5.2. SR 07-17-1995~~r ~~1
ity of ~~
lk .
River To:
FROM:
MEMORANDUM
Mayor & City Council
TTEM 5.2_
Pat Klaers, City Administrator
DATE: July 17,1995
SUBJECT: Community Youth Task Force Update
Attached for your review is some information from Rita Johnson, Community Youth
Task Force Coordinator. Rita and the Task Force. have been working for a year and a half
on this project. It appears that the project and Task Force is going to be an ongoing
effort. Once certain goals related to youth activities are accomplished, then the Task
Force will proceed on with new goals and objectives for helping the youth within the
community. Three general areas that are being emphasized by the Task Force to support
the youth in the community are outlined in the attached material.
Tom Zerwas, Police Chief, is on this Youth Task Force. Attached for your review is a
copy of his September, 1994 report that came from the task force.
•
council:youthtf
•
13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • (612) 441-7420 • Fax: (612) 441-7425
Rita Johnson
• Update
7/07/95
to
Elk River Mavor a,_ nd City C, ouncil
As you know, the Community Youth Task Force has been working for the past 18 months to unite community
energies and commitment to make a better place for youth development. After spending nearly a year
researching and collecting information from the Zimmerman, Elk River, Otsego and Rogers area communities, the
Task Force issued a report which contained the results of its study and its plans to move ahead toward its goals.
Based on the three areas of emphasis in its vision statement, current status is as follows:
To Foster Suooort for Families
Having identified family support as its top concern, the Task Force is pursuing a parenting certificate program
through which families will be offered the opportunity to participate in educational/recreational events with the
end goal being a certificate recognizing good parenting skills.
A program through which each student in District 728 would be offered the opportunity to link with a member of
the business community for a day of shadowing as part of a mentoring/positive role model effort is currently
ne~ng created.
The Task Force has endorsed David Noller's Fatherhood Initiative, and continues to support him in his efforts.
The Task Force issued a statement in the local newspaper commending those who have brought a Big
BrotherBig Sister program to Sherburne County.
The Task Force participated in a Family Information Fair at the Elk River Mall, and also participated in the Elk
• River Community Festival.
To Foster Safe Opportunities for. Individuals to Grow and Learn.
Recognizing that all individuals have basic needs to grow and learn, the Task Force is seeking ways in which it
might enhance opportunities for young people to learn success principles and attitudes such as discipline,
determination, commitment, prioritizing, delayed gratification and long term visioning. One vehicle through which
the Task Force will encourage such learning is that of the Quality Schools movement in District 728.
Another concern is that individuals and families have safe places to gather which are accessible to all. The Task
Force has begun an inventory of existing spaces, and is interested in supporting further efforts to assure safe,
accessible gathering spaces.
To Foster Healthier Communities Based on Faith and Values
The Youth Task Force is working with The 2001 Committee, tnc. on a definition of core community values. A draft
statement of these identified values, has been published in the local newspaper. This values statement will be
presented to various groups throughout the community for discussion.
4 612-441-4547
m10:59AM X2/2
COMMUNITY YOUTH TASK FORCE
R~714/95
The Community Youth Task Force welcomes your comments:
Greg Pagh
Chair
441-5097
Chris Kelly
Vice Chair
441-1902
Rita Johnson
Coordinator
441-4547
n
LJ
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t~ cJ/'
A Force Uniting The Energies and Commitment
'~ To Make A Better Place For Youth
A COMMUNI T Y COMMI TMENT:
UNITED ON BEHALF OF YOUTH
A Report on Vision and Action
Prepared by
The Community Youth Task Force
September 1994
The Community Youth Task Force is funded by:
Central Minnesota Initiative Fund (a public charity largely supported by the McKnight Foundation)
Greater Elk River United Way, Inc.
Elk River American Legion Club
Maier Stewart Associates, Inc. (Consulting Engineers for the City of Elk River)
•Elk River Eagles Club
Artwork designed by:
Sarah Scheel
Glenn Quist
1
~•
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Community Youth Task Force Members
Name and Community Sector
Rev. Greg Pagh Chris Kelly
Religion Youth
Chairperson ice-Chairperson
Ed Cunnington
Business
Arne .Engstrom
Government
Paula Finka
Youth
Don Heinzman
Business
Charlie Houle
Business
Stephanie Klinzing
Government
Jody Kreuser
Young Children's Advocate
Louise Kuester
Education
Bruce Locklear
Citizen
Vicki Peterson
Citizen
Beverly Sabot
Business
Chris Weast
Youth
Gary Weisrs
Human Services
Tom Zerwas
Law Enforcement
-1-
BACKGROUND
During September of 1993, The 2001 Committee, Inc. assembled a permanent Youth
Task Force, involving leaders from all community sectors, with the purpose of uniting
the energies and commitment of the community to make it a better place for youth.
