Community Successes

Youth in Region 8 Rally for Success

The 2006 KIDS COUNT Data Book paints a disturbing portrait of youth in Marion County. Most of the youth there are poverty stricken and come from single-parent households headed by mothers, they're not excelling in school, have self-esteem issues, and lack structured activities during non-school hours.

"The KIDS COUNT data provides an accurate description of the youth and families in our community, said Kevin Brown, coordinator for Marion County Family Collaborative. "We're trying to put in place programs and activities to address each risk factor."

That's just what the Region 8 Family Connection did this summer when it hosted its inaugural Youth Rally, which attracted close to 130 young people and adults from Dooly, Macon, Marion, Muscogee, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, and Webster counties.

"The youth who attended had a very entertaining, energetic, and enlightening time, from opening speaker attorney Alphonso Whitaker, to the closing youth forum and discussion," said Mr. Brown. "All the sessions were well received and sparked interesting dialogue. The adults enjoyed The Truth about Hip Hop session and even requested an additional session, while the youth requested another rally that would span an entire weekend.

April Smith, the Region 8 family advisor who came up with the idea for the Youth Rally, originally planned to have a conference open to fathers of Marion County youth. After speaking with some of the Region 8 Family Connection coordinators, she decided to expand the rally to a regional event, and to change the focus from fathers to youth and adults.

According to Mr. Brown this success of the Youth Rally was the result of a truly collaborative that involved Region 8 Coordinators, including Mrs. Dot Bass and Ms. Valecia Sales, the Brotherhood, a male civic organization in Marion County, Mrs. Deane Thomas of St. Mark Baptist Church, Mayor Ralph Brown, Commissioner Ronald Graham, and Judge John Allen, and the counties that donated door prizes.

"Our first Youth Rally was a success. I enjoyed myself and look forward to next year's rally," said Mr. Brown. "I'm proud of April and her efforts to engage our youth and families. The most valuable aspect of the rally was the open dialogue between the adults and youth. The kids who participated in the sessions received knowledge that will help them as they go about their daily lives."