Columbus Youth Commission NEWS

YC Amazing Spring

Events that will Rock You!

Starting 19 March 2005, ALL OVER COLUMBUS

Think being "stuck" in Ohio or Columbus is going to be boring this year? Not if the YC can help it!

The Columbus Youth Commission is giving central Ohio teens the hookup this spring, with events you can only call "amazing!"

Northwest Soundoff

No one regrets spending time at Carriage Place in northwest Columbus. So, why not hold the first of many regional town hall meetings there? For all teens from Dublin, Hilliard, Upper Arlington, Powell, Delaware, Marysville and Northwest Columbus, we've got just the way to spend your Saturday afternoon. Tell us what issues are important to teens from your area, and get free entertainment from a regional band! A simple way to have a great time... Saturday March 19. 1-3:00pm

Carriage Place Rec. Center

4900 Sawmill Road

The Jumpoff

Sure. The YC has had so many events, each bringing hundreds of Columbus-area teens. So what makes this event sizzle? First, it's so big we had to team up with Long Street Entertainment. If you're looking for the place where all your friends and every teen in central Ohio will be in the evening on April 2nd, you've found it.

The Jumpoff is a multi-building super party unlike anything you've ever been to. We'll have a top DJ spinning your favorite hits all night in our Dance Room. But more important, we'll have a Battle of the Best - the most incredible performance competition out there. Dozens of the region's talented teens will compete in five categories: Rock, including classic rock, alternative and punk; Top 40, including Pop, Hip Hop, Rap, R&B and more; and Dance/Step, including step teams and other dance performances.

We'll See You @ The Jumpoff!

Details? Click Here!

Back Home, Click Here

"Why?" The Summit 2004

Annual Event Succeeds

15 October 2004 WESTLAND MALL

Many youth in Columbus may have still been sleeping. But on COTA Day 2004 (a day off for Columbus-area public school students), hundreds of young people ages 13-21 from nearly every school district (plus private schools and colleges) came to Westland Mall to make Columbus a better place.

Each year, the Columbus Youth Commission teams up with organizations to support many events around the city. But this event is the YC's signature, for the fourth year running. The theme was "Why?" with a subtitle of "Our City, Our Time." During the Friday from 9:00- 3:00pm, the youth discussed problems in greater Columbus, and how to make them better.

The day was kicked off with an inspirational speech from new Youth Commissioner Liliana Parra, and words of wisdom by Pastor Tyus Nedd. Participants then broke up into small groups to discuss problems and solutions for Columbus. Each person had two of these "breakout sessions," in which they were also treated to a continental breakfast courtesy of local shops like Krispy Kreme.

The day continued with lunch provided by Papa John's and Coca Cola, and local entertainment groups. With election day quickly approaching, a young Democrat & young Republican were on hand to debate Kerry versus Bush, responding to the audience's questions and comments. A man also came representing the Columbus City Schools and their upcoming levy. The youth responded by voting for select candidates and issues, using copies of an actual paper ballot.

Finally, participants were treated to more local entertainment, and they received customized The Summit 2004 t-shirts.

Overall, from response sheets turned in, people rated every major component in the "Good" or "Excellent" catagories. The event went off without a hitch, and was widely viewed to be the most successful in the Summit's four-year history.

Youth Commissioners are now compiling the youth's perspectives and ideas, putting them into an annual report for the Mayor and City Council. They thank all donors, workshop presenters, advertisers and participants for continuing to make the event possible.

MORE NEWS ARCHIVES>CLICK HERE

This page is c.2002-2005 Columbus Youth Commission, all rights reserved. The Columbus YC is a program of the
City of Columbus, OH. The YC has approved the content of this webpage and the pages immediately linked from it.

*The 2003 Theme is Youth Anti-Violence. As a major issue facing Columbus, it is best to hear your problems and solutions regarding this and other important issues.

*Workshops and discussions will be led in small groups by knowledgable adults who specialize in different facets of the Youth Anti-Violence theme. It will be up to you to share your opinions and ideas with Youth Commissioners and one another.

