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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4. Mount Prospect Youth Group Discussion 05/12/2015Village of Mount Prospect Mount Prospect, Illinois INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: DAVID STRAHL, ACTING VILLAGE MANAGER FROM: ALEX BERTOLUCCI, ADMINISTRATIVE ANALYST DATE: MAY 8, 2015 SUBJECT: YOUTH COMMISSION MODEL DISCUSSION PURPOSE. To review Mount Prospect Youth Commission's reserve status and Youth Commission models from comparable communities. BACKGROUND: In the summer of 2013 the Village's Youth Commission was placed on `reserve status'. The Mount Prospect Public Library has Teen Advisory Board and it was inquired if this board could be a potential model for the Youth Commission. The Teen Advisory Board is designed as an informal program and allows members to attend meetings as they so choose. Since the Teen Advisory Board model is unlike the Village's Youth Commission the research was expanded to include the Mount Prospect Peer Jury Program and comparable communities Youth Commissions. The objective was to collect data on youth activities and events, membership structure, and challenges these commissions experience. DISCUSSION: 1) Mount Prospect Public Library Teen Advisory Board Overview: The Teen Advisory Board's purpose is to collect ideas and help plan for programing, book purchases, and teen events at the library. The Teen Advisory Board members also create digital content for the Library website and social media. The members have an opportunity to collaborate with a charity through the Rotary Club; although, this opportunity will end this year. Also, members are allowed to promote other charity opportunities, but this is also an informal process. The Teen Advisory Board currently has 88 members and they normally have 12 to 15 members show up for a meeting. Teen Advisory Board meets from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the last Monday of each month except for December. Generally, there is a new member every meeting and 3 members of the normal 12 to 15 members that show up regularly stay active. Membership is permitted up to 12th grade, but most members are between 7th and 9th grade. Youth Commission Model Discussion May 8, 2015 Page 2 2) Mount Prospect Peer Jury Overview: Mount Prospect's youth also have the opportunity to volunteer in the Mount Prospect Peer Jury Program. Meetings are held once a month; however, if there are no cases to review then a meeting is not convened. The jurors review nonviolent cases such as curfew violations, retail theft, criminal trespassing, damage to property and other nonviolent crimes. The jurors decide what type of consequence the offender must complete. All cases are screened by the Mount Prospect Police Department to determine appropriateness for Peer Jury. Through this process youth offenders can avoid formal court convictions by choosing to participate in the peer jury program. The Peer Jury program is promoted through the junior high and high schools political science classes. Mount Prospect's program averages 5 to 10 jurors between the ages of 13 and 17. St. Viator High School students regularly participate in the program, because it is an opportunity for the students to complete their community service requirements for graduation. 3) Youth Commissions Analysis: Mount Prospect's comparable communities were surveyed to determine if they have a Youth Commission. The survey collected information on Youth Commission activities and membership parameters. Attachment A tabulates the survey results. Also, Article XIV, "Mount Prospect Youth Commission," of Section 5, "Boards and Commissions," of the Village Code is attached as Attachment B for reference. Overall, Arlington Heights, Des Plaines, Northbrook and Park Ridge have the most comparable Youth Commissions to the Mount Prospect Youth Commission. The duties of these comparable Youth Commissions are provided as Attachment C. The essences of the duties are similar across the four communities, but how the commissions carry out their responsibilities provides for a variety of results. Arlington Heights focuses efforts on their annual teen job fair, Des Plains hosts social events as well as a Youth Empowerment Seminar and a Youth Mentoring Program, Northbrook organizes an annual Youth Film Festival to showcase students' films and conducts a membership campaign through a student government day, and Park Ridge holds a `Gear for Goals' drive that collects donated sport equipment for youth programs in Kenya and the Dominican Republic. The Mount Prospect Youth Commission when active was not able to achieve this level of success. Busy Youth and Adult Members One challenge presented by several community interviewees was that the youth are busy participating in a variety of activities and belong to multiple organizations or groups. Students