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WIB Youth Council and Mayor’s Youth Council Join Forces Members of the Mayor’s Youth Council will be participating in the November GNBWIB Youth Council (YC) meeting and sharing information on issues pertaining to youth in the area from their perspective. Pam Pollock approached WIB Youth Council Director, Jean Fox, last spring, urging the two councils to work in tandem with a renewed focus. Fox asked the youth group last summer if they would be willing to join the WIB’s YC meeting to conduct a “Youth Speaks” segment. A subcommittee met with Fox later and hammered out some ideas for the meeting. Citing confusion over career counseling options, the lack of jobs available to younger teens, class scheduling problems at school, and the timing of career inventory assessments in school, among other things, a number of the young council members will be sharing their thoughts on November 19 and seeking feedback and support from the YC. Fox sees the infusion of youthful information into the work of the YC as critical to forging a productive path for young people in the region, both in and out of school. YC Chair, John Fernandes, has long sought the opinion of school-aged youth to assist in formulating strategies for program funding that targets the needs and issues identified by the constituencies those funding streams are supposed to serve. “We need a different perspective.” “We have some great programs, but youth face more and more challenges every day, and it is our responsibility to respond,” said Fernandes. Mayor’s Youth Council Chair Liz Lozano stated that she looks forward to a continuing and expanded dialogue with the WIB. “Today’s young people face hurdles no other generation has had to face; such as technology, the high cost of college, and the allure of the ‘quick buck,’ to name a few,” added Lozano. And went on to conclude, “We hope that by bringing the councils together, we can come up with some ways to help both high school students and dropouts achieve their goals.” 227 Union Street, Suite 206, New Bedford, MA 02740-5946 PH 508.979.1504 • FAX 508.979.5680 E-mail: Webmaster@gnbwib.org |