The mission of the Carmel Mayor's Youth Council is to empower the very best young adults of Carmel in ways that benefit them as well as the Carmel community as a whole.
Formed in 2010, CMYC is an initiative started by former Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard (seven consecutive terms Jan. 1, 1996, to Jan. 1, 2024) to empower the youth community with unique service opportunities. The group consists of 25 to 35 high school students who wish to make positive, tangible impacts on the city during their time in high school. These students, with the support of local government and civic leaders, plan, organize and implement opportunities and events that allow them to develop valuable leadership skills and organizational knowledge.
CMYC has its own internal leadership structure, bolstered by the program's primary adviser Joshua Kirsh. With the approval and support of city government representatives, councilmembers turn even the grandest ideas into reality.
CMYC officers: Ellen Rozmaryn, president; Manvi Musunuru, vice president of expansion; Lilah Walsh; vice president of current activities; and Alex Mi, clerk-treasurer.
The group's events include competing through 3v3 basketball teams to donate to charities of their choice; overseeing visitors' bikes at the Farmers Market bike station; showcasing diversity of cultures within Carmel; participating in CMYC's dodgeball tournament; supporting National Junior Honors Society Toy Drive by sorting, wrapping and bedazzling toys donated to local charities; playing in spikeball teams; and vying for the ultimate frisbee championship.
Applications for the next councilmembers' class were collected as of March 1. That process probes applicants' resumes; skills in technical areas; a letter of recommendation from a teacher, club sponsor, employer, volunteer supervisor or religious leader; certifications that no Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistance has been used in submitted details; as well as parental agreement. All incoming and returning high school students attending a school located in Carmel or living in a home with a Carmel address are eligible to apply for membership.
The new session likely will run from this May through June 2027.
Contact: cmycouncil@gmail.com