SPNN's Youth Action Committee is planning big things this year

SPNN's Youth Action Committee (YAC) held it's first meeting of the 2012-13 year on Tuesday, September 18th. The YAC members present - RayLynn, Delmar, Andrew and Teresa - talked about how to make Set It Up outreach visits more exciting and relevant for youth, and how to increase youth leadership and opportunities for SPNN Youth throughout the year.

The youth began the meeting by discussing their experiences being left out of the educational system. Many felt that their high school teachers do not care about them and their educational interests. Many talked about how students of color and low-income students are often tracked into less rigorous classes and not given the same creedence in class. The youth agreed that SPNN Youth is a safe space for young people of all backgrounds to feel welcome, smart and respected.

The youth then revisted ideas they had brainstormed during the summer 2012 retreat and discussed how they relate to YAC's mission statement. They also developed new ideas for the year, including engaging with younger youth, teaching youth new to SPNN how to navigate public transportation, allowing YAC members to lead workshops for other youth, organizing a SPNN Youth alumni reunion, involving youth in outreach for programs and brining career and college professionals to this year's TCYMN Youth Media Market event.

With all these great ideas already, this should be an exciting year for YAc! We hope to see the rest of the YAC members at the next meeting on Tuesday, October 2 at 5pm.