balance time commitments from course work, extracurricular activities, sports, volunteer opportunities and part time jobs. It appears that Northbrook and Park Ridge Youth Commissions address this challenge by not limiting the number of youth members. In addition, the Des Plaines Youth Commission utilizes a Youth Advisory Board made up of volunteers from theirjunior high and high schools to provide feedback on the commission's events and activities. Youth Commission Model Discussion May 8, 2015 Page 3 The Mount Prospect Youth Commission was designed to allow the youth to drive the commission. Adult members were appointed as advisors and were not a voting member of the commission. Comparable Youth Commissions do not make this same designation as their youth and adult members are provided an equal vote. The Mount Prospect Youth Commission was placed on reserve status, because of youth members' consistent absences from meetings and incomplete assignments between meetings. Subcommittees were formed and additional meetings were held in an attempt to have youth members work on projects. Ultimately, the adult advisors completed the majority of the work required. Comparable Youth Commissions appear to have more guidance in these respects due to adults directing activities and the commission having liaisons from community organizations. Collaboration The review of Youth Commission events reflects the added value of coordinated efforts with a community's library, park and school districts. In February of 2015, the Arlington Heights Youth Commission held its 3rd annual Teen Job Fair. This event is a collaborative effort between the Arlington Heights Youth Commission, Park District, and Memorial Library. The Youth Commission youth members conduct business visits to inquire about personnel needs at local businesses, the Park District is charged with promoting, and the Library hosts the event. Approximately 20 local businesses that offer a summerjob, part-time work or volunteer hours were present this year and over 200 high school youths attended the job fair. The Des Plaines Youth Commission's School Presentation is attached as Attachment D, because it provides additional examples of collaboration between Des Plaines Youth Commission, park and school districts, and townships. In addition, the Park Ridge Youth Commission held its first Color Run on April 11, 2015 to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. In this case, the Park Ridge Youth Commission collaborated with Maine South's National Honor Society who hosted the run. When a Youth Commission collaborates with community organizations it provides more resources to host and promote youth initiatives. In light of the above results the duties of the Mount Prospect Youth Commission were shared with officials from the Village's Junior High Schools and Prospect High School. The feedback received supported the value of a Youth Commission to the community. It was noted that the duties of the Youth Commission provide a foundation of civil responsibility. However, a question was raised regarding the time commitment required, because it is common for youth to have competing commitments from extracurricular activities. Impact to Village The Youth Commission had $1,500 budgeted per year when it was active. The Treasurer's Reports recorded in the meetings minutes reflect the budgeted amount was not used in full. Another cost associated with any commission is the time of a staff liaison and Village resources. There is a quantifiable amount associated with staff hours and salary, but also Youth Commission Model Discussion May 8, 2015 Page 4 the opportunity cost between staff commitment to the commission and regularwork duties. On the other hand, Des Plaines has budgeted $7,000 in the past and $12,000 in 2015 to their Youth Commission and Attachment D presents the outputs of Des Plaines' efforts. The Village's Strategic Plan for 2020 addresses youth involvement under the strategic goal of Cultural Climate and specifically the objectives of Community Life and Engagement. The action items are listed below: Cultural Climate >>Community Life • Examine Senior/youth services trends and respond accordingly to ensure generational inclusivity. Cultural Climate >> Engagement • Target younger audiences so that the community can enjoy the benefit of new, contemporary thinking and to ensure leadership succession. CONCLUSION: The Mount Prospect Youth Commission model has added limited value to the community during its tenure. In comparable communities the Youth Commission model has proven to create valuable opportunities for the youth and the community. The Youth Commission model supports the Village Strategic Plan for 2020; however, staff does not recommend the reactivation of the Commission with respect to the Village's limited staff resources at this time. However, if the Commission