The community is defined as contiguous with the Three Rivers Foundation and School
District 728 service area. Awareness of the need for a Youth Task Force grew out of
discussions within The 2001 Committee Organization, dialogue with other organiza-
tions and individuals in the community, and a review of surveys and other research
conducted by Search Institute* of Minneapolis.
' The mission of the Task Force is to:
1. create acommunity-vision for positive youth development;
2. serve as a catalyst for better coordination of community
resources to meet youth needs;
3. develop a detailed action plan with expected outcomes;
4. influence community leaders and organizations regarding
j implementation of the action plan;
~ 5. access community resources necessary to carry out the action
_ plan.
From October of 1993 through August of 1994, the Youth Task Force collected
information from youth-serving organizations in the area, from individuals who work
with youth in various capacities, from School District 728 surveys, and directly from
young people and adults throughout the community. (Appendix A) The information was
analyzed within the framework of community strengths .and concerns, community and
individual assets identified by Search Institute as contributing to healthy youth develop-
ment, (Appendix B) and visions of the ideal community of the future. This report con-
~ tains the results of the Youth Task Force's analysis in the form of a vision for positive
youth development, and a plan of action to bring the vision about.
The Youth Task Force believes that it is important to
point out that the action plan is dynamic, that is, it is
intended to be active, adaptive, and flexible rather
than rigid or conclusive... It is equallyimportant to note.
that while our path or process can be expected to
change in response to new information or increasing
awareness, our goal of creating a community which
promotes healthy youth development will remain
constant.
*Search Institute is anon-profit
organization that specializes in
practical research benefiting
children and youth.
-2-
Based upon information gathered from throughout the Zimmerman, .Elk River, Otsego
and Rogers area, the Youth Task Force has identified the following community and
' individual key strengths
• Small town atmosphere
Knowing and being known by others in the community
The feeling of security and safety
• A sense of cooperation among various community groups
• A strong sense of family
• The healthy natural environment/clean air, water and soil
• The number and variety of organized sports, community education and
recreation activities available for young people
The following items have emerged as kev concerns among youth and adults in the
community:
• Families are under great stress
Shortage of time and energy
A need for more community nurturing and support
Many families lack knowledge of, and ability to use, good parenting skills
• Generalized lack of respect
Youth to adult
Adult to youth
Adult to adult
Youth to youth
Individuals to property
• Increasing levels of prejudice, violence and crime/losing the sense of security
• Gaps in availability and accessibility of public transportation for youth
• Need for a system of trails and parkways which youth could use for moving
around the community by bicycle
• Lack of a sense of community identity
• Sense that the area is growing too much, too rapidly
• The high cost of living and the expectation of a gloomy economic future
• Peer pressure and the need for approval among youth
• Need for a greater variety of non-sport options for youth, including safe places
to gather
• Maintaining the health of the natural environment*
''`The concern for maintaining the health of the natural environment was significantly stronger among
young people than among adults.
-3-
Over six hundred young people and adults from throughout the area expressed their
concepts of the ideal community -their vision statements focused on the following
themes:
• Unity
-The entire community working together toward solutions
-Churches integrated with each other and the community
-Cooperation instead of competition among governments, organizations,
groups and individuals
• A community center/water park/teen center (safe places to gather)
-Swimming pool, water slide, wave pool
lntergenerational .programs in arts, drama, sports, music, etc.
(opportunities for people of all ages and interests to interact)
-Events for youth chaperoned by caring adults
-Positive adult role models
-Groups and classes on positive parenting, cultural diversity, personal
safety, single parenting, etc.
-Nonalcoholic teen dances
-Game room and skateboard areas
-A large community garden
~ • Youth involved in decision-making and accountable for the outcomes
• Healthy environment/clean water, soil, air, and lots of trees and green space
YOUTH TASK FORCE VISION STATEMENT
In order to foster support for families,
safe opportunities for individuals to grow and learn,
and healthier communities based on faith and values...
The Community Youth Task Force, out of a sense of urgency,
seeks to energize partnerships between youth and adults
within families, schools, churches, businesses,
governing bodies and civic organizations,
that will enhance the quality of life
for youth, families and communities.