*A mock City Council meeting will be held in the afternoon. You will receive a crash-course (a fun one) on the functions, structure, and methods of City Government from the Columbus City Councilmembers themselves! The mayor may stop by... But you will run the meeting. We won't give it all away, but this will be your time to comment on other issues that you care about as well.

*Free foods of different types will be provided for you!

*We have very motivating and cool speakers coming to inspire you! Entertainment will be provided by youth just like you from tons of different cultures. Oh, and did we mention that singer and movie star Tyrese Gibson may appear (seriously!) to speak about anti-violence?...

With all these and more reasons to come to the Youth Summit, how can you miss it? Ask your parents and social studies/history/government teachers to take your class on this once-in-a-lifetime educational adventure! People from ages 13 to 21 are strongly encouraged to come and participate. Any questions can be directed to our Youth Commission Coordinator by clicking here.

10 New Commissioners Sworn-In

Welcome to the YC

27 September 2004, CITY HALL

On this Monday evening, 10 new Columbus Youth Commissioners stood before Mayor Coleman, City Council President Habash, and Councilmember Kevin Boyce to be sworn in as part of the third "class" of Youth Commissioners. Boyce challenged the group with a new montra, "Awareness, Advocacy, Action;" in a year which many feel will be the "coming out" of the YC to bigger and better things. New YC's for 2004-05 are: Danielle Carpenter, Kaleigh Dumbach, Melinda Feliciano, Kamran Haydar, Ai Binh Ho, Drew Linnabary, Elise Nelson,

Liliana Parra, Tristan Shy, and Tierra Ware.

But this was not their first time meeting each other. The process of selection was (as usual) rigorous, and began in late spring 2004. Applying, going through two interviews, and being approved by the Mayor himself were just a few of the hurdles that each of the new Youth Commissioners encountered - and succeeded. Beginning this summer, members got acquainted in a 3-day, 2-part retreat - part at City Hall, and part overnight in St. Mary's, Ohio. Immediately following this retreat, attendance at Monday evening meetings consisted of all 21 members, even the 10 that had not yet been sworn-in. Discussions have thus far focused on the Youth Summit (details - click here).

The new group has also been officially addressed by Boyce, the City Attorney, the City Auditor, and Community Relations Commission Director Jim Stowe. They are also partnering with other groups to focus on later events.

Overall, it has been stated that this is the most diverse (in many ways) and unique Youth Commission there has ever been. New commissioners are fitting in like professionals, and everyone is excited to commence a great new year.

IN OTHER NEWS:

*YC Executives for the 2004-05 year are: Chair, David Allen;

Vice Chair, David Donofrio; and Secretary, Greg Price.

*Announcing the resignation of Commissioner Yaves Ellis, effective immediately. He has been with us since 2002. Good luck, and thanks.

Youth Summit '03

A Resounding Success!

24 October 2003 WESTLAND MALL - The only

disappointment was that Tyrese didn't sell enough tickets

to visit Columbus - the rest was amazing! The 2003

Columbus Youth Commission Youth Summit had over 500

Columbus-area youth and many more volunteers, presenters,

and entertainers to put together an unforgettable, educational day. More than the expected crowd showed up, and before the 24th, the Youth Commission had over double the 400 cap. Before long, everyone was registered and ready for the Summit.

First, the group was greeted by Commissioners Yaves Ellis and Maegan Martin, who were the masters of ceremonies. There were then eighteen different workshops for the group to break into, each relating to an aspect of anti-violence. From "Streets 101" to "Where is the Love?" breakouts were educational and informal discussions. Youth Commissioners spoke briefly to each workshop about City Government structure, and led the small groups into creating a list of ways to solve these problems. After delicious meals of pizza, Krispy Kreme doughnuts and drinks, the group was treated to a Mexican dance by __________ and a surprise performance by R&B group TG4! TG4 ended with a stunning
Star Spangled Banner rendition in anticipation of the Mock City Council Meeting. Presiding over the meeting was Councilmember Kevin Boyce and City Clerk _____________, who were soon joined by Councilwoman Charleta Tavares and City Attorney Richard Pfeiffer (sp?). Youth Commissioners introduced mock-ordinances (proposed laws) to the group, and after 3-minute comments by workshop leaders, were approved by the Mock Council. After this, the Summit attendees enjoyed a pop performance by David Donofrio (YC), a beautiful ballad by __________________, some hot rap debuts by Yaves Ellis (YC), and a moving poem by Banan Al-Akhras (YC). All in all, it was great! The Youth Commissioners thank all who attended - their ideas will be presented to City Council (the real one!) !