were to be reactivated staff would recommend it be reorganized under the following parameters: Adult advisors would be switched to full voting members and would provide the commission with leadership required to coordinate activities. This modification would be advantageous as this model appears better suited to establish time commitments, outline expectations, and direct member's efforts. • The minimum number of adult members would be increased to 6. Also, the number of youth members would change from 9 to unlimited. These modifications are based on comparable commissions' membership structure The Youth Commission has an objective, but not mandatory requirement, that each school serving Mount Prospect youth above the age of 11 years old be represented on the commission. Staff recommends that this objective be a high priority when considering youth member appointments to further enhance the commission's connection to area students and youth issues. • Staff would also recommend the appointment of commission liaisons from the school, park and library districts. The liaisons would provide further guidance regarding youth issues, activities and may assist in coordinating commission events. Youth Commission Model Discussion May 8, 2015 Page 5 This membership model has proven beneficial to comparable Youth Commissions and the Village's Centennial Commission. Alex Bertolucci Administrative Analyst Attachment A: Comparable Youth Commission Survey Results. Attachment B: Article XIV, "Mount Prospect Youth Commission," of Section 5, "Boards and Commissions," of the Mount Prospect Village Code. Attachment C: Comparable Youth Commission Duties and Responsibilities Summary. Attachment D: Des Plaines Youth Commission School Presentation. Youth Commission Survey Results Municipality D. they have a Youth Commission? lCommission Activities: The Commission's feature event is an annual Teen Job Fair. The youth members ask businesses if they plan Arlington Yes Commission to hire teenagers. Then these businesses are promoted in the Teen Job Fair. The 2015 and 2014 Teen Job Heights Fair had over 200 youths attended. The Library hosts the event and the Park District helps with promotion. Buffalo Grove No Co-Rec High School Softball - every Saturday night from June through August. Friends Connect - three or four times per school year/ mentoring program. Fun Fair- Every March/ Positive impact the highschool students have on younger kids. Des Plaines Yes Commission Youth Empowerment (YES) Seminar - Address bullying, hazing, relationships, social media. Family Nights - Promote quality family time. Youth Mentoring Program - Monthly - "Big Brother, Big Sister". The Elk Grove Youth Committee, in partnership with the Village of Elk Grove and the Elk Grove Parks Foundation, will be issuing three $1,000 scholarship awards; two by the Village of Elk Grove and one by the Elk Grove Yes Committee Elk Grove Parks Foundation to recognize High School Seniors for their outstanding leadership, community participation, and service within the community. Glenview No -They teach Project ALICE (3D Animated Programming) computer classes almost every month for youths ages 7 to 12. Please go to www.alice.org for more information on this class. They also sponsor a "College Seminar" once a year. Other items discussed are: setting up a Twitter account in order to advise their Hoffman Yes Commission events, and working with SD54 regarding STEM activities. Estates - As stated above, they are in touch with individuals from SD54, Hoffman Estates High School, our HHS Director; and reaching outto D211 and D15 to begin relationships. Events: Visit Nursing Home Rehabilitation Center, Academic Quiz Bowl for 8th graders, Police and Fire Northbrook Yes Commission Recognition Day (9/11 Remembrance), Film Festival in May. Youth Council regulations in Village Code, but was notified that Palatine does not have a youth council or Palatine No Council commission. Events: Dodgeball tournament, color run, Memorial Day Parade, movie night event, 'Gear for Goals' _ Park Ridge Yes Commission sporting goods donation drive, Taste of Park Ridge - 2014 included fitness challenges and trivia games, and other special events. Rolling Meadows No -The Board reviews and recommends appropriate program development and/or policies for the "Teen Center" barn, which will address the needs and concerns of Schaumburg teens. Schaumburg Yes Board -The Board receives and reviews community input as it relates to Schaumburg teens and the teen center and if needed seek opinion from appropriate sources. Skokie INo Wheeling lNo 04/17/2015 H:\CLKO\WIN\Alex Projects\Projects\Youth Commission Survey\Youth Commission Survey.xlsx ATTACHMENT A Youth Commission Survey Results Municipality � Members and Meetings: -Seven (7) youth members and six (6) adults. Monthly Meetings. Youth members are of high school age. One member from