Agenda Review- Judy Meikle- Facilitator
The meeting was held in a circle. No-one was off to another place
including the coordinators. Everyone spoke and everyone listened
and expressed their concerns and possible solutions.
Community Introductions - "My name is
and I have come tonight because "
Community guidelines for this meeting
Brainstorm - Concerns for our Teens
Resources and Solutions - individual suggestions
Where do we go from here
Closing - one word to describe how I'm feeling right now
Guidelines and procedures
Community Guidelines
A set of guidlines have been established for meetings
in order to get input from everyone in a
timely and courteous manner
Be affirming - no put downs
Listen to each other without interruptions
Each person speak once, not for too long
Avoid side conversations
For questions, raise hand to be recognized
Questions will be taken in order
Concerns for Teens Brainstorm
The following are concerns of the group that
they felt were detrimental to the overall well being of our teens
Community service cuts, Lack of opportunities
Peer pressure, Not enough treatment options
No structured/ social activities
Alcohol, Lack of facilities / recognition
Drugs, Relationship with police,
Bullying, Resources, Violence,
Jobs, Sex, AIDS, STD's, No adult trust,
Date rape, Music, Weapons
$$, The bling, Teen pregnancy,
Education, Drop-out, "No-snitch" mentality
Materialism, The "cycle", Where weapons come from,
Gangs, Understanding teens,
Racism, Lack of role models, Mentoring
Divorce, Lack of respect for parents
Breakdown of family, Violent videos
Community involvement, No grants/resources
TV, Depression, Child abuse, Youtube, MySpace
Commercialism, Pocket neighborhoods
Low Self Esteem
Teenage drivers, Boredom
Suicide, Self harm
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People expressed feelings of frustration and being overwhelmed after this activity.
A teen present was surprised that the adults were so aware of the struggles that her peers face.
She thought that sometimes adults seemed to dismiss the real challenges
that are out there in the world for today's teens.
Discussion - Resources and Solutions
The discussion was opened up for people to share their thoughts on the resources
and solutions that we have available to us in our community.