More details coming soon. Also, Tyrese's concert has been rescheduled - click below.

Columbus Youth Commission

NEWS

NEWS

The Third-Annual Columbus Youth Commission Youth Summit is rapidly approaching! This year's event promises to be huge! It will be held at Westland Mall on Friday, October 24 from 8:00am to 2:00pm. Registration will be from 8:00-9:00 am that day. Please send all forms to the YC by October 17. Take a look at some of the many great things taking place this year!

*The 2003 Theme is Youth Anti-Violence. As a major issue facing Columbus, it is best to hear your problems and solutions regarding this and other important issues.

*Workshops and discussions will be led in small groups by knowledgable adults who specialize in different facets of the Youth Anti-Violence theme. It will be up to you to share your opinions and ideas with Youth Commissioners and one another.

*A mock City Council meeting will be held in the afternoon. You will receive a crash-course (a fun one) on the functions, structure, and methods of City Government from the Columbus City Councilmembers themselves! The mayor may stop by... But you will run the meeting. We won't give it all away, but this will be your time to comment on other issues that you care about as well.

*Free foods of different types will be provided for you!

*We have very motivating and cool speakers coming to inspire you! Entertainment will be provided by youth just like you from tons of different cultures. Oh, and did we mention that singer and movie star Tyrese Gibson may appear (seriously!) to speak about anti-violence?...

With all these and more reasons to come to the Youth Summit, how can you miss it? Ask your parents and social studies/history/government teachers to take your class on this once-in-a-lifetime educational adventure! People from ages 13 to 21 are strongly encouraged to come and participate. Any questions can be directed to our Youth Commission Coordinator by clicking here.

>

youth

summit

10/24!

9 New Youth

Commissioners Sworn-in!

15 September 2003 CITY HALL - Joining the returing

twelve Youth Commissioners are nine new faces to

the group! Following several meetings and an August

three-day retreat, the new group of twenty-one is

prepared to tackle major youth issues in Columbus,

as well as sponsoring and creating safe events for the

youth of our city. Their first major work, following the

modifications to by-laws, is regarding the Third-Annual

Youth Summit, Friday, October 24th at Westland Mall

from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. The group encourages teachers

to bring their students for a very educational and unique

experience (read below article for further details).

The Columbus Youth Commission, through this

swearing-in, has become increasingly diverse in more

ways than one. The Commissioners are prepared to

represent the youth of the entire metropolitan area,

emphasizing reaching out to groups who may not be

physically represented.

New Youth Commissioners include: Alyssa Hayman, Maegan Martin, Ashley Mitchell, Elise [Toni] Preston, Greg Price, Justin Roberts, Dulce Serrano, Keeanna Smith, and Suvon Touch.

YC Committee Chairs Chosen

1 December 2003 CITY HALL

Following several weeks of running out of time at meetings,

the Columbus Youth Commission voted for chairs of various

subcommittees to focus special attention on a single

aspect of the Youth Commission's reach, whether it be

deciding on which community events it will sponsor, or

raising donations for the non-for-profit group. The top committee

is the Executive Committee, of which David Allen serves as

chair of the Commission, Devin Price serves as vice-chair,

and Asisa Chiles serves as secretary. These positions were

voted upon as a final act of the preceding Youth Commission.

Below listed are the elected chairs, members, and a brief

description. The entire Commission chose these chairs by popular vote.