each local high school except Rolling Meadows and Prospect have Arlington two members. There are also liaisons from the Library, Park District and Police Department. Heights -Couple years ago there was difficultly with the teens attend the committee meetings. The Mayor reminded youth members that attendance is critical for a commission member's role. The majority of the absenteeism was resolved. Buffalo Grove -Consist of eleven members and currently has six members and needs 5 adult members. Middle school and high school students who volunteer to be part of our Youth Advisory Board. "They are the driving force of Des Plaines the DPYC... Kids know what they want to see in their community." -10 to 15 students in attendance at events/meetings. -The Youth Committee is comprised of 6 members, 2 of whom are Village Trustees, 2 are Park District Commissioners and 2 are Elk Grove adult residents of the Village and students attending: Elk Grove High School, Conant High School, Mead Junior High, Grove Junior High, or Queen of the Rosary. Glenview Hoffman -All members are adults and members attend most meetings. Estates -Unlimited number of youth commission members. -Twelve 12 to fifteen (15) youth members are appointed. Participation is cyclical, but about six (6) youth members regularly Northbrook attend. There are seven (7) adults members. -Meetings are monthly except for June and July. Palatine Four (4) non-aldermanic adults, one (1) liaison from city council, one (1) member from Park Ridge Park District, one (1) member from Park Ridge Teen Center, one (1) member from School District 207, and a minimum of four (4) youth members Park Ridge currently attending high school, one member per grades 9-12, or residents of Park Ridge. In addition, participation of a Police Department representative. Rolling Meadows -Report to Health and Human Services Committee of the Village Board -Bimonthly Meetings Schaumburg -Four (4) adults and Four (4) teens -Teen Center Coordinator- ex officio nonvoting member Skokie ,Wheeling 04/17/2015 H:\CLKO\WIN\Alex Projects\Projects\Youth Commission Survey\Youth Commission Survey.xlsx ATTACHMENT A Sterling Codifiers, Inc. Page 1 of 3 Article XIV MOUNT PROSPECT YOUTH COMMISSION 5.1400: CREATION AND PURPOSE: There is hereby created the Mount Prospect youth commission. The membership of the commission shall be broadly representative of the entire community, taking into particular account the various high schools and junior high schools attended by the youth of Mount Prospect. (Ord. 6149, 8-5-2014) 5.1401: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: The general requirements set forth in article II of this chapter apply to the commission to the extent not specifically otherwise provided herein. (Ord. 6149, 8-5-2014) 5.1402: APPOINTMENT: Members of the commission shall be appointed for a term of one year. Members may be selected from recommendations from schools, youth organizations, churches, businesses, residents, other government agencies, etc. It shall be an objective, but not a mandatory requirement, that each school serving Mount Prospect youth above the age of eleven (11) years old be represented on the commission. (Ord. 6149, 8-5-2014) 5.1403: MEMBERSHIP: A. The membership of the commission shall elect a chairperson, who shall vote on every final decision of the commission. B. There shall be nine (9) voting members of the commission, each having one vote. http://www.sterlingcodifiers.com/codebook/printnow.php 5/8/2015 Sterling Codifiers, Inc. Page 2 of 3 C. Members of the commission shall be between the ages of twelve (12) and twenty one (21), inclusive, when appointed or reappointed to the commission. When a member of the commission reaches the maximum age for membership, said member shall complete the term for which he/she was appointed. D. There shall be no limit on the number of terms a member may serve. (Ord. 6149, 8-5- 2014) 5.1404: ADULT ADVISORS: There shall be at least three (3) adult advisors to the commission appointed by the mayor, with the advice and consent of the village board. The adult advisors shall consist of a village trustee, a sworn member of the Mount Prospect police department and an adult associated with Mount Prospect. Adult advisors shall serve for a term of four (4) years and may be reappointed for additional four (4) year terms. An adult advisor shall not be a voting member of this commission. (Ord. 6149, 8-5-2014) 5.1405: DUTIES: The duties of the commission shall be as follows: A. Formulate recommendations on specific topics as assigned by the mayor and board of trustees or initiated by the commission, including, but not limited to, vandalism, liquor and drug law enforcement, automobile and bicycle safety, and youth and family issues; B. Identify youth issues in the community by holding public meetings, studying youth services in the village and in other