The Carmel Mayor's Youth Council, formed in 2010, is an initiative started by Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard to empower the youth community. The group consists of 20 to 35 high school students who wish to make a positive, tangible impact 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 for youth that allow them to develop the leadership skills and organizational knowledge valuable and transferable to so many other areas of life.The Council has its own internal leadership structure and most of the operations are organized and led solely by the youth within the Council. With the approval and support of the city government, the CMYC is able to take the grandest ideas of its members, work collectively, and make them a reality. However, with this amazing opportunity for service and leadership comes great responsibility. Responsibilities of Council members include attending meetings, working professionally with government and civic leaders, organizing community events and projects, reflecting on local events, and encouraging traditions of youth participation in the community. CMYC members share the vision of an active and empowered youth population.