Youth Leadership and Civic Participation: Clarendon Youth Mayor 2023 Tonishae Smith Reflects on Service

Youth Leadership and Civic Participation

In this episode of Community Spotlight, we feature Tonishae Smith, whose journey as Clarendon Youth Mayor 2023 reflects representation, responsibility, and service beyond the title.

This conversation goes deeper than ceremonial duties. It explores youth leadership and civic participation in real decision-making spaces.

Answering the Call to Serve

Tonishae did not describe leadership as ambition. She described it as answering a call.

When she recognised that something was missing, she stepped forward. For her, youth leadership was not about visibility. It was about responsibility.

Service needed her. She responded.

This distinction matters. It reframes leadership from personal achievement to community commitment.

Youth Representation at Decision-Making Tables

Serving within the framework of the Clarendon Municipal Corporation, Tonishae experienced first-hand what youth representation looks like in practice.

She candidly acknowledged that youth presence at decision-making tables can sometimes feel symbolic. At other times, competitive.

However, she emphasised that impact is secured through consistent action. Being at the table is not enough. Contribution must be intentional, informed, and sustained.

Representation carries responsibility.

Growth Through Leadership Responsibility

One of the most formative aspects of her tenure was chairing council meetings and leading her own youth council.

There is no manual for navigating those spaces.

Owning the room, facilitating discussion, and guiding dialogue required composure, preparation, and confidence. It demanded maturity beyond years.

That responsibility accelerated her growth.

Civic Awareness and Local Governance

Before becoming Youth Mayor, Tonishae admitted that her understanding of local governance was limited.

Through service, she gained clarity:

• Constituents have rights to access certain spaces.

• Not all infrastructure issues fall under one office.

• Road, water, and development matters are distributed across agencies.

• Civic literacy reduces misdirected blame.

This insight is critical.

When citizens understand governance structures, advocacy becomes more effective and accountability becomes clearer.

This is precisely why SRC prioritises civic education within our digital programming.

Service That Hits Home

One defining moment during her tenure involved participating in school intervention sessions organised by the municipal corporation.

Speaking to students as a young leader, she shared why service matters — not from theory, but from lived experience.

She spoke about tangible benefits, personal growth, and the long-term impact of civic participation.

Service, she explained, is tested and proven.

Moments like these demonstrate how peer influence strengthens civic culture.

Leadership Beyond the Title

Tonishae’s leadership journey did not conclude with her Youth Mayor tenure.

At the University of the West Indies, she continued serving:

• Guild Subcommittee Member

• Campaign Candidate and Election Winner

• Guild Secretary

• Miss Preston

Leadership evolved. It did not end.

Her journey illustrates a powerful truth: when service becomes part of identity, leadership becomes continuous.

A Message to Young People

Her message was direct and unequivocal:

Your voice matters.

If you feel unheard, make them listen.

Youth leadership is not linear. It requires courage, participation, and persistence.

And it begins wherever you are.

Why This Matters

Youth leadership and civic participation are foundational to sustainable community development.

When young people are exposed to governance structures early, they develop confidence, clarity and competence.

Representation without responsibility is symbolic.

Representation anchored in service is transformational.

At SRC, we remain committed to amplifying youth voices and strengthening civic understanding across Jamaica and the diaspora.

Watch the full feature on our YouTube channel.

Upcoming Event

RSVP here to receive the registration link.