•
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The Community Youth Task Force will now move into- the action phase of its work.
Building on community strengths to address community concerns, the Task Force will
• promote partnerships in order to advance the following goals.
l
' YOUTH TASK FORCE ACTION PLAN
In order to foster support for families the Youth Task Force has adopted the following
goals:
• Initiate mentoring relationships among families, youth and the greater community
• Encourage the creation of neighborhood associations
• Create and support parent-children activities throughout the community, in
churches, public spaces, schools and homes
• Create and support a family counterpart to the DARE program
• Encourage availability and use of programs and opportunities which foster
positive parenting skills
• Bring youth and family issues to the forefront in community discussions
In order to foster safe opportunities for individuals to crow and learn the Youth Task
Force has adopted the following goals:
• Create safe places for. youth and families to gather in existing spaces
~'~
• Investigate options for creating new places to gather based on community needs
• Encourage development of summer school programs
_ • Energize community leaders to become involved in supervising youth activities
• Initiate an effort to provide safe, cost-effective transportation options for youth
In order to foster healthier communities based on faith and valu s the Youth Task
Force has adopted the following goals:
• Work to identify a common set of core community values
• Encourage adoption of the common values by various community entities
• Provide support for public promotion of the community values statement
The foundation upon which these goals rest is the Youth Task Force's belief in
encouraging direct involvement of youth wherever possible in processes and
decisions that affect them. Successful youth programming will be done for youth. with
.youth. and by youth.
•
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CONCLUSION
. The Youth Task Force recognizes that these goals represent the beginning stage of a
dynamic process, a process during which we will initiate as well as respond, lead as
well as follow, and give support as well as ask for support on behalf of youth. In
striving toward our broad goal of a community which promotes healthy youth
development, we are guided by the African proverb which says, "It takes an entire
village to raise a child." Thus, our path will be in partnership: working together with all
segments within the community to address common concerns, share resources and
create a better world for our youth.
• ~
For additional copies of this report or to comment on it contact:
Rev. Greg Pagh
Youth Task Force Chairperson
Christ Lutheran Church
15849 NE 90th St.
• Otsego, MN 55330
441-5097
OR Chris Kelly
Youth Task Force Vice-Chairperson
19352 Carson Circle NW
Elk River, MN 55330
441-1902
-6-
• -APPENDIX A-
The following received written surveys:
CLUBS, ASSOCIATIONS, ORGANIZATIONS
Boy Scouts of America: Central Minnesota Council Rogers Lions Club
Greater Minneapolis Girl Scout Council Elk River Lions Club
Club Youth Zimmerman Lions Club
Big Brother/Big Sister Elk River Rotary
St. Cloud YMCA Women of Today
DeMolay/Job's Daughters VFW Post 5518
MORE Productions American Legion Club2immerman
CASY Eagles Club/Elk River
Elk River Jaycees Rogers/Hassan Community Club
Zimmerman Jaycees
•
BUSINESSES.
Just for Fun
Elk River Mall
Barbara Lee's Studio of Dance
Stacy's Dance Studio
Kaleidoscope Dance Studio
CHURCH YOUTH GROUPS
United Methodist Church2immerman St. Andrew's
St. John's Lutheran Church. Elk River Assembly of God
__
Church of God of Prophecy St. John the Baptist
Zimmerman Evangelical Free Church St. Martin's Church
Word of Peace Church Central Lutheran Church
Christ Lutheran Church St. Walburga Church
Christ Lutheran Church Joy Evangelical Free Church
•
SCHOOLS
• Sports and after school programs
•
School District 728 Area Recreation Coordinator
Extracurricular activities other than sports
Rogers Elementary Meadowvale Elementary
Zimmerman Elementary Handke Elementary
Parker Elementary Lincoln Elementary
St. Martin's School St. John Lutheran School
St. Andrew's School Alliance Christian Academy
Elk River Area Senior High VandenBerge Junior High School
District 728 Area Learning Center Salk Junior High School
District 728 ECFE Youth Advisory Council
Chemical Health Advisory Committee Child Abuse and Neglect Council
High School Activities Organizations
SAND
ERASH Student Council
Peer Helpers Parent Advisory Council
School Counselors/Psychologist
Elk River Area Senior High School VandenBerge Junior High School
Salk Junior High School Special Education Co-op
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES -
(4H, Health Services, Probation Services)
Wright County Hennepin County Sherburne County
Elk River Police Department/DARE Sherburne Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Advisory Committee
•
APPENDIX A
Page two
1 CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE
