Full Text
1 Lewiston Youth Advisory Council Lewiston, Maine Updated August 7, 2012 (Below are Examples of LYAC Achievements) A Bit of History The Lewiston Youth Advisory Council was established by the City Council in 2001. Prior to LYAC being established, a review of youth councils in Portland, Maine; Torrance, California; and Boston, Massachusetts was facilitated by municipal staff, and a community forum was also held to discuss the youth council idea. Youth and adults respecting each other’s viewpoints set the wheels in motion for the establishment of Lewiston’s youth council. Community input was key regarding what the youth council would “look like,” and meeting with Boston’s youth council advisors/youth proved insightful. Lewiston’s elected officials also participated in the process, and media coverage was helpful in gaining attention for this undertaking. Much discussion ensued as to whether there would be an application or election process for membership. Due to youth input preferring an “application process,” applications became the means to join LYAC. Any young person in grades 9-12 (or going to be in 9th grade in the fall) may seek membership versus an election process, with the latter often based on popularity. ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 “The application wouldn’t show any popularity contest . . . So many good things could happen if youth just banded together.” Todd-Brown, Former Lewiston High School Student) With community support evident, a St. Dominic’s Regional High School student and a Bates College intern developed by-laws to launch the concept, with the understanding that the charter group could modify them. An application process was publicized, school presentations made, and interviews and orientation held. The Lewiston City Council authorized the establishment of LYAC in 2001, and LYAC first met in September 2002. “We’re pleased that the City of Lewiston has taken steps to encourage young people to participate in the community’s civic life, as by doing so, the City is assisting them in acquiring the knowledge and skills to be effective citizens.” (Fran Rudolf, Maine Department of Education Citizenship Education Task Force) LYAC regularly tackles new initiatives with a balance of returning and new members annually; utilizes a $450 City budget line item; and members establish/build upon community partnerships. A significant financial sponsor of LYAC is the Lewiston Firefighters Association. Momentum has been built on LYAC’s successes, as LYAC and others see the difference the group continues to make within the community. People have taken notice, and Deputy City Administrator Phil Nadeau often says, “If you want something done, LYAC can do it!” LYAC’s outreach has included interaction with: Attorney General’s Office Chamber of Commerce Downtown Neighborhood Action Committee Great Falls TV Healthy Androscoggin High School Substance Abuse Counselor Service for Peace National Civic League National League of Cities Local/State Elected Officials Lewiston Police Department Lewiston Fire Department Lewiston Firefighters Association Fairpoint Communications Youth + Adults + Dialogue = Action (YADA) Local Businesses Medical Professionals LA Landlords Association Lewiston Public School Department Local Elementary Students ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 Lewiston Middle School Students Lewiston High School Students Belfast High School Other Municipalities Boy Scouts Military Personnel 9-11 Families Media Maine Youth Action Network Franco-American Heritage Center Lewiston Middle School Aspirations Coordinator LYAC’s mission is to serve as an advisory council to the Lewiston City Council in regards to community issues affecting youth and serve as a liaison between the youth of the community and the City. The LYAC also enables youth to work toward goals that empower all of the community’s youth and to undertake service projects that enhance the community. Currently, the 2012 - 2013 LYAC membership consists of 11 youth who took office on July 17, 2012, at a Lewiston City Council meeting. Advisors are the City’s Community Relations Coordinator (Dottie Perham-Whittier) and the Director of Recreation (Maggie Chisholm). A City Councilor is also a Liaison member of the group (Councilor John Butler). Recycling Rulz! The last project of the 2011-2012 LYAC group focused on recycling. They met with a rep from the LA Landlords Association as to how to best communicate the importance of recycling, especially within the downtown. The group also held a Recycling Rulz event in Kennedy Park, playing recycling-related games with attending children, handing out recycling t-shirts, and providing attending adults with information about Lewiston’s zero sort recycling program. ---PAGE BREAK--- 4 Pierce Street Park Revitalization Following LYAC members’ attendance at a Downtown Neighborhood Action Committee (DNAC) meeting, LYAC decided that they’d like to assist the group in seeking ways to revitalize Pierce Street Park. Members of LYAC visited the park twice, the first time to view the park & brainstorm