communities, and receiving communications from schools, community groups, and village residents; where possible, develop solutions to these problems and, if appropriate, present recommendations to the mayor and board of trustees of the village; C. Compile, maintain, and distribute a current directory of existing services and programs for youth in the village furnished by public and private agencies; http://www.sterlingcodifiers.com/codebook/printnow.php 5/8/2015 Sterling Codifiers, Inc. Page 3 of 3 D. Organize and coordinate existing youth programs such as Youth In Government Day; E. Develop and implement new programs for youth in the village; F. Foster and promote cooperation among governmental and nongovernmental organizations serving youth within the village; G. As needed, recommend changes in the structure or function of the commission so that the commission may better accomplish the purposes for which it was created; and H. Prepare annually and present to the village manager the commission budget recommendations for inclusion in the annual village budget submittal. (Ord. 6149, 8-5- 2014) 5.1406: MEETINGS: The commission shall meet on the first Wednesday of each and every calendar month. In addition to its regular monthly meeting, the commission shall meet in June and December of each year with the mayor and the board of trustees at a committee of the whole meeting. The first priority of these meetings shall be to report on issues currently before the commission. (Ord. 6149, 8-5-2014) 5.1407: RESERVED: (Ord. 6149, 8-5-2014) http://www.sterlingcodifiers.com/codebook/printnow.php 5/8/2015 ATTACHMENTC —ƚǒƷŷ/ƚƒƒźƭƭźƚƓƭ͸5ǒƷźĻƭğƓķwĻƭƦƚƓƭźĬźƌźƷźĻƭ{ǒƒƒğƩǤ ArlingtonHeights TheCommissionshallhavesuchpowers,dutiesandresponsibilitiesasareassignedbythe VillagePresidentandBoardofTrustees,toincludethoseenumeratedbelow: 1.TheCommissionshallprepareastatementofgoalsandobjectiveswhichshallbereviewed andrevisedatleastannuallyandsubmittedtotheVillageBoardforapprovalnotlaterthanthe beginningofthefiscalyear.Proceduresforaccomplishinggoalsandobjectivesshallbe included; 2.TheCommissionshallprepare,adoptandmaintainsuchrulesandregulationsasare necessarytoconductthebusinessoftheCommission; programssponsoredbytheVillage, 3.TheCommissionshallconsiderallexistingyouth Township,County,StateandFederalgovernmentsandbyschools,parks,religiousinstitutions, andnonprofitorganizations.ThoseprogramsofvaluetotheyouthofArlingtonHeightswillbe broughttotheattentionoftheBoardofTrusteestogetherwithrecommendationstopromote theiruse.WhenauthorizedordirectedbytheBoardofTrustees,promotionalprogramswillbe implemented; 4.DeficienciesinexistingyouthprogramswillbebroughttotheattentionoftheBoardof Trustees,togetherwithrecommendationsforcorrectiveaction,toincludetheroleenvisioned fortheVillage,Township,County,StateandFederalgovernments;religiousinstitutionsand privateenterprise; 5.TheCommissionshallreviewtheVillageAdministration'sevaluationsofyouthprograms fundedbytheVillageandrecommendappropriateactiontotheBoardofTrustees; 6.TheCommissionshallrecommendtotheBoardofTrustees,aspartoftheannualbudget process,appropriatebudgetstosupportexisting,newormodifiedyouthprogramssupported byevaluationsandjustifications. DesPlaines A.Makeorcausetobemadestudiesandsurveysofcommunityconditionsandproblems affectingyouth. B.Recommendplansfortheimprovementofopportunitiesforthewholesomedevelopmentof youthinthecity;proposenecessaryactionfortheprotectionofchildrenfromexposureto harmfulinfluencesandconditions;proposeplansforpreventionofdelinquencyandfor developmentofservicesfortherehabilitationofdelinquentchildren. ATTACHMENTC C.Coordinateandintegrategovernmentplansandpublicandprivateservicesaffectingthe welfareofyouth. D.Requestandobtainsuchcooperation,assistanceanddatafromgovernmentaldepartments andpublicandprivateagenciesasmaybereasonablynecessarytocarryoutitswork;create subcommittees,composedofmembersornonmembersofthecommission,toaidandassistin theworkofthecommission.(Ord.M795,361995) aźƭƭźƚƓʹTheYouthCommissionencourages,empowers,andappreciatestheyouthofDes Plainesbyprovidingfun,safe,andcreativeactivitiesforthemandtheirfamilieswhile promotingaspiritofcommunitywithinthecity. Northbrook 1.Engageinfactfindingstudiesregardingyouthproblems. 2.Identifyandevaluatethesocial,recreationalanddevelopmentneedsofvillageyouth. 3.Serveasliaisonbetweenconcernedcitizensandcommunitygroupsinvolvedwithyouth. 4.Encouragemaximumcooperationandcoordinationamongyouthservingprograms, institutionsandorganizationstoeliminateduplicationofservicesand/ordilutionofresources. 5.Recommendprioritizedprogramsandservicesdesignedtoimprovethequalityoflifefor youthinthevillage. 6.Acceptandreviewyouthrelatedassignmentsfromtheboardoftrustees. 7.Recommendprogramsandassistintheirdevelopment,coordination,maintenanceand review. 8.Recommendactionswhichfocusattentionupontheaccomplishmentsofyouth. 9.Develop,recommendandencourageactiveparticipationbyyoungcitizensinallaspectsof communitylife. 