Franklin Road Introduces New Youth Association
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This spring, about 75 youth of Franklin Road in Marietta, GA, came together to let their voices be heard. At the first meeting of the Franklin Road Youth Association on April 19, 2007, the theme was "Youth Who Lead and Succeed."
With more than 1,000 school-age children and only limited youth programs and youth facilities to meet their needs, Franklin Road Weed and Seed sought to take direction directly from the youth it aimed to serve. "The vision was to ask the kids what they wanted to do in their community," said Daneea Badio, Franklin Road Weed and Seed Coordinator. "Oftentimes, we implement the programs we think our children want and need, and we fail to empower them to be involved in that decision-making process. Most of them are perfectly capable of telling us what they would really want."
At the first meeting of the Franklin Road Youth Association, youth were not asked simply what they would be interested in; stronger questions were asked. "We wanted to probe for their personal commitment," said Badio, "so we asked: What will you show up for? What will you help with because you care? And how do you want to shape your youth association?"
A community of more than 12,000 people living in a 1.5-mile radius, Franklin Road is in the heart of the city of Marietta. It is a multicultural community composed of individuals and families living in 11 apartment complexes and 2 condominium subdivisions. The area has more than 300 businesses, most of which are small businesses, but has very few organized youth-serving programs. There is a thriving Boys & Girls Club serving more than 100 children—nearly twice the capacity of the available space—and a Prevention Program for Latino Youth serving 20–25 students.
With the Weed and Seed funding awarded on October 1, 2006, however, things are really beginning to take off for Franklin Road. More youth program partners have joined the cause, like Girls Incorporated, Boy Scouts of America, and Soccer in the Streets. Even the drama ministry of a local church, Turner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, has offered to provide a drama camp for youth this summer.
But there were still the challenges of space and resources. Consequently, several steps were taken to move the process of providing increased youth programming forward. First, because the neighborhood has no community center, several small spaces were being used instead of one big one. Weed and Seed began coordinating monthly meetings of the 11 apartment managers and persuaded four of those managers to allow their properties to provide additional meeting space for youth and adult programming. In addition, said Badio, "we sought various program partners specifically targeting programs looking for communities to serve, like churches and organizations with a strong focus on outreach."
Next, the Franklin Road Youth Association meeting provided the opportunity to inform area youth about existing program opportunities and to receive their feedback regarding future youth programs. The event was strategically marketed directly to area youth; a team of volunteers met school buses in the days prior to the meeting, fliers in hand. An announcement promoting the meeting also was posted in the local newspaper, and a flashing police message sign was positioned near the entrance to the meeting at the Castlebrook Apartments.
On the day of the event, all bases were covered. Food—pizza and pasta—was donated by the Wingate Inn, a local hotel, and beverages and paper products were donated by Kroger grocery store. The program began with "meet someone new" time and dinner. Then, everyone separated into five age groups: 8–10, 11–12, 13–15, 16–18, and parents. Each individual completed a 10-question survey that asked how they felt about their community, the police, and their future. Program coordinators were on hand to assist with food and program coordination and to hear from the youth directly.
A "post-it" exercise followed. This activity allowed participants to post their responses onto big flip charts as they answered questions regarding program interests, ideas for community service projects, and the future of their youth association. Each team then shared their top three answers with the entire group.
To wrap up the meeting, a "Best Sales Pitch" contest was held, whereby several youth-serving organizations had 2 minutes to present their program to the youth, who then voted on which presentation most impressed them. The Franklin Road Boys & Girls Club won the contest by a rousing round of applause.
"From this exciting exchange of information," said Badio, "we learned that our children would show up for a variety of sports and arts programs, leadership opportunities, empowerment and career development."
To serve their community, the older teens said they would provide mentorship, tutoring, and coaching for the younger children. Overall, the youth wanted fun, responsibility, and ownership. They offered to clean up the community, feed the hungry, babysit, distribute community information, coach sports, and write grants. They wanted their youth association to be made up of those who live in the community—the youth, parents, family, and friends.
According to Badio, this first meeting of the Franklin Road Youth Association was an exciting success. "With 43 youth, 9 parents, 3 law enforcement representatives, 3 community volunteers, 1 sponsor, and 16 program coordinators in attendance, we sparked the beginning of youth empowerment. The kids spoke, and we listened."
Looking forward, a second meeting of the youth association is being planned by the youth and adults from the community. The first event they intend to hold is a summer pool party. Additionally, on June 11, the Franklin Road Boys & Girls Club opened a teen center for youth ages 12–18.
Program coordinators felt it was important to give the kids a big win immediately following their first meeting. The new teen center is something they requested, and the association made it happen. Looking to the future, Jean Aaron, a volunteer youth association coordinator, said it best: "Our goal is to partner with our youth to help them prevent risky adolescent behaviors and promote positive choices. We're identifying mentors who will provide oversight, direction, and opportunities to help our youth develop their leadership skills as they identify their goals, projects, and events that will engage them in community involvement."
For more information, contact:
Daneea Badio
Weed and Seed Coordinator
Franklin Road Weed and Seed
770-794-5640