Membership Committee - Chair - Angela Flatinger,

members - Devin Price, Alicia Adams,and Banan Al-Akhras.

Decides on issues relating to choosing new members and dealing with old members.

Fundraising/Donations Committee - Chair - Greg Price,

members - Alyssa Hayman, James Bush, Dulce Serrano,

and Shakeedra Garner. Aids in raising money and donations for the YC.

Legislative Committee - Chair - David Donofrio,

members - Maegan Martin and Suvon Touch.

Suggests and organizes ideas relating to legislation, in conjunction

with the Mayor and City Council.

Marketing/Public Relations Committee - Chair - Ashley Mitchell,

members - Keeanna Smith, Nworah Ayogu, Justin Roberts

& Greg Price. Spreads the word regarding YC events and gains sponsors.

Refreshments Committee - Chair - Shakeedra Garner,

members Asisa Chiles and Eric Glaze. Organizes refreshments for the YC,

also in terms of for events and gaining food/drink sponsorships.

Community Projects Committee - Chair - Maegan Martin,

members - Ashley Mitchell and Dulce Serrano. Aids in the organization

and structure of YC events amd projects, choosing ones that benefit the youth.

Youth Summit Committee - Chair - Yaves Ellis,

members - Elise Preston, Angela Flatinger, and Keeanna Smith.

Organizes and heads all work regarding the YC's largest

event, working out details all year.

Speaking Committee - Chair - Elise Preston,

members - Yaves Ellis, David Donofrio, Eric Glaze,and Alyssa Hayman.

Speaks on events on behalf of the YC, helping to get the word out in the public eye.

Also, Ad Hoc Committees are added as needed, previously

FirstNight Columbus, with interested Commissioners

Ayogu, Chiles, Garner and Roberts.

El Dia de los Ninos Events

Gracias, Amigos!

29 April - 1 May 2004 WESTLAND MALL, COOPER STADIUM

Celebrating a traditionally Latino holiday, children,

youth and adults alike joined at two related events

this week to bring El Dia de los Ninos (The Day

of the Children) to America. What better place

than within the diversity of Columbus? Nationwide

Insurance, The Ohio Hispanic Coalition, and the

National Latino Institute invited the Columbus

Youth Commission to collaborate in planning

the April 29th Mini Youth Summit, targeting 13 to 21 year olds, but welcoming all ages of adults to aid in moderating and participating. Although bilingual, the Summit attracted a very diverse audience and presented ideas to the YC for solutions. Inspirational personal stories were shared by author Luiz Rodriguez and Ret. Lt. Col. Consuela Kickbusch. Overall themes of respect and understanding resonated throughout the night, as Kickbusch challenged the audience to be positive and bring new faces next year of more youth who must be listened to. The night also included a panel discussion with six members, including Kickbusch and YC members Banan Al-Akhras and Justin Roberts. Emcees for the evening were Commissioners Devin Price and Dulce Serrano, who served as Price's Spanish translator. Following reactions from the audience, STAND performed drug and violence free comedy, dancing and singing - also centering on abstinence. Pizza and drinks were available afterwards, as people watched STAND and circulated to organizations' booths around the room. Turnout was wonderful, and all had a positive evening.

Two days later, on May 1st, was the El Dia de los Ninos main event at Cooper Stadium. Hundreds of youth, children and parents attended the event - the second year which had a YC presence. The YC began the morning by debriefing the Mini Youth Summit and asking the same questions of organizational leaders as were posed on April 29th. After this, the group enjoyed a welcoming parade of chidren waving flags of Hispanic nations in the Western Hemisphere. Visiters then could enjoy food and entertainment, or circulate to the many booths of attending organizations, including the YC table. Children could make origami, listen to drums, participate in arts and crafts, and see what other opportunities are upcoming. This year's crowd was noticably more diverse than last year's, signaling that the goal of making El Dia de los Ninos an American celebration of children is being achieved. Both events were very successful.