10.Reportfromtimetotimetotheboardoftrusteesasisdeemedappropriateandnecessary. aźƭƭźƚƓ:TheYouthCommissionisanadvisorycommissionconcernedwiththeinitiation,review, coordinationandevaluationofyouthrelatedservicesandprogramsinthevillage;the improvementofcommunicationbetweenthegoverningbodyandthevariousgroupsand personsinvolvedinthedevelopmentofyoungcitizens;focusinggreaterattentiononthe accomplishmentsofyouth;andthepromotionofincreasedparticipationbyyouthinallaspects ofcommunitylife. ParkRidge 1.Toprovideaforumforpublicdiscussionofanyandalltopicsrelatedtotheactivitiesofyouth oftheCity. 2.ToprovideanorganizationforrecommendingappropriateactiontotheMayorandCity CouncilforservicesandactivitiesrelatingoftheyouthoftheCity. 3.Toactasanombudsmanforyouth. 4.Tofacilitatecoordinationforvariouscommunityyouthgroups. 5.TosubmitrecommendationsonanyoftheabovematterstotheMayorandCity Des Plaines Youth Commission r'1 es Youth �''� owering, & •\rD' Des Plaines Youth Commission Mission Statement: The Youth Commission encourages, empowers, and appreciates the youth of Des Plaines by providing fun, safe, and creative activities for them and their families while promoting a spirit of community within the city. The Des Plaines Youth Commission is made up of eleven commissioners and a volunteer Youth Advisory Board from the Districts 62 and 207 schools. The YAB provides a forum for youth to brainstorm and exchange ideas, create and implement activities, work collaboratively with commissioners, attend meetings, and scheduled events. Many of our current YAB have started in sixth grade, and continue throughout high school. Volunteering helps develop a sense of self-esteem, teaches responsibility and commitment, builds relationships, instills a sense of pride and makes a difference in one's community. The following are activities/events that the DPYC provides: Co-Rec High School Softball - This is held at Rand Park EVERY Saturday night from June through August, and is co-sponsored by the DP Park District. • It gives teens in Des Plaines a place to go every Saturday during the summer, while maintaining and making new friendships. Incoming freshman are able to put in a team, which is great because it creates a more comfortable transition when they start school in the fall. • It provides leadership opportunities, as teens assemble teams, develop interpersonal relationships, and participate in physical activity, which helps reduce stress and promote a healthy lifestyle. • There are approximately 300 teens every Saturday night at Rand Park, with games running every hour. Parents have praised this event and appreciate this opportunity for their teens to have something productive to do in our community. • This is approximately our 8t" year of this popular event, which has grown significantly. Testimonial: "As a long time educator and coach, 1 have had contact with much of the youth in Des Plaines. For years a major complaint of the teenagers was that Des Plaines was boring and had nothing for them to do on Saturday nights. The Co-Rec softball has changed this view of the teens now. They are excited about being the only suburb to have a softball league dedicated solely to high school age youth. The kids cannot wait for it to start every year and many have played in the league for four or five years. /have also heard comments from many parents on how great it is to have a place for their kids to go every Saturday night that is safe and fun. Nobody had thought of this idea, except the kids on the youth commission. What a sight it is to see, over 300 Des Plaines teenagers having a great time and socializing. Even the police are pleased, as the kids are busy doing something productive and not destructive for this town. Way to go Youth Commission!. You have hit a home run with this idea. Keep up the great work and continue to make Des Plaines a community people want to live in." Jerry Stonequist, Softball Coordinator, Coach, & Retired Teacher Friends Connect: This event is held three or four times per school year, and features middle school and high school life skill students. It is a Mentoring Program with our YAB, in which each of them is a friend/mentor for the evening. They have played games, decorated t -shirts, decorated cookies, and have participated in open gym. It truly is one of the BEST events we do. • It provides a greater understanding of students with developmental disabilities. • The YAB are students at Maine West High School and Chippewa Middle School. The students love seeing their "peer" in the hall and in the cafeteria. • It gives parents an opportunity to have an evening out, knowing that their child is in a fun, safe environment. • Attendance at this event is approximately 30 students/mentors. Testimonial: "My son Casey, a junior at Maine West with developmental disabilities LOVES Friends Connect. Every