Salem Youth Commission

CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS Kimberley Driscoll Mayor Salem Youth Commission June 27, 2016 5:00pm 120 Washington Street –3rd Floor Minutes Attendees: Samuel Hoang, Ishmael Telemaco, Nick Angeramo; Jared Lubas, Felicia Pierce, Michael Quigley, Kahlil Mitchell-Smith, Jacob McGrath, Collin McLean, Laura Assade, Ruby Cheresnowsky Salem Youth Commission (SYC) members began their meeting at 5:05pm with introductions and announcements. North Shore CDC invited all to attend their annual day of service on July 8th and August 31th. Lunch will be provided at both service days. SYC members were also invited to take part in the Bates Park Rebuild Project on July 5-7 from 8-4pm. Laura Assade reminded all SYC official members to turn in their Open meeting log packets, to take their oath and do the Conflict of Interest training. Took a moment to review the minutes from June 16th meeting. Minutes were approved. Nick Angeramo made a motion to approve minutes and Collin McLean Second the motion. SYC members discussed the opportunity of Chair, Co-Chair and Scribe. Everyone agreed that it would be best for anyone who is interested in the positions, to be prepared by July 25th meeting. Felicia Pierce will help all SYC understand the process on how voting is done formally to all SYC member. SYC members agreed on a temporary meeting schedule for the summer. We will meet the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month in July and August. Later in August we will discuss the dates for Fall and Spring time. SYC members Jared Lubas and Jacob McGrath volunteered to take part in the Sticker Shock Campaign— project where Andrea, and members of SYC would Salem City Hall – 93 Washington Street – Salem, MA 01970-3592 Ph. 978-745-9595 Fax 978-744-9327 go in a group (maybe just need 2-3 youth) to liquor stores in Salem and ask them if we could put stickers on the products to remind adults that it is illegal to buy alcohol for youth under 21. Data has shown that youth under 21 most often access alcohol in Salem through older friends and family, which is why it is important to do this. The SYC members will head out on Tuesday the 28th at 2:30pm. Reminded all Youth Commissioners in attendance about the Youth 2 Youth Conference in July. Youth to Youth Conference—Girls Inc. would be able to take 2 youth from Salem (and two youth from other communities involved on this grant) to this conference. It is the last weekend in July. WHAT IS YOUTH TO YOUTH? Youth to Youth engages young people through meaningful activities and experiences to develop and implement their own ideas to create positive change. Our original youth- driven, adult guided programming has set the standard for youth development and prevention programming across this country and around the world. The Adult members asked the SYC members what they’d like to focus on while on the commission. Below is all the feedback: -Separation & Segregation in the Schools -How can we bring more Salem Youth Together -Youth Dance -Activity at a Park -Other Park Activities -New Liberty Charter School Voice -Youth Civic Engagement -Intercity Sport Teams -Point Neighborhood Mentors League -Softball, Baseball, Volley Ball Tournament -High School Mentorship Program 9th matched with 12th Graders (what is SACS Model?) -Provide guidance for younger graders -Help younger graders get involved in school activities -Conducting a survey to find out what the needs of other youth are (SYC will put up to 5 questions together) -Have conversations around race, school to prison pipeline -Embracing Diversity within the schools -Look up information about organization called “Speak Out” out of Cambridge -Separation amongst neighborhoods Salem City Hall – 93 Washington Street – Salem, MA 01970-3592 Ph. 978-745-9595 Fax 978-744-9327 -Taking tours of Salem (tour your city) -visiting different places outside of the normal places our youth visits -Tutoring Program -Learn about trades, experiences -More streamlined experience between schools -Reading programs -Move up day -where students get an opportunity to meet future classmates and teachers -Substance abuse and Drug Prevention -DARE Program -Train the trainer opportunities -Conducting a research project (how has the legitimization of Marijuana affect the youth in different states) -What are the plans for other groups within the schools? Is there overlap? -What are the places in Salem where activities can be held outside of school? -Doing work with youth who drop out of high school (what are our HS Dropout Rates?) -Charter vs Public school Problem -What are the School Committee Meeting Dates? -SYC to host a High School Fair -Teen Pregnancy Prevention -Education – Full year vs half year curriculum -What Programs are available -what is the teen pregnancy rate in Salem? -Avoidance and Protection- “No means No Campaign” -How to talk to your parents Next Steps: Ruby C., Jared L., Nick A. & Felicia P. will work together come up with 5 questions for the needs assessment survey. 1st Draft of survey is Due July 11th, Final should be done by July 25th. Remaining Youth commissioners will gather info on what other groups have mentioned they will be working on in the next school year. Meeting was adjourned at 6:40pm Salem City Hall – 93 Washington Street – Salem, MA 01970-3592 Ph. 978-745-9595 Fax 978-744-9327