Greater Zimmerman Area Chamber of Commerce Elk River Area Chamber of
Commerce Rogers Area Chamber of Commerce
OTHER
Elk River Area United Way Rivers of Hope
Focus groups were held at:
Salk Junior High School (conducted by District 728 Youth Advisory Council)
Elk River Area Senior High School
Visioning sessions were held with:
Students in grades 5 and 6 /n the following schoo/s:
Lincoln Elementary St. Andrew's School Rogers Elementary Zmmerman Elementary
St. Martin's School Parker Elementary
•The following community groups:
Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Council Head Start Parents
Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce
Directors Rivers of Hope Staff & Board of
District 728 Community Education Advisory Council Pastors and Youth Ministers
Three Rivers Foundation Board of Directors Elk River Police Department
VandenBerge Junior High School Discipline Committee The Grange
Elk River Methodist Church Group Elk River Rotary
LC and Club Summer Parents __
Early Child Education Advisory Council
Sherburne County Intake Social Workers, Caseworkers, and County Attorney's Staff
Interested citizens in open meetings held in:
Zimmerman Rogers Otsego Elk River
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APPENDIX A
Page three
The following reports provided relevant information:
The 1992 Minnesota Department of Education Student Survey (District 728 results
Report from the 1992 Sherburne/Benton County Task Force on Violence Against Women and Children
Sherburne County 1993: Status of Youth and Families
School District 728 - 1990 Youth Opinion Survey
The Youth Task Force he/d discussions with:
Director, District 728 Area Learning Center
Director, Sherburne County Probation Services
Counselor, District 728 Junior High Schools
Family Counselor, Village Family Service Center
Youth Advocate, Rivers of Hope
Founder, Club Youth
r:
Appendix A
Page four
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F
Sdrool
APPENDIX B-
Community Strengths as Experienced by Youth
Care and support: Positive and supportive life with good
communications.
Monitoring and discipline: Parents monitor activities, express concern/
disapproval, and provide discipline.
Caring and supportive school environment: They feel teachers care
about and encourage them.
Motivated and committed: They try hard at school, care about and do
school work, and aspire to post-secondary education.
Involved families: They receive strong support from and involvement by
parents in school-related activities.
Community Attendance in religious services: They attend church or synagogue
Involvement services with some regularity.
• Structured activities: Involvement in some form of structured activity
in school, religious organizations, or other community-based
organization at least two hours per week.
Connections to other adults: Availability of non-parental adults they can
go to on important issues, or have had serious conversations with, in last
month.
Peer Absence of negative behavior: They do not skip school, drink frequently,
use other drugs, or attend drinking parties.
Avoidance of overly hedonistic values: They. do not judge. it extremely
important to "have lots of money," have "lots of fun and good times," or be
"popular and well-liked."
Presence of prosocial behavior: They spend time as volunteers helping
others.
Endorsement of prosocial values: It is important to help "other people,"
"reduce hunger and poverty," and "make the world a better place to live."
• Presence of responsible behavior/values: They value sexual restraint or
use contraception, do not drink and drive, or ride with drivers who drink.
•
ASSETS
Assets are factors promoting positive teenage development. These assets may result
from "external" factors such as positive relations hips in families, friendship groups,
schools and the community, or they may result from "internal" factors reflecting the
] teenager's personal convictions, values and attit udes .
External Assets Internal Assets
1. Family support 1. Achievement motivation
~ 2. Parent(s) as social resources 2. Educational aspiration
3. Parent communication 3. School performance
4. Other adult resources 4. Homework
' 5. Other adult communication 5. Values helping people
6. Parent involvement in schooling 6. Is concerned about world hunger
7. Positive school climate 7. Cares about people's feelings
8. Parental standards 8. Values sexual restraint
~ 9. Parental discipline 9. Assertiveness skills
l 10. Parental monitoring 10. Decision-making skills
11. Time at home 11. Friendship-making skills
12. Positive peer influence 12. Planning skills
13. Involved in music 13. Self-esteem
14. Involved in school extracurricular activities 14. Positive view of personal future
15. Involved in community organizations or
activities.
16. Involved in church or synagogue
The average student has only 50 percent of the external assets and 60 percent of the
internal assets. As youth get older and face tougher choices, the number of assets tends
to decrease in the key areas of positive values, control and support.
• ~` ~ ~
APPENDIX B
Page two