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Viewpoints

T.A.L.K event focuses on need for teen facility (ies)
The community is invited to participate-December 4th
By Karen Eakes

 

November 27, 2007
Tuesday AM


One idea continually comes up at T.A.L.K. (Teens and Adults Linking in Ketchikan) events no matter what the stated topic happens to be-the need for some kind of teen " after school hours" facility that will provide a place for teens to gather and have a safe place to "hang-out," study, and visit.

During the past two years, PATCHWorks has held five different T.A.L.K. events. Among the topics we have discussed are the importance of parental involvement in children's lives, drug and alcohol use among our teens, and factors that encourage and/or discourage students from completing high school. Opinions and ideas are openly shared in these small group discussions and people generally leave feeling like they have learned and gained from the experience.

The primary goal of T.A.L.K is to increase positive communication and understanding between the generations and address topics of interest and concern to young people and the community at large. In the evaluations that we ask people to fill out each time, the question of taking some kind of action as a result of our discussion is often posed. PATCHWorks has collected a wealth of data, ideas and opinions through these events, but we have never attempted to develop specific action plans as a result of these discussions.

However, PATCHWorks is holding the next T.A.L.K. event on December 4th with the expressed purpose of discussing options for a "safe place to gather" for Ketchikan's youth.
We will have a brief panel presentation from different organizations that are currently providing services to teens and then see where the gaps seem to exist. We encourage all youth and adults who are interested in exploring this idea to attend and share their thoughts. Through this process, we hope to develop action plans and provide opportunities for youth to take a leadership role in this effort.

Please join us on Tuesday, December 4th from 6:00 to 8:30 PM at the Kayhi Commons. Dinner and child care will be provided. For information email PATCHWorks at communityassets@yahoo.com or call 225-4350.

Karen Eakes
PATCHWorks Director
Ketchikan, AK

Received November 26, 2007 - Published November 27, 2007

 

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