about ideas; the second, to talk with youth who use the park. Both visits resulted in a list of suggestions & thoughts which were communicated to the DNAC. The result of the collaboration resulted in multiple meetings with DNAC; a neighborhood meeting; City Council support; and plans for improvements, in phases, commenced! Cool Things Happening on Lisbon Street On October 21 & 22, 2011, members of the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council visited and filmed several locations on Lisbon Street to demonstrate that Lisbon Street— historically a flurry of activity—does indeed still have “cool” things to offer with regularly increasing activity. They visited places such as Fuel, Chill Yoga, The Vault, Niky’s Greek Restaurant, LA Arts, Gallery Five, Mother India, LA Magazine, Forage, Kaplan University, and Baraka Store to interview people about what was happening at their respective sites & gained many positive comments about Lewiston and Lisbon Street. LYAC edited the footage at Great Falls TV and debuted the video at LA Arts’ Downstage – full house & rave reviews!!!! ---PAGE BREAK--- 5 LYAC Hosts Mayoral Debate On October 6, 2011, the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council hosted its first Mayoral Debate. LYAC worked in partnership with Chip Morrison, President of the Chamber of Commerce, who served as moderator. LYAC Chair Kenzi Masselli facilitated the event, and LYAC members asked the five Mayoral candidates questions. The event was shown live on Great Falls TV and also live-streamed online. A standing-room-only crowd also attended at Lewiston City Hall. Motivate ME! LYAC launched “MOTIVATE ME” in early 2011, an outreach to local 7th & 8th graders in an effort to enhance attitudes towards school and hopefully raise their aspirations. They sent a survey question to the middle school students at Lewiston Middle School and St. Dom’s Academy, “What motivates you to do well in school?” They received 480 surveys and selected 29 “standouts” that they slotted into four categories: Most Heartfelt, Most Driven, Family Encouragement, and Unsung Hero. On May 11, 2011, the LYAC hosted, in partnership with the Lewiston Firefighters Association, a televised live recognition event for those 29 youth, with prize packages handed out. The group had pursued Maine’s post-secondary educational facilities requesting donated college items, and what they received was used as part of the prize package contents. Interestingly, 116 students responded that their desire to go to college motivates them. The last meeting of the 2010-2011 membership was May 25, 2011, with a decision to highlight results from the MOTIVATE ME surveys on the community’s (LYAC spearheaded) electronic message board, especially since many youth said parental/family encouragement is a huge motivator for them. ---PAGE BREAK--- 6 February 16, 2011 – Maine Distracted Driving Summit Three youth council reps were invited to a “Maine Distracted Driving Summit” sponsored by Maine Senator Bill Diamond and AAA of Northern New England. LYAC was invited due to their previous production of SMASHED, an underage drinking awareness video that they wrote, produced, and debuted at a local theatre – standing room only. The video has been approved as part of Maine’s driving education curriculum. November 17, 2010 – Peace Walk On November 17, 2010, the youth council held a World Peace Day candlelight walk across the local “Bernard Lown Peace Bridge.” The walk was by followed by comments, music, Bates College interpretative dance, and a video clip of when the Lown Bridge was dedicated after Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Bernard Lown in 2008. The post-walk festivities took place in Lewiston’s Franco-American Heritage Center, which was decorated with submitted peace-focused artwork from local elementary students. ---PAGE BREAK--- 7 Youth Council Members Sitting with City Council New in 2010, members of the youth council started sitting with the City Council during regular meetings due to an adopted amendment to the LYAC municipal policy. LYAC members are encouraged to share their thoughts as agenda items are being discussed. This is not a requirement but instead an opportunity for those LYAC members who would like to participate. Lewiston Youth Summit 2010 On April 16, 2010, LYAC hosted its first-ever youth summit, “Lewiston Youth Summit 2010” at the Lewiston Armory. It was sponsored by the Lewiston Firefighters Association. The summit was a huge success with five schools attending. In addition to a keynote speaker with a message of “Inspired to be Great,” and a physical fitness routine known as “ZUMBA,” educational interactive breakout sessions were held with summit goals listed below. A Chamber/LA Young Professionals presentation was also featured “Lewiston/Auburn: Then & Now.” Bring youth together to share & implement different ideas/experiences Help youth to be better prepared for handling finances, staying healthy & physically fit, preparing for college, and being an effective communicator Show Lewiston from LYAC’s point of view & hopefully enhance other youth’s perception of Lewiston. ---PAGE BREAK--- 8 Summit evaluations came in strong about the event; some examples are listed below: “There is a lot more in Lewiston than I thought.” “A lot of people get accepted to local colleges.” “There’s a lot of culture in Lewiston.” “There’s a lot of opportunities here in Lewiston.” “This is just the type of thing we need to showcase in our community.” (Andrew Harris, Former Director of LA Arts) DVD: Lewiston In the Eyes of Youth At the 2010 youth summit, LYAC debuted its new DVD “Lewiston in the Eyes of Youth” which received much praise. LYAC had toured the city talking photos that they believe highlight positives in Lewiston and also accepted photos from other students & members of the public. LYAC provided the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce with a copy to use as an informative tool for families with youth considering a move to Lewiston. Maine Youth Action Network Peer Leadership Conference On November 10, 2009, several members of LYAC attended the Maine Youth Action Network Peer Leadership Conference at the Augusta Civic Center; their attendance was sponsored by Fairpoint Communications. While there, they continued to work on the group’s Action Plan for the 2010 youth summit, attended ---PAGE BREAK--- 9 various workshops on topics such as climate change & nutrition, and presented their plans for a youth summit before a panel of professionals for input & feedback. Keep Lewiston Clean – Recycle! During the 08-09 LYAC year, the group focused on downtown clean-up and beautification. A highlight of their efforts included a “Keep Lewiston Clean – Recycle” DVD for use within neighborhoods & community groups. On March 24, 2009 at Montello Elementary, members of the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council acted out the characters in their new "Charlie's Big Recycling Adventure" story/coloring booklet, which they wrote/illustrated. Each student received a copy of the recycling booklet, which included a letter to parents, recycling activities for children to do, a family planning recycling page, and information on the City of Lewiston's recycling efforts. In addition, a recycling lesson plan-- developed by LYAC member Tim Stretton--was also made available to teachers. LYAC also showed the 1st - 3rd graders their recently released video entitled, "Keep Lewiston Clean . . . Recycle.” In addition, art and trash disposal blended together during the afternoon of April 24th, 2009, as members of the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council hosted a painting event of 55-gallon drums at the Lewiston Armory. They were accompanied by the Mayor, City employees, Lewiston High School (LHS) students, and LHS art instructor Jody Dube. The project evolved into "Adopt-A-Can" for community members to become involved with & offering landlord incentives. U BOOZE U LOOZE & SMASHED LYAC partnered with a local graphic design businessman, Nick Knowlton, who designed an underage drinking U BOOZE U LOOZE logo. The message was very close to Mr. Knowlton’s heart, as he lost a nephew to a drunk driver. “We wanted to highlight how much kids have to lose when they decide to drink. We also wanted to stress that there are many young people who do not drink and they still have a great time with their friends, and we’re some of them.” (Allyson Beaucage, Chair – Former Lewiston Youth Advisory Council Chair) ---PAGE BREAK--- 10 Northeast Bank sponsored UBUL pens/key chains, which were distributed during LYAC speaking engagements, and LYAC received interest calls from The Montel Williams New York-based talk show; FACE, a national non-profit focusing on alcohol/substance abuse; Healthy Quarters of Salem, Massachusetts; and Lincoln County’s (Maine) Weed & Seed. Calling UBUL worthy . . . “I don’t think any of us would have to look far to think of heartache caused by alcohol abuse.” (Northeast Bank President James Delamater) UBUL evolved, through a State grant, into a 22-minute film entitled SMASHED—written, developed, produced, and co-filmed by LYAC members. It opened at the Auburn Flagship Cinema to a standing-room-only crowd and was approved for use as part of driver’s education curriculum by the State of Maine! To order SMASHED, interested individuals may visit www.smashedvideo.com LYAC also brought national speaker Brandon Silveria to Lewiston High School to tell his life-changing story of what happens when you drink & drive. Silveria shared his story of having everything a teen could want--a job, a girlfriend, and a forthcoming full college scholarship--until he had a few drinks at a party and chose to drive home, leaving his life changed forever. His physical and verbal impairments were very obvious to listeners, and following a standing ovation and not many dry eyes in the gym, numerous teens went forward to hug Brandon, talk with him, and shake his hand. ---PAGE BREAK--- 11 On February 20, 2008, members of the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council recorded a U Booze U Looze commercial at Q97.9 radio station in Portland, Maine. Written