Chris
Zukin reported that a small group met with the County Court to inform
them that a group is meeting to organize and work toward the development
of a Youth Center facility, which received a very positive response.
In fact, it was indicated by Dan Erickson that not only does a Youth
Center have a top priority, but also the 10th Street site is an appropriate
location. His follow-up statement, however, was that if another entity
comes along with a plan that is backed and ready, before this plan
is, it would be given the nod.
Joe Martin
described this as a call to keep moving forward. The fact that several
organizations are looking at the same site, including some commercial
potential, creates urgency. He further emphasized the importance of
the group remaining unified in our goal as we take advantage of opportunities
to talk with others, spreading the word.
Down
the road there will be a Board of Directors for the coalition, but
a leader needs to be identified in the meantime. JMartin has acted
in this capacity heretofore, but wonders whether there might be a
perceived conflict. Leadership may surface in the course of the next
few steps and he is very willing to step aside once it does.
There
was much discussion about what the next step should be, with an emphasis
on developing sub-committees and identifying areas of interest for
individual involvement. The conclusion was to postpone the "Dream
Team" meeting until a strategic planning session can be held.
Dates were being volleyed and will be established for a time that
youth would be available to participate. JMartin will e-mail that
date to the mailing list. Dawn Sallee-Justesen will facilitate. Catherine
Sessions suggested targeting sectors of the community rather than
an "all-comers" invitation. Nikki Lesich encouraged including
the 18 - 25 year old set, in addition to middle/high school ages.
It was noted that a community readiness tool has just been completed
for use by the Boys and Girls Club, which may supply some important
information that could help define our strategies. Anya Ballinger
will bring that information. The strategic planning session is intended
to be about a 3-hour meeting, with many participants and individual
group facilitators.
The importance
of evidencing sustainability of a youth center will be critical for
the community and when applying for grants. Toward that end JMartin
has been working with D21 for over a year to develop an after-school
program at the former Chenowith Middle School site. This is one step,
starting small, to demonstrate, 3 - 5 years down the road, that the
concept will work. It is not to be confused with a permanent solution,
but rather a temporary one.
Check
out postings of the minutes, meeting dates, etc. on the website: TheDallesYouthCenter.org
Next
meeting will be the Strategic Planning Meeting, date to be announced.
The
participants who registered their attendance include:
Anya
Ballinger, Susan Brewer, Gladys Caddy, Brian Goodwin, Nolan Hare,
Ryan LeBreton, Nikki Lesich, Joe Martin, Tara Martin, Scott McKay,
Kim Nosenzo, Jodi Nofziger-Rich, Willie Riese, John Rockwell, Trudy
Townsend, Catherine Whalen, Peggy Wolfe, Chris Zukin.
