Lakeland Area Community Meetings

There was a smaller group for the meeting tonight, but still a few new people who attended.  At the start, Bob shared an idea of writing a position paper for each of the four core areas we have been focusing on: youth, parents, racism and AODA.  A position paper would explain the need for that focus area including supportive research and data, resources available in our community, resources needed and solution proposals.  The position papers can be used to share with other groups and individuals who want to learn about what we are doing and who are interested in helping out.  It would also be a more substantial document to share with different boards.  The focus of the paper would be on prevention.  It was decided that we would pick one area to start with so that we can learn how the process works.  Then we will work on the other core areas.  A practical example for how to use the position paper was given with the high need for child psychiatrists in our area.  Currently there is a long wait for children to see a psychiatrist.  If we were able to collect information on this issue and share it with the health community then they may be able to take steps to improve the situation. 
 
We talked about the importance of identity for youth.  We also discussed the value of being present with youth and simply doing activities with them.  This has been a focus of the HOPE group with different activity events they have hosted.  When youth come together there is also power in the influence of those a few years older who can set an example for the younger kids.  They have a different type of influence than adults.  It is also important to focus on what youth want to do and what they are interested in talking about.  Nick Hockings shared information about a man who has offered to come and speak to people in our community about a program he has developed and used in many locations.  The program is called Unity Project (www.unityproject.org) and is run as an after school program.  It focuses on issues that the students bring up, and provides support for them to make change.  Nick is looking into having him come to speak and will bring more specific information to the next meeting.
 
Since our last meeting, the position for the new superintendent was filled by Todd Kleinhans.  Now the principal position is open for the upcoming year.  Questions were asked about opportunities to be involved with the hiring process, similar to that for the superintendent.  At this time, it is not known what the process will be for the interviews. 
It was decided to invite Todd Kleinhans to a community meeting for the opportunity to ask him questions, share ideas about options for change, and to hear his vision for the school.

Next Community Meeting: Tuesday March 11^th at 5:30pm.  Location to be determined.