Agenda - 05-30-1996 - 1 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

The youth on the committee decided on the name "Youth Voices of Orange County" for their project. Forum I: January 31st, 1996 A Forum --or"Speakout" -- of focus groups was planned for January 31 st, 1996. Approximately 110 youth representing Orange High School and Chapel Hill High School convened. Youth steering committee members,with the help of their school advisors, gathered a diverse group of students together. Additional students were included from the other key community leaders -- from the community. With full cooperation from the two high schools,the students met all day at Orange County United Methodist Church. There were t4 focus groups that carefully and thoughtfully discussed a number of agenda items in three categories: Community, Self, and Peer Relationships. The overall categories and questions for discussion had been created and selected by the youth on the steering committee. Table groups were led in their discussions by trained youth moderators. A student evaluation of the forum is attached, but results of the day show an overwhelming request of those attending to repeat the experience. Students from both schools seemed to genuinely enjoy getting together and having the opportunity to meet. They listed many areas of great interest and concern to them under each of the three categories. General Summary of Forum I Youths want and need respect and support from adults in their community. They express a willingness to take responsibility for their own issues, but realize that there needs to be better communication between the community generations so that mutual understanding and support might develop. They strongly ask for safety protection and a stronger sense of law and discipline in their schools. They want the adult community to recognize their many positive abilities and achievements and to make suggestions as to how this can be accomplished. 2