Salem Youth Commission

CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS Kimberley Driscoll Mayor Salem Youth Commission Meeting Minutes November 21, 2016 Attendance: Ruby Cheresnowsky, Aiyana Lilly, Laura Assade, Nick Angeramo, Collin McLean, Felicia Pierce, Michael Quigley, Meeting Called to Order The meeting called to order at 6:15pm Introductions & Public Comments: Introductions were made by all Youth Commissioners. An opportunity was given to all members present to share thoughts and reflections with regards to the recent presidential election. Everyone was also reminded that regardless of their views or who they would have voted for had they been of age that the Salem Youth Commission is here to serve all members of our youth population in Salem. They were also reminded that the meetings are a safe space for all the members and that the adults in the commission are always available should they need us. Previous Meeting Minutes: Laura Assade made a motion to approve October meeting minutes, Aiyana second the motion. Minutes were approved. Membership: An announcement of the new officers was made. Nick Angeramo was named Chair – Jared Lubas was named Co-Chair- Samuel Hoang was named Scribe. Commissioners also decided what subcommittees they will take part in. The three subcommittees are as follows: Membership, Community Engagement & Public Relations Current/Future Projects 1st project: Shoe Boxes: Flyers are up all over the building at SACS. Announcements have been made and box has been placed at near front entrance so others can contribute to the drive. Parent Salem City Hall – 93 Washington Street – Salem, MA 01970-3592 Ph. 978-745-9595 Fax 978-744-9327 information center at Collins also has a collection box for staff, city hall staff will bring items or stuffed boxes to mayor’s office, and hotels will be reached out to for more donations. Salem High school has a lot of drives happening at the same time. It is believed that the items that are being collected are not for the use of the Salem youth commission for the shoe boxes. Youthbuild Program will be participating in helping collect items at their location as well. Chair of the committee suggested he send a letter out to the teachers (on behalf of the committee) regarding their current project to attract more donations. Youth Media Campaign: Ruby and Aiyana gave an update from their first meeting with north shore youth groups around a media campaign. Discussed the data they received which mentioned Salem was at 50% of Youth in Salem have used alcohol at least once in their lifetime. This survey in Salem was only given to 7th,9th, & 11th graders at Salem Public Schools. Other grades and schools in the district were not included. Commissioners were interested in finding out how to get more students to take the survey and how it could be available district wide starting in the 6th grade. Student Government Day: Commissioners wished to invite Ms. Mansfield to our December meeting to further discuss details of how they can work with her to make the day a full day event. Announcements: *Youth commissioners were invited to host a table at the Salem Winter Market on December 17th at the East India Sq. Mall. *Discussed the option of promoting associate members who have participated in contributed since inception to voting members and stepping in for members who have conflicts with work or school. *Commissioners decided that our next meeting we will take time to work on stuffing the shoe boxes that will be delivered that week. *Social Media: Salem Youth Commission now has active Twitter and Facebook pages. All the officers will have access along with those members who signed up to be on the Public Relations Committee. *Laura Assade brought to the committee an idea about students participating at next year’s National League of Cities. Everyone expressed interest in learning more about the NLC and will look forward to future conversations with the mayor about such opportunities Next Meeting: December 19th, 2016 120 Washington 3rd Floor conference room Salem City Hall – 93 Washington Street – Salem, MA 01970-3592 Ph. 978-745-9595 Fax 978-744-9327 Adjournment: Meeting was adjourned at 7:50 PM Salem City Hall – 93 Washington Street – Salem, MA 01970-3592 Ph. 978-745-9595 Fax 978-744-9327