Public Communications

Clearwater GotGov! Program

Dear Young Leaders:

Do you think Clearwater is a cool place where you and your friends would like to live, or not? When you graduate from high school, are you planning to go to college? join the military? get a job? If you leave Clearwater after high school, would you come back to stay? Those of you now in your teenage years will have a huge influence on which direction the city goes as we hope to steer it to become a city that would be attractive for you and your friends now and 20 years from now.

Did you know that YOU CAN make it all happen RIGHT NOW, by becoming a part of GotGov!, Clearwater's initiative to involve youth in local government. It's not like what you've learned in social studies classes that can be worlds away from you and your friends. No lectures - no classrooms. It's all hands-on - all what makes a community tick come alive! YOU are the ones calling the shots - actually shaping that community of tomorrow.

On April 19 we held our second annual youth summit: "Clearwater Rediscovered." Forty-five youth joined in the effort to decide what you wanted your ideal community of the future to look like. The data we generated that day at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort will be used in future decision-making regarding our community. Thanks to all of you who stepped up to the plate for this fun day!

See Clearwater Rediscovered Photo Gallery

This summer, we have two events: one is a landscaping event to create a garden honoring the victims of the 9/11 attack, and the other is an invitation to participate in a state-wide youth day at the Tampa Convention Center, August 16. That date is coming up fast, so e-mail gotgov@myclearwater.com, or call Betsy Clement at 562-4664.

You can get community service hours, meet some really cool friends and get a chance to be recognized by Clearwater's top leaders. So what's not to like? Give it a try. It's fun and you have everything to gain. It's your future - make the most of it!