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Local group proposes student-led civic recruitment corps to broaden public meeting participation
Summary
A community volunteer announced plans for a Nevada County Student Civic Recruitment Corps — a nonpartisan, youth-led outreach program intended to recruit more diverse adult participation in public meetings and civic life and requested help finding a fiscal sponsor.
During public comment June 10, Gordon Gossage described a plan, developed with Graham Gardomire, to form a Nevada County Student Civic Recruitment Corps: a youth-led, nonpartisan program in which trained high school students would invite adults to attend public meetings, submit written comments or offer brief public comment. The organizers said students would act as neutral civic ambassadors; adults would opt in through a secure online form managed by adults rather than students.
"Students will not advocate for any policy position. They will simply invite participation," Gossage said, and asked council members and staff to help identify a nonprofit fiscal sponsor and potential funders. He emphasized safeguards including nonpartisanship, voluntary participation, privacy protections and adult oversight.
Gossage said the program aims to strengthen civic education while broadening the range of residents who participate in local government, especially those underrepresented at public meetings. He said organizers are talking with educators, youth commission members and potential donors about launching in the 2026–27 school year.
