News Release

News Release

for: Week of January 21, 2002

by: Vickie B. Mullins

Extension 4-H Agent

Santa Rosa County

What Do Kids Need?

If you ask today’s youth what they need, their replies range from “Everything” to “I don’t know.” Their answers may be very basic, very specific or “far out.” Often the person asking isn’t really looking for an answer, at least not one that requires taking action or that will involve them.

But when you ask the question and take time to discuss their ideas and listen, really listen, then you might be surprised at what you learn from today’s youth.

Recently over eighty youth and adults met to discuss: “Within the next three to five years what are the most important actions we can take to create the future we want for our youth, ourselves and our community?” Seeking the answers to this question is a lofty goal indeed, but definitely a goal for which we should be reaching if we intend to provide what today’s youth need and make our communities better.

In small discussion groups the youth and adults interacted to debate the issue. They identified resources, current programs, problems and needs of our community and youth. Many of the youths’ answers were thought provoking, surprising and “right on.” Over 100 actions were identified. Together youth and adults developed a list of actions that we can take.

During a town hall style session the participants further discussed the issues and prioritized the list of actions. Participants then voted to select the top five actions that they felt were most important.

The top five actions identified were:

_ To provide safe and clean places in the communities for: a) youth to meet for clubs and activities, and b) youth to “hang-out,” socialize and enjoy being with their friends.

_ To provide abstinence-based sex education for middle school age youth.

_ To use the media to publicize youth involvement and positive youth stories (other than sports).

_ To involve youth in community issues by developing a Teen Advisory Board which can interact and provide a youth perspective to public officials, politicians and community leaders.

_ To help youth deal with stress through providing resources such as teen hot lines, peer and professional counseling, mentoring and educational programs on stress management.

This discussion was a part of the 100^th year celebration of 4-H. The National Conversation on Youth Development in the 21^st Century is being sponsored by 4-H. The Santa Rosa County Youth Conversation was held in December. Forty-nine youth and thirty-six adults participated in the local conversation. Participants represented many groups other than 4-H including Camp Fire USA, Girl Scouts, Department of Juvenile Justice, Eckerd Family Youth Alternatives, LSF Teen Court programs, churches and schools.

On January 12^th six Santa Rosa County youths: Amy Bowman, Bryan Gray, Justin Floyd, Jeremy Hall, Erin Krause and Sarah Mullins participated in the State Youth Conversation in Gainesville. They shared the results of the local conversation and participated in a state level discussion. The Santa Rosa County information has been submitted to the Florida State 4-H Office where it will be reviewed and compiled in a report that will be presented to Governor Jeb Bush Plans in February.

A Report of the Santa Rosa County Youth Conversation has been prepared and is available from the 4-H Office. Plans are also being made for youths to present the findings to local government officials and community leaders and organizations. If you are interested in receiving a copy of the report of having a presentation made by youth and adult participants please contact Vickie Mullins.