Youth Committee
Have you been inspired today?
Youth Committee Update
In the 2009-2010 school-year we indentified (from talking to district 204 principles and parents) that one of the largest problems affecting our youth is cyberbulling. To address this problem we met with Illinois Attorney General’s office to discuss their educational program, which can be found at http://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/cyberbullying/
We used their materials and have made a presentation to an elementary PTA program and intend to support the PTA’s with education to help bring awareness and solutions to our community. Research on this issue says that the problem begins in 5th Grade; before the kids become rapid text and email users. As such, we have identified a voided area that could be of great benefit in reducing the problem. According to the Attorney General’s task force “once they are in middle school and high school it is often too late.”
In addition, this past fall we have identified another youth cause that we see as a critical educational need: Childhood obesity. Most specifically, there is a national movement by First Lady Obama that addresses this issue http://www.letsmove.gov/
We have created a distribution pamphlet (pdf) and are seeking creative ways to help this cause in our community.
Lastly, we are looking to create more consistent youth programs that could entail monthly meetings that address social pressures and concerns. If you have any ideas or suggestions, we welcome your input as to how our Township can help our Youth.
