leadership. HYSC members promote service and address needs within Hanover County and beyond by planning and conducting various service projects throughout the year. Issue areas have included animal welfare, needs of seniors, the environment, community building, poverty, and more. The program is sponsored by the Hanover County Department of Community Resources.

Who should apply for HYSC?

Are you interested in creating change, serving your community and inspiring others through volunteerism? Any rising 8th through 11th grade student who currently resides in Hanover and/or attends school in Hanover is eligible to apply. We strive for representation from every middle and high school in Hanover County. In addition, we would like to see community representatives apply from private and home school programs. Our goal is to engage youth from the entire county with diverse experiences and backgrounds.

What is the commitment?

Serving on the Hanover Youth Service Council requires a time commitment. Members of HYSC will have the opportunity to learn effective time management skills and how to balance their current obligations with the responsibilities that come with being a council member. Members are expected to attend monthly meetings and participate in at least 50 hours of service per year. Meetings are scheduled the first Monday of each month from 7-8 p.m. Project dates will vary from month to month. In addition, members are highly encouraged to develop and lead their own service projects during their time on the council.

How to apply?

The council currently has 15 membership openings available. Applications should be mailed, emailed, or dropped off to Morgan Lindsay, Youth Services Specialist for Hanover County’s Department of Community Resources by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 12. Applications are then screened and scored by the Membership Selection Committee. Personal information is removed from applications prior to screening, and middle school and high school students will be scored separately. Applications that will score the most points are well-organized and communicate clearly, and effectively address the points in each question.

How are new members selected?

The highest scoring applicants will be invited to interview for a spot on the Hanover Youth Service Council. Candidates will be interviewed individually by a panel of current HYSC members. Applicants will also be vetted through activities designed to test leadership skills, passion for service, and teamwork. The interview process is intended to provide information about the HYSC experience from current members. All candidates must attend the interview to be considered for a spot on the council.

Important Dates for Spring 2023 HYSC Applications and Interviews:

For additional questions or concerns, please contact Morgan Lindsay, Youth Services Specialist at [email protected] or 804-365-4180.