Shawn Sweeney, Executive Director Cassidy Claffey, Youth Leadership Council Member Todd Barlow, Youth Development Specialist

 Youth ARE our coalition.  Whenever possible, youth are involved in every phase of our projects including: ◦ Initial planning meeting ◦ Fundraising/soliciting donations ◦ Writing content ◦ Interviewing peers and other community members ◦ Evaluation  When we are approached about a new project, we take it to our youth.  Youth come up with project ideas too

 Creative ideas/solutions  Represent our primary target audience  Energy, energy, and more energy  It is harder for business and community members to say no to youth  Provides a way for youth to be recognized for positively contributing to their community  When youth are involved in decision making, they have more of a stake in the project

 Availability (conflicts with school, jobs, family)  Transportation  Continuity (youth come and go)  May take more time  Focus, focus, focus  Recognizing when to provide additional guidance/training  Some meetings require every tool you have in your facilitation toolbox

 Be Flexible  Admit when mistakes are made  Say “I’m sorry” and “thank you”  Set ground rules and apply them uniformly  Find a balance between work and fun  Be prepared to explain there are times when youth may not be involved in decision making  Serve food  Celebrate successes

Cassidy Claffey ◦ Senior at Wellston High School ◦ Involved for 4 years ◦ Involved at the local, state and national level ◦ Wants to become a professional in the field