Agenda - 06-30-1997 - 10a - Laserfiche WebLink

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4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In January and March 1996, Orange County in collaboration with the Public-Private Partnership, convened two Youth Forums. These forums were held to obtain input from area youth regarding issues affecting youth in our community. Over 100 students, representing Chapel Hill and Orange High School, were in attendance at each forum. The students were divided into several focus groups to identify and discuss issues of concern related to three categories: (a) Community; (b) Self; and(c) Peer Relationships. There was overwhelming consensus from the students that this experience was very beneficial. It provided them with an opportunity to meet each other and discuss issues of mutual concern. They developed recommendations for the community and prioritized them as follows: • Cheaper Places to Go (youth center, clubs, etc.) • Student Representative on the School Boards • Control of Smoking in Schools • More Forums Involving All Youth • Youth Projects • Inter-School Council • Newspaper(communication) • Job Information/Listing/Search/Help • Equal Opportunities for All Schools • Youth Radio • Parent Involvement The students reported these recommendations to the Assembly of Governments in May 1996. The officials accepted the report and requested that the staff, in collaboration with the students, review the feasibility of developing a Youth Council to address the aforementioned issues. In Fall 1996, an intern with the UNC School of Social Work, was contracted to facilitate discussions and plans for establishing a county-wide youth council. Student representatives from Chapel Hill, East Chapel Hill and Orange High School met during the fall and spring semesters. They have developed proposed Bylaws and Standards of Conduct for the Youth Council. In addition, meetings have been held with various organizations and agencies that have expressed an interest in supporting the Youth Council. It is anticipated that the Youth Council will serve as a link between the adults and youths of the county. This Council can be the formal mechanism through which input is obtained from youth regarding community issues. Active and diverse student membership in the Youth Council is essential to its success. Although the high schools will serve as a major resource to solicit members, there are other sources which may prompt teen interest in the Council. Many students are not as active in school-related activities. As a result, they may not view the Youth Council as "something for them". Therefore,