The Multnomah County Commission on Children, Families and Community has extended two exciting opportunities for young people in Multnomah County to take an active role in shaping the community.
Rob Ingram Youth Summit Against Violence - April 21
The first opportunity is the Rob Ingram Youth Summit Against Violence on Saturday, April 21. This is the first summit of its kind created by and for youth. It will be hosted by the Multnomah Youth Commission’s Youth Against Violence Committee, a body established in response to the growing violence directed toward young people related to gangs, anti-gay and gender issues, bullying and sexual violence.
The first part of the summit is only for youth to caucus, build community and consider youth-driven policy recommendations. Invited elected officials and community leaders are welcome between 2:15 and 3:45 p.m. to listen to youth stories of violence, and to engage young people in dialogue about how youth and adults can take steps to reduce violence in the community. Lunch and snacks will be provided.
Date: April 21, 2012
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: The Highland Christian Center, 7600 N.E. Glisan Ave, Portland
Young people (not adults) interested in attending the summit should register here.
Multnomah Youth Commission - Accepting applications through April 30
The second opportunity is the current recruitment of members for the 2012-13 Multnomah Youth Commission. Young people between the ages of 13-21 who are interested in policy, activism and community organizing are encouraged to apply for membership. Applications are due by April 30.
Youth Commissioners serve a one-year term and commit up to 15 hours per month to help advise the county and city on issues that impact the lives of their peers. Youth commissioners are also in charge of implementing "Our Bill of Rights: Children + Youth," the nation's first Bill of Rights written by and for young people.
Here is a current look at the Youth Commission’s five committees and their impact on the community.
Education
The Education Committee is designed to provide youth voice to all things that impact education. Currently we are participating in the Cradle to Career efforts, SUN Coordinating Council, Tuition Equity and the Future Connect program to name a few.
Health and Wellness
Designed to provide youth voice in all things regarding health and wellness. We play a large role in the support and advocacy of School Based Health Centers and the Youth Advisory Councils within them. This
year we are tackling sexuality education policy and implementation in our Multnomah County schools.
Sustainability
We worked closely with TriMet, Portland Public Schools and the City of Portland to keep YouthPass running through the end of the school year. We are looking for ways to extend and expand the program to other East County school districts served by TriMet.
Youth Voice
Youth Voice is currently working with partners throughout the county and city to gather information about Measure 11 and its effects on young people. Specifically, we plan to work to reduce the massive inequities
within the measure and to fight for a more just system for everyone.
Youth Against Violence
This committee was created during the summer of 2011 due to the increased anti-gay and gang violence directed towards youth in our community. Even though we focus heavily on these two types of violence, we also address the many types of violence youth face every day.
All applications are DUE by Monday, April 30.
Please contact Marc Fernandes, Youth Development Coordinator at marc.fernandes@multco.us for more information.