Marion County Youth Team sponsors public forum
What are the strengths and risks of Marion County youth, how can we be pro-active in giving input to adult boards, and would you give us representation on your boards?
These are questions that were asked Monday of a six-member panel at a public forum sponsored by Marion County Youth Team.
Panel members were David Mayfield, Marion city administrator; Lee Becker, Marion County sheriff; Matt Dalke, president of Hillsboro Recreation Commission; Doe Ann Hague, board president of Peabody-Burns USD #398; Pat Wick, mayor of Ramona; and Howard Collett, county commissioner.
Of the approximately 40 people who attended the forum, about 18 were members of the youth team. They provided questions for the panel through their president, Amanda Kleiber.
The panel's answers revealed a lot of positives for Marion County youth including small schools, good moral values, and strong family support.
In addition to peer pressure regarding drug and alcohol use, panelists also cited other youth risk factors such as a poor financial median, lack of a wider view, and exposure to the excesses of modern pop culture.
Panelists encouraged youth not to hesitate to present their ideas, and to do so in a united, reasonable manner in the proper forum, such as a city or county commission meeting, or a one-on-one exchange.
The adults said they would appreciate the presence and input from young people in their decision-making processes.
Mayfield suggested the youths form advisory committees on county and community levels to deal with governing boards.
In a general question-and-answer session, the youth were encouraged to become involved in community affairs wherever they choose to live.
The forum included a noon meal provided by Panhandler Caterers of Hillsboro. Cost of the event was covered by funds from a grant provided through Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
A representative of KDHE was present at the forum and praised the youth team for its work. She said they were fulfilling the purpose for which the grant was intended.
"You are already there," she said. "Congratulations!"
Marion County Youth Team meets seven times each year and has an average attendance of 30, grades 7-12, representing Centre, Marion, Hillsboro, and Peabody school districts.
Current officers are Amanda Kleiber, president, Trisha Pauls, vice president, and Hannah Eis, secretary.
The youth team operates under the auspices of Communities in Schools of Marion County and the leadership of executive director Linda Ogden.