by LYAC member Ashley Morgan, the commercial had sound effects from the group's SMASHED underage drinking awareness film. The commercial encouraged youth to "listen to the voice within" when faced with the decision of drinking and driving or riding with a driver who has been drinking. Lessons Through Expressions LYAC member Athena Andoniades, assisted by her peers, facilitated "Lessons Through Expressions", an art event for community children in grades K-4 on Saturday, April 26, 2008. This was the 2nd art-related event LYAC has hosted, the first being in the spring of 2006. LYAC members manned art stations that encouraged children to try their hand at artwork imitating known artists such as Pablo Picasso, Piet Mondrian, and Robert Oddy, as well as artwork focusing on the earth in light of LYAC's upcoming focus on recycling. Lewiston Police Ride-Alongs In December 2008, members of the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council participated in Lewiston Police Department ride-alongs to obtain an enhanced understanding of what occurs within the community. One youth, Holly Lavorgna, had a keen eye during the evening, providing the officer she was riding with an important case solving observation. All-America City – First Time Around LYAC took the lead in 2006 in nominating Lewiston as an All- America City and was involved in every aspect of the application process, to include script writing and competition in Anaheim, California. Although Lewiston was not a winner until the next year, LYAC member Ashley Morgan reflected upon the entire experience in a June 20, 2006, Letter to the Editor. ---PAGE BREAK--- 12 “As a member of the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council I would like to express my gratitude to all the delegates of the All-America City (AAC) trip to Anaheim, California. I was proud to represent Lewiston as an All-America contender and was fortunate to attend this awakening experience. The experience has ignited my enthusiasm for the future of our city. After working with my peers and elders on producing the AAC application, I now recognize the great strides Lewiston has taken within only the past decade and only wish to carry on these improvements presently and in the future. No small amount of words can express the dedication that was put into the project by the advisors of LYAC and other AAC presentation members. It was a special opportunity for myself and other LYAC members to work one-on-one with city officials. I was disappointed that Lewiston was not touted as one of the top ten of the cities but was reassured by surrounding members that “All-America City Winner” was just a title. It is the obstacles Lewiston has overcome in recent years that are the true successes of our city. (LYAC Member Ashley Morgan - 2006) All-America City – 2007 – WE WON! In 2007, it was at the urging of LYAC members that city staff and officials decided to “try” again for national recognition as an All-America City. This time, LYAC’s featured part was the U BOOZE U LOOZE campaign, and LYAC members were effective contributors in Anaheim . . . so much so that a former Lewiston youth was invited to return to be a youth judge for other cities competing for the All-America title! Electronic Message Board In partnership with the Lewiston School Department, LYAC raised funds to site an electronic message board at the entrances of Lewiston High School. The community’s slogan is “It’s Happening Here,” and LYAC believed the electronic sign—especially in the selected high traffic area—would be an effective means to inform residents/visitors of the numerous city, school, and LYAC activities that are occurring. In addition to manning an informational booth about the message board at the local Business to Business Trade Show, LYAC made several community presentations to include the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Club and the Downtown Advisory Board, the latter providing a financial match. ---PAGE BREAK--- 13 In regards to the sign project, LYAC also successfully advocated Maine State legislation for more local control of such types of signs. “It is wonderful to see young people actively working to make a difference in our community. The electronic community message board is a project that will help promote events happening in the city.” (Michael Grimmer, Downtown Advisory Board) Teen Stakeholders LYAC representation was “at the table” for a local Teen Stakeholders Group with a focus on making the community an even better place for young people. LYAC’s input was invaluable as the group progressed into a community-wide “study circles” process. Multi-Level Historic Timepiece Display In partnership with Councilor Normand Rousseau, LYAC established a City Hall multi- story display of Lewiston’s 1891 E. Howard timepiece, which was formerly in the building’s tower, by raising over $25,000 to do so. Lewiston is one of only a few New England communities to have an operational historic timepiece on display, and LYAC’s community- wide awareness effort regarding the clock included a Great Falls TV “newscast- simulation” video, presentations throughout the community, and a 12-hour “Rock for the Clock” fundraiser, along with narrating the clock’s history on an audio podium accompanying the display (donated by Five County Credit Union). LYAC also hosted a press event with former Mayor Lionel C. Guay, Jr., when the entire project was officially “unveiled.” On May 3, 2007, LYAC’s “clock project” was recognized at a Lewiston Historic Preservation Review Board public ceremony for being an “outstanding preservation effort.” The recognition was also part of the Board’s celebration of National Preservation Month. “We were impressed with how hard the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council has worked to have the 1891 E. Howard timepiece relocated.” (Jennifer DeChant, Former Marketing Specialist – Five County Credit Union) ---PAGE BREAK--- 14 Is Your Number Up” Campaign LYAC has also partnered with the Lewiston Fire Department advocating an “Is Your Number Up?” campaign encouraging residents to adequately post their home/business addresses for immediate location by emergency responders. LYAC filmed a public service announcement featuring former City Councilor Mark Paradis’ “personal emergency story,” hung informational posters throughout the community, and distributed 8,200 flyers via local newspaper delivery. LYAC member Ryan Reed, who took the lead on the project, also involved his Boy Scout troop to post needed address numbers for Lewiston residents requesting such assistance. Mayor’s Citation of Excellence LYAC and former Mayor Lionel C. Guay, Jr., developed the “Mayor’s Citation of Excellence,” whereby residents may nominate a middle or high school student who has recently achieved or accomplished something “above & beyond” or “extraordinary.” The Mayor & LYAC review nominations, select youth, and in a surprise visit to a youth’s school, home, or place of employment, they present the citation. Tax Cap Referendum Public Service Announcement LYAC also filmed a public service announcement with Great Falls TV in regards to a proposed tax cap referendum question before Maine voters—a referendum that was of concern to cities in regards to municipal service delivery. LYAC’s public service announcement encouraged residents to be fully informed before voting. “I am very pleased to know that young people within our community are taking the time to learn about issues that will affect their future.” (Former Mayor Lionel C. Guay, Jr.) ---PAGE BREAK--- 15 Youth Fine & Performing Arts Celebration In an effort to highlight the talents of area youth, the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council hosted in the spring of 2006 a Youth Fine & Performing Arts Celebration at the City’s new Marsden Hartley Cultural Center. Area youth had the opportunity to display such items as photography, sketches, and ceramics, and two performances were also featured during the evening. Noise Pollution Awareness Campaign LYAC’s first project was the facilitation of a community- wide noise pollution awareness campaign, ranging from a community forum featuring citizens, a state senator, police lieutenant, and an audiologist to developing a noise pollution educational comic book for elementary school children. The group also made a presentation to local elementary students and facilitated a children’s noise awareness poster contest (Winner was Caleb Labrie, St. Joseph’s School kindergarten student – shown in picture). In addition, LYAC also provided a citizen survey opportunity on their web site to ascertain community members’ concerns in regards to noise. They also established a downtown storefront display to promote safe and courteous noise levels. Due to LYAC’s awareness campaign, a municipal noise ordinance was established. “During our awareness campaign, we wanted to involve the community and to reach out to children at the elementary level.” (Former LYAC Chair Tarrah Bowen) Various Other Activities LYAC has also submitted comments on youth driving age legislation at the State level, as well as submitted their own proposal; participated in a National League of Cities race relations panel; participated in a “Rebuilding Together” home renovation; collected high school lunch hour change ---PAGE BREAK--- 16 during the holidays to help meet the needs of teenagers at New Beginnings transitional center; participated in a WGME-TV “focus on war” youth panel; participated in a Maine Public Broadcasting panel regarding “Altrusism vs. Self-Interest;” participated in a 2002 9-11 community remembrance event in Kennedy Park; led a 2003 9-11 community remembrance on the steps of City Hall; and beautified a section of local Railroad Park. They also annually participate in downtown holiday celebrations. LYAC members have also partnered with Service for Peace. Having heard of LYAC’s positive impact within the community, two members were asked to participate in a weeklong “Summer of Service” leadership/service learning conference on Cow Island, Maine, and participated in numerous service-learning projects, both on the Island and throughout the area.