As we look back on the impactful activities of the Eastside Pathways Youth Council in 2023 and eagerly anticipate the engaging sessions planned for 2024, we see a continuation of commitment, growth, and community impact.
2023 Eastside Pathways Youth Council Accomplishments
In 2023, the Eastside Pathways Youth Council provided a vital platform for young individuals to express their concerns, engage in meaningful discussions, and influence community initiatives. The reflections and discussions from the 2023 youth council meetings highlighted several key areas for improvement and action.
Summarized Reflections and Topics of Discussion:
- Language and Disabilities: Importance of using respectful and inclusive language for people with disabilities.
- Access to Healthcare and Education: Impact of healthcare access on student success and challenges related to the predominantly white education workforce.
- Representation and Support: The value of black educators in supporting black students.
- Post-Pandemic Challenges: Experiences returning to in-person learning post-COVID-19 and addressing learning and social losses.
- Resource Gaps: Inadequate college support, inefficiencies in school counseling, and the need for more education funding.
- Mental Health Support: Ineffective and reactive mental health support systems in schools, with a call for better preventive measures and accessibility.
- Support for LGBTQIA+ Youth: Need for health support, community affinity, and de-stigmatization.
- Food and Housing Insecurity: Impact of food and housing insecurity on youth outcomes.
- Early Childhood Experiences: Adverse experiences of young Latine/Hispanic youth.
Looking Ahead: 2024 Program Overview
Building on the discussions and insights from 2023, the Eastside Pathways Youth Council has an exciting and ambitious program planned for 2024. Here’s a summary of what’s in store:
Program Duration: July to August
Meeting Times: Mondays, 2:00-4:30pm
Location: Eastside Pathways Office, 2650 148th Ave SE, Suite 216, Bellevue, WA 98007
Summarized 2024 Program Highlights:
- Relationship Building: Building a sense of belonging and introducing Eastside Pathways.
- Empowerment: Learning facilitation skills to lead meetings and discussions.
- Data Walk: Exploring the Eastside Pathways Community Report and gathering data on youth outcomes.
- Focus: Identifying key areas of focus and brainstorming solutions.
- Adaptive Leadership: Developing and refining recommendations for identified challenges.
- Presentation Day: Presenting recommendations to executive and civic leaders, with families invited to attend.
A Bright Future
As we transition into 2024, the Eastside Pathways Youth Council continues to be a beacon of youth empowerment and community engagement. The structured program, combined with the enthusiasm and dedication of our young members, promises another year of impactful initiatives and personal growth.
We invite the community to support and celebrate these young leaders as they embark on another journey of making a difference in East King County.
For more information or to get involved, please contact Kalika at kalika@eastsidepathways.org or info@eastsidepathways.org, or call (425) 971-1485. Let’s continue to support our youth as they lead the way toward a brighter future!