Agenda - 02-01-2011 - 6b - Laserfiche WebLink

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19 ~,~ ~ ~ YouthVoice 2010 ~ `~j' _ j .k; t~~ ~ ~. =y., Top 10 Statewide Issues of Concern At the NCACC's 2010 Annual Conference, held Aug. 26-28, 2010, the Association sponsored its first youth summit -YouthVoice 2010. High school students from around the state, recruited through 4-H Youth Development and Cooperative Extension, developed a list of 10 priority concerns that were presented to the Association's membership during the Business Session on Aug. 28. The NCACC Youth Involvement Task Force has proposed that these issues be incorporated into the Association's legislative agenda. The Board of Directors on Dec. 15 voted to include them in the legislative proposals that will be considered at the Legislative Goals Conference. 1. Teen pregnancy Prevention, sex education and related health issues. It starts a chain reaction and teenagers face tough decisions. 2. Substance abuse This includes illegal drugs, alcohol, tobacco and prescription drugs. Younger children are trying tobacco. 3. Dropouts North Carolina's drop-out rate is at one-third; more dropout prevention programs are needed. 4. Violence This includes bullying, gangs, crime and physical harm. Education is needed on safety issues, recognizing that "unsafe" actions impact others, such as friends and family. 5. Recreation This includes community activities, intramural sports, funding for youth centers and other facilities and safe places, and unstructured activities. Re-evaluate current parks and recreation programs. Paying for sports can be expensive. 6. Socio-economics Adults and teens need jobs; unemployment is getting worse. Poverty and hunger are problems, especially in small counties with low economic ratings; family income is below average. Other issues are identity theft, and family money management; many grandparents with low incomes are raising grandchildren. 7. Education issues/school funding Schools need money to provide more classes and extracurricular activities. Young people need to prepare for and find money to help pay for college. Youths want to think their needs are recognized, and they want more opportunities at school. 8. Lack of youth voice in community Youths need to have their voices included in political decisions; youths should take the initiative with governmental officials to have opportunities to express their opinions. 9. Health issues Obesity, healthy lifestyles education, healthy food in school cafeterias, and chronic disease reduction are important to young people. 10. Lack of things to do There should be more safe and effective activities for youth to participate in. There should be a partnership between youth development programs, with constructive and positive activities.