2003-04 Youth Commissioners:

Alicia Adams

Banan Al-Akhras

David Allen

Nworah Ayogu

James Bush

Asisa Chiles

David Donofrio

Yaves Ellis

Angela Flatinger

Shakeedra Garner

Eric Glaze

Alyssa Hayman

Maegan Martin

Ashley Mitchell

Elise Preston

Devin Price

Greg Price

Justin Roberts

Dulce Serrano

Keeanna Smith

Suvon Touch

This page is c.2002-2005 Columbus Youth Commission, all rights reserved. The Columbus YC is a program of the
City of Columbus, OH. The YC has approved the content of this webpage and the pages immediately linked from it.

"Why?" The Summit 2004

Annual Event Succeeds

15 October 2004 WESTLAND MALL

Many youth in Columbus may have still been sleeping. But on COTA Day 2004 (a day off for Columbus-area public school students), hundreds of young people ages 13-21 from nearly every school district (plus private schools and colleges) came to Westland Mall to make Columbus a better place.

Each year, the Columbus Youth Commission teams up with organizations to support many events around the city. But this event is the YC's signature, for the fourth year running. The theme was "Why?" with a subtitle of "Our City, Our Time." During the Friday from 9:00- 3:00pm, the youth discussed problems in greater Columbus, and how to make them better.

The day was kicked off with an inspirational speech from new Youth Commissioner Liliana Parra, and words of wisdom by Pastor Tyus Nedd. Participants then broke up into small groups to discuss problems and solutions for Columbus. Each person had two of these "breakout sessions," in which they were also treated to a continental breakfast courtesy of local shops like Krispy Kreme.

The day continued with lunch provided by Papa John's and Coca Cola, and local entertainment groups. With election day quickly approaching, a young Democrat & young Republican were on hand to debate Kerry versus Bush, responding to the audience's questions and comments. A man also came representing the Columbus City Schools and their upcoming levy. The youth responded by voting for select candidates and issues, using copies of an actual paper ballot.

Finally, participants were treated to more local entertainment, and they received customized The Summit 2004 t-shirts.

Overall, from response sheets turned in, people rated every major component in the "Good" or "Excellent" catagories. The event went off without a hitch, and was widely viewed to be the most successful in the Summit's four-year history.

Youth Commissioners are now compiling the youth's perspectives and ideas, putting them into an annual report for the Mayor and City Council. They thank all donors, workshop presenters, advertisers and participants for continuing to make the event possible.

MORE NEWS ARCHIVES>CLICK HERE

Back Home, Click Here

YC Amazing Spring

Events that will Rock You!

Starting 19 March 2005, ALL OVER COLUMBUS

Think being "stuck" in Ohio or Columbus is going to be boring this year? Not if the YC can help it!

The Columbus Youth Commission is giving central Ohio teens the hookup this spring, with events you can only call "amazing!"

Northwest Soundoff

No one regrets spending time at Carriage Place in northwest Columbus. So, why not hold the first of many regional town hall meetings there? For all teens from Dublin, Hilliard, Upper Arlington, Powell, Delaware, Marysville and Northwest Columbus, we've got just the way to spend your Saturday afternoon. Tell us what issues are important to teens from your area, and get free entertainment from a regional band! A simple way to have a great time... Saturday March 19. 1-3:00pm

Carriage Place Rec. Center

4900 Sawmill Road

The Jumpoff

Sure. The YC has had so many events, each bringing hundreds of Columbus-area teens. So what makes this event sizzle? First, it's so big we had to team up with Long Street Entertainment. If you're looking for the place where all your friends and every teen in central Ohio will be in the evening on April 2nd, you've found it.

The Jumpoff is a multi-building super party unlike anything you've ever been to. We'll have a top DJ spinning your favorite hits all night in our Dance Room. But more important, we'll have a Battle of the Best - the most incredible performance competition out there. Dozens of the region's talented teens will compete in five categories: Rock, including classic rock, alternative and punk; Top 40, including Pop, Hip Hop, Rap, R&B and more; and Dance/Step, including step teams and other dance performances.

We'll See You @ The Jumpoff!

Details? Click Here!