What's next for the Youth Master Plan?

Chris Karel · Post by **Chris Karel** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 7:21 am

"All Youth and Families Belong and Thrive"

September 6, 2007
Hello Observers,

A new opportunity is approaching. Youth Master Plan, three words that mean very little to most residents of Lakewood. Youth Master Plan, to those involved has meant a myriad of things most of which involved too many meetings and not enough action. Now, itÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s time to teach Lakewood that Youth Master Planning means uniting various youth serving groups, targeting specific goals, and carrying out actions that will benefit youth and families.

Currently, we have a draft of the Youth Master Plan. However, weÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ve re-submitted it to The Center for Community Solutions and expect to receive it in the next couple of weeks. When we receive it, it will be posted on our website at www.lakewoodymp.com Next, we are searching for energetic, passionate and hard-working members of the community to become members of the guiding organization that will initially be titled the Lakewood Youth Commission. Once the members are selected and the Commission is formed, we will seek three forms of sustainability for the group: pass a city ordinance that recognizes the Commission, have the school board pass a resolution similarly recognizing the Commission, and then have the School Board, City Council and the Mayor sign an Agreement which pledges their support of the group and defines exactly what is expected of everyone. To my knowledge, this separate agreement is unprecedented in Lakewood. It will give greater credibility to the Youth Master Plan and the actions of the Lakewood Youth Commission as well as make the Commission a lasting entity for years to come.

Hopefully, the Commission will be up and running in November. Please be patient with this process. It is my hope that all of the hard work and great ideas that have gotten started during the planning stage will start to bear fruit prior to the end of 2007. If you have questions, please don't hesitate to email me directly (karels@sbcglobal.net) or contact the Department of Human Services directly at 529-6685.

Sincerely,

Chris Karel, Community Chair
Lakewood Youth Master Plan[img][/img]

David Lay · Post by **David Lay** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 7:22 am

Chris,

Thanks for your post.

Have you sent this through the Member Center? It would be printed in the paper if you do.

sharon kinsella · Post by **sharon kinsella** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 8:18 am

Chris -

I had no idea there was something like this going on!

I'm so excited about this.

We have an opportunity in our community to influence the growth of our young people. Positive energy and proactive planning will go so far in helping our kids to grown to be great Lakewoodites!

Thank you and everyone involved in the process of growing our children.

Mona Ewing · Post by **Mona Ewing** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 8:25 am

Hi Chris,
I believe we may have met at a PTA Council mtg. at the high school last spring. I would like more information about the function of this group, it sounds like something I may be interested in. Thanks!
Mona