In August, the Iowa League of Cities launches the “If I Were Mayor…I Would” Essay Contest. The contest is open to all 7th grade students in the state and we believe that this will be an interesting way for students to articulate what their city would be like if they were mayor.

We expect that some teachers will choose to offer the contest as a regular classroom assignment, while others will offer it as an extra credit assignment to challenge their best students. Either way, the essay contest can be an exciting opportunity for students to think about their communities and to learn about local government in a manner that allows them to form and express their own ideas regarding citizenship and leadership.

To publicize the contest, the League is sending registration materials to the lead 7th grade social studies and English teachers in the state. This mailer will be sent during the first couple of weeks of the new school year.

In addition, we are sending materials to mayors from each League member city. This notice to mayors will be an important part of the success of the contest. Mayors can encourage teachers to participate in the program and volunteer their time to answer students’ questions about local government during classroom discussions. The experience can also be an interesting tool for local leaders as they will be able to see the needs and problems of a community from a fresh pair of eyes.

It is our hope that you will invite students to tour city hall and other local government facilities. This hands-on approach provides a unique participatory learning experience for students and exposes young people to the important services that local government provides.

While students are often exposed to local government law enforcement through programs such as D.A.R.E., they may not be aware of the other important services offered at the local level. The “If I Were Mayor…I Would” Essay Contest can be a great place to start this discussion and to allow mayors and other city officials the chance to hear the concerns of the next generation of city leaders.

In addition to the League-sponsored contest, cities are encouraged to work directly with their middle or junior high schools to offer local or regional prizes. Prizes for these contests could include recognition at a city council meeting, pool pass, lunch with the mayor and possible publication of their winning essays in the local paper.

Essays must be received at the Iowa League of Cities office by November 22, 2010. Winners will be notified by the end of December 2010 with a letter to the provided home address. Winners will be announced at the League’s Legislative Day that takes place in Des Moines in early 2011.

Regional winners will have their essays published in Cityscape, receive $300 in savings bonds and are invited to participate in the League’s Legislative Day. The statewide winner, chosen from the regional winners, receives a $600 savings bond and will be invited to read their essay for attendees at Legislative Day.