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Youth Voices of Orange County <br /> Report to Orange County Assembly of Governments <br /> May 30, 1996 <br /> Organization Background <br /> The purpose of the youth task force initiated by the Public Private Partnership and the <br /> Orange County Government in the summer of 1995 was to create a mechanism through <br /> which a broad spectrum of youth in Orange County could come together, organize their <br /> agenda, and bring their concerns and needs to the total community table. It was hoped <br /> that by doing so communication between youths and adults in Orange County could be <br /> improved-- and that actions could be taken on communication which would enhance <br /> quality of life for all ages in the community. <br /> The process was to engage the youth in developing a system that would collectively <br /> identify their own agenda and then present their findings to the community. Central to <br /> the process was the mandate that development of such a system would be youth driven <br /> and youth operated. <br /> Members from the Public Private Partnership, the Orange County Government, and <br /> the UNC School of Social Work began to initiate the process in late August, 1995. A <br /> steering committee of key community leaders, representatives from Orange County <br /> Government and representatives from both Orange High School and Chapel Hill High <br /> School student governments were recruited. By October 4th, 1995, the first <br /> organizational steering committee was held with 15 members in attendance. During the <br /> entire process of this project,the steering committee has grown to as many as 33 <br /> members. <br /> Youth representatives and key community leaders together planned a process by <br /> which the youth agenda prioritization could be developed. Meeting every two weeks <br /> (alternating meeting places between Hillsborough and Chapel Hill)a plan was laid out. <br /> 1 <br />