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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-02-07-YSC-min Youth Services Council minutes February 7, 2007 Present: Becky Kosterman, Lauren McSweeney, Chantal Hersey, Norman Cohen, Dana Allen Walsh (new representative of the Lexington Interfaith Clergy Association), Chris Casey, Bill Middlemiss, Joe O'Leary, Tim Johnson, Kate Cremens-Basbas, Bill Blout, Sheila Butts, Helen Cohen, Julie Fenn Call to Order Becky Kosterman called the meeting to order at 3 05 p m. She announced that Amy Berger, who has represented Lexington private therapists since the YSC began, has resigned. The group expressed their deep appreciation for Amy's contributions and wished her well. Becky asked us to think of possible replacements and e-mail her any suggestions Discussion Youth Substance Abuse problems Coming out of the Youth Risky Behavior Survey, events at last year's Prom, and the recent fatal car accident, the group focused on bringing all our resources together to address the substance abuse issues in Lexington. Two general observations were shared 1 These problems are not simply a school issue, they are a community issue, requiring the attention of parents, students, police and fire departments, and all Lexington residents Joe said that it is important that our efforts not be seen simply as a reaction to the tragic car accident 2 These problems are not new Several people who grew up in Lexington reported that there had been more serious problems 20-30 years ago, but we need to tackle today's serious problems The rest of the meeting considered ways to motivate parents, students, and the larger community to be proactive in reducing substance abuse Becky reported on current efforts by P T A.'s, the Center for Parents and Youth, and herself to have parent groups and how few parents attend most of them. Chantal (representing the students) said that peer pressure to get involved in risky behaviors is very strong, and that students are unlikely to listen to their own parents Bill B stressed the need for outreach and peer leadership He also advocated for a youth center, although the group felt that this project is several years away, partly because of all the demands on town finances Dana supported the peer leadership approach, which she has seen among youth groups in religious institutions Kate said that the efforts need to be grassroots, and that part of the answer is having enough adults around and paying attention to the safety of youth. Chantal mentioned the Battle of the Bands and Kate suggested that people drop in on the Battle of the Bands this Friday, the 9th 2 Attention focused on the upcoming proms as a short-term project, start small and build on success Julie described the prom at Winchester; where students come to school with their parents, sign in, and attend a reception together before the actual prom. Tim talked about the need to have a direct intervention at events like these, not letting risky behaviors go without consequences Chris affirmed the need for reaction and consequences. Chris, Bill M. and Lauren will together contact Mike Jones, principal of Lexington High School, and work with him and the high school deans on ways to make this year's Proms safer for everyone, such as providing buses as Dr Jones suggested in a recent letter to parents Though everyone recognized that genuine improvement will take much time and effort, a first, visible project such as this could jump-start a larger campaign. The group agreed to meet again next Wednesday, February 14, at 3 00, at the Senior Center Chris Casey will invite Dr Jones The meeting was adjourned at 4 10 Respectfully submitted, Helen Cohen