On December 11th, 2009, ARC held it's first leadership conference for Tahoe/Truckee youth. We had 19 students participate: current Sierra Nevada College students who participated in ARC in 2005; summer graduates from 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009; and youth who are actively involved in our academic-year programming. We had one parent, and Emilio Vaca, the Executive Director of the North Tahoe Family Resource Center, and Ana Liz Servin, who also works at the FRC, support the process. Northstar at Tahoe graciously donated a beautiful conference room to our group, and in small groups, the students discussed what is working in our community, what isn’t working, and what they want to see in our community. This conference not only engaged our youth as leaders and encouraged them to voice their opinions, but allowed us to asses the work that we do and strategize on how to better serve the youth in our community in the future. Below is a review of the main findings of the conference:


§       What is Working:

o      There are people in our community who listen to youth, and because of this, change can happen.

o      The clubs at school, the Boys & Girls Club, Planned Parenthood, the Family Resource Centers, and ARC help youth by providing after school activities, social services, and tutoring, which keep youth out of trouble.

 

§       What’s Not Working:

o      There aren’t enough interesting activities at night (after 6 p.m.) in our community. In Truckee, for example, there isn’t a movie theater or bowling alley. Most evening activities are geared toward adults, and almost always serve alcohol.

o      Lack of transportation is one of the most significant obstacles for youth, preventing them from participating in many after school, weekend, and evening activities—they don’t have access to personal vehicles, the bus is too expensive to ride frequently, and routes are limited.

o      Their voices are being heard, but is any action being taken? Our elected officials and people with power need to listen to their ideas and take action.

 

§       What Youth Want:

o      Computers at tutoring sites—there need to be specific times set aside for homework, and other times that are designated for fun, such as social networking sites. They should be monitored and printers and supplies should be provided, as well.

o      Affordable after-school programs ($10 or less), such as dance classes, computer literacy programs, self defense classes, tutoring, and cultural activities. They want a place to “hang out” after school where youth can go and not get in trouble. They would like to have ARC provide more tutoring on different days and on weekends.

o      Tours of colleges outside of the Tahoe/Truckee/Reno area.

o      Motivational speakers who are themselves youth and who have overcome obstacles.

o      More bus routes (in particular between Kings Beach and Truckee) and a reduced rate for youth.