The Youth Advocacy Board - Recently Updated Pages

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YABLeader — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 19:49:06 CDT

CALLING ALL INTERESTED YAB MEMBERS!!!!

Do you like to make a difference in your community?

Do you like for your voice to be heard?

Do you enjoy helping others???

Then you need to join the.....

Youth Advocacy Board!

Come to our next meeting: Tuesday, August 11th from 5:30-6:30 at Great Oaks in Monroe

Please contact us with any questions at:

emily.gallman@gmail.com or

770-883-6881

YAB Members Click Here

Walton County

Youth Advocacy Board

The Youth Advocacy Board is made up of students from Walton County.

Mission:

To provide young leaders with a positive environment for their ideas, opinions, and for their concerns to be recognized and acted upon.

Goals:

Serve as a voice representing Walton County Youth.
The YAB serves as an outlet for community youth to have a voice on issues that affect them.
Community Service Projects
The YAB identifies key youth issues within our community and surrounding areas. All services projects are voted on by the youth and stem from identified key issues.
Affect Youth Policy.
Youth serving on the advocacy board are encouraged to get involved in political issues from the local to national level including the local board of education.
Community Youth Activities
YAB plans, organizes, and implements fun educational Youth activities within Walton County.

Other links:

Monroe Area High School
www.monroeareahigh.org
Loganville High School
www.loganvillehigh.org
Social Circle
http://www.scboe.org/hs/
Walton County Public Schools
http://www.walton.k12.ga.us/

The Partnership

www.thepartnershipwalton.org

YAB Reminders

YABLeader — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:24:26 CDT

August 2009

Sun	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Fri	Sat
						1
2	3	4	5	6	7	8
9	10	11 YAB Meeting	12	13 Peer Educator Training	14	15
16	17	18	19	20 Peer Educator Training	21	22 Family Fun Day
23	24	25 YAB Meeting	26	27	28	29
30	31

April 2009

Sun	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Fri	Sat
			1 -------------------------	2 Cave Adventure -------------------------	3 Cave Adventure ------------------------	4
5	6	7 YAB Meeting	8	9	10	11
12	13	14	15	16	17	18 Booth at Loganfest in Loganville
19	20	21 YAB Meeting	22 Super Summer Kids Activity Fair in Monroe	23	24	25
26	27	28	29	30

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Upcoming Events

YABLeader — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:20:30 CDT

Youth Advocacy Board

YAB MEETING

When: Tuesday, August 11, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Where: Great Oaks in Monroe

We will have potential new members coming to see what YAB is all about.
Be ready to show them why YAB is so awesome!

Please contact me with any questions

emily.gallman@gmail.com

Click here for a map to Great Oaks

http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&addtohistory=&address=920%20Highway%20138%20Nw&city=Monroe&state=GA&zipcode=30655%2d7702&country=US&geodiff=1

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Community Interest

YABLeader — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 12:41:42 CST

Check out Walton County's new youth Website!
www.whycantyou.org
Why can't you speak your mind? Why can't you volunteer? Why can't you go to college? Why can't you make a difference?

YOU CAN!

Why Can't You = WCY = Walton County's Youth

We are dedicated to serving the interests of the community and the students of Walton County.

To collaborate with the YAB, you can contact Emily Russell, Youth Development Coordinator at emily.gallman@gmail.com.

The YAB would also like to give thanks to the organizations that make

everything possible:

The Partnership for Families, Children and Youth
(770)-207-6060
www.thepartnershipwalton.org

Walton County Healthcare Foundation, Inc.

~Great Oaks Assisted Living~

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Contact List

YABLeader — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 12:25:24 CST

Emily Russell, Youth Development Coordinator
Youth Advocacy Board

770-883-6881

emily.gallman@gmail.com

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Upcoming Events

Headline News

YABLeader — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:00:05 CDT

Rockin’ out for a cause

By Sharon Swanepoel
The Loganville Tribune

Published March 7, 2008

LOGANVILLE — Many of Walton County’s youth, their parents, grandparents and a few local officials turned out in force Friday to support the first annual Battle of the Bands at American Legion Post 233.

“We did not actually count people, but I would estimate about 400 people in attendance with teenagers, adults, younger siblings, etc.,” said Emily Gallman, youth development coordinator for The Partnership for Families, Children and Youth which co-hosted the event with the American Legion. “It was a really wonderful turnout. The Youth Advocacy Board members — high school students from Monroe, Loganville and Social Circle — had suggested holding the Battle of the Bands and they really knew what would interest their peers. The whole focus on the evening was on making healthy choices and realizing that you don’t need alcohol, drugs or violence to make an event like a