person in the room makes him feel so welcome and comfortable right away. They practically cheer when he enters the room -high fives all around! When he knows a Friends Connect party is coming up, he can't stop asking about it." Mrs. G. Chrzan "One of my first events through the Youth Commission was a Friends Connect night, where members spend an evening hanging out with special needs students, partaking in activities ranging from open gym to watching TV and chatting. At first 1 was reserved, 1 had never interacted with a person who had a disability before and wasn't sure how 1 should act. However, working with people who have special needs through the YC helped me gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the true worth of someone dealing with any sort of challenge. Seeing how much these students enjoy coming to Friends Connect Nights - how they find joy in every activity - helped me reevaluate how I view the world around me. This experience inspired me to find a way to get more involved with people who have special needs through education, applying to become a summer tutor at an Extended School Year program at Cumberland Elementary School. Upon receiving the job the summer of my junior year, I was assigned to a group of high functioning autistic students, and during the next six weeks, I got the chance to tutor them in subjects ranging from math and reading to cooking and crafts instead of only spending time with them socially. Seeing the desire they possess to improve their skills and the happiness they experience when they master a new concept inspires me to provide encouragement and support to people as they face challenges. Working with those children was so heartwarming that I decided to apply again last summer. I feel fantastic seeing such positive interaction and feedback after helping someone. It means so much to me to impact someone's life for the better. I want to provide encouragement and support to those facing challenges, whether that be through tutoring or spending time with someone. I can see a positive and sustained impact on people's lives occurring through the Youth Commission, and I never tire of being a part of it. Anio Holubecki, Youth Advisory Board - 6 year member Fun Fair - This event is co-sponsored with Maine West High School and is held in the Spec. Gym every March. It was initially planned so that our community can see what positive impact the high school students have on the younger kids. Clubs/organizations make up games, set up their own tables/stations, create posters, and distribute prizes/trinkets to the kids in attendance. Tickets are $ .25 each and the funds may be used towards the Maine West fundraiser. • It develops interpersonal skiils between teens and younger children. • It creates a positive impression on parents of the teens, and the wonderful things they do, as well as unite the community in a common goal. • All students work towards a common goal of helping to raise funds for their school fundraiser. This collaborative process unites teens, builds leadership skills, and gives them a sense of helping others. • This most economical night out for families typically has around 700 people in attendance. ( This year, there were 1100 in attendance) Testimonial: "The Fun Fair was a great opportunity for the Maine West students to interact with the community. Families were able to bring the children to play, eat, and have fun with the high school students. What a fantastic community event". Dr. Rose Garlasco, Assistant Principal, MWHS "We all, the Stett family, love the fun fair. The environment is safe for my kids, 1 know if 1 lose visual on my running happy 3 year old, he is safe. My kids enjoy the different games and prizes and seldom a line for things. The Principal's Leadership Team painted my children's faces, and then we went to the bouncy house and my son had such fun, he sweated off most of the face paint. My daughter was so proud to go to church the next day with her face still painted like a butterfly". Tom Stettner YES Seminar — Youth Empowerment Seminar was held at Maine West High School and gave students from the neighboring schools an opportunity to dialogue about such subjects as bullying, hazing, relationships, social media, drinking, 24/7 rule, school safety, and stress due to extracurricular activities. These subjects were brainstormed by teens from the YAB, the Principal's Leadership Team, and the Warrior Pride Mentors. • This seminar gave students from various from different schools and demographics an opportunity to discuss and problem solve issues that are pertinent to teens. • There were two students per school who were assigned to a group, so it presented the students with the opportunity for social interaction, and promoted those relationships, without adult interference. • It helped teens feel like they can make a positive difference and impact in their communities. • There were 100 students at our first seminar. Testimonial: "The Youth Empowerment Seminar does exactly what the title suggests — it empowers youth to make a difference both with and for each other. It connects students from neighboring high schools, and allows them to see different perspectives on similar topics". Dr. Audrey Haugan, Principal - Maine West High School "The Youth Empowerment Seminar is a one of a kind opportunity, entirely facilitated by students, where teens from across our area schools come together to share stories and brainstorm solutions on the difficult issues high school students face". Nate Hassman, Warrior Pride Sponsor- Maine West High School " It was nice to see people from different schools come to our school and I met some really awesome people as well. In the way we were split up, by topic, it allowed everyone a chance to say something and voice their opinion. We covered topics that are very important to us such as social media and relationships. I loved the experience and I definitely think we should do it again, even if I won't be here to participate!" Mariana Oshana, Youth Advisory Board, four year member Family Nights- This event was designed to provide fun and entertainment to families, as well as promote quality family time. • Families get to interact with other families who have children who are close in age, which promotes relationships. • Kids get to run around in the gym, make crafts„ play bingo, and do fun things, which promote fitness, trust, and social interaction. • It gives parents a chance to get together while their children are having fun in a safe environment. Testimonial: "Family Fun Night, which is sponsored by the Des Plaines Youth Commission, is a fantastic way to spend time with your children! The variety of activities allows all three of my children to enjoy themselves for the evening. The use of Prairie Lakes provides a safe environmental which caters to all aspects of the program. It is great to see parents, myself included, put down their phone and connect with the kids." Heather Sinense, Des Plaines parent "The Des Plaines Youth Commission has collected food donations at several of their family events to benefit the Self -Help closet & Pantry of Des Plaines. The food helped stock the pantry's shelves, which is greatly appreciated, and the family events also present another opportunity to promote the pantry's Red Barrels in the community". Debbie Walusiak, Executive Director, SHC&P of DP Youth Mentoring Program — This monthly program is held at the Des Plaines Park District's Leisure Center and is co-sponsored by the DPYC and Maine Township. It is held on the second Thursday of each month from 4:00pm — 5:30pm. It is designed as a "Big Brother, Big Sister" type of program. At risk students are recommended by school social workers, counselors, and teachers. L 0 creativetransformative advice Support au invaluable expert E • Provide positive interaction among at risk youth and teen/adult mentors. • Promote healthy lifestyle choices, community involvement, and an avenue for extra- curricular growth. • Healthy choices, caring, and promoting good decision making will benefit youth. Testimonial: " Having been a mentor for almost ten years, 1 have seen first- hand the impact that this can have on a young person's life. Some children need a positive influence in life, and mentoring is a way for them to get it." Robert Neil, Des Plaines Police (Retired) Holiday Hoopla — This program is a co-sponsored event between the DPYC and the DP Library. It is an afternoon event in which the community gets to visit the library for story time, arts & crafts, hot chocolate, cookies and a visit from Santa. Parents are invited to take pictures of their children with Santa! Pay It Forward - This is a community initiative based on the national Pay It Forward Day. We would like all youth to participate through their schools by following the premise of "Paying it Forward". Everyone needs to repay a deed to others instead of the original benefactor. The national Pay it Forward Day is designated as April 30th. qV llryrrIr" OVO few Miscellaneous activities: Relay for Life - The DPYC comes together to help raise money for cancer research. Maine West Homecoming Parade - The DPYC participates every year by decorating a vehicle, dressing in the Homecoming theme, and distributing candy. This is a great opportunity for people to see our community participation. December Tree Decorating in Metropolitan Square —The Youth Advisory Board makes ornaments and we decorate a tree and pass out information on the DPYC. Des Plaines Park District Fall Fest — YAB volunteers to facepaint and help in any capacity. Intergenerational Events — We have done a sock hop and mini -golf with the senior citizens. We are currently looking into other events with Oakton Arms and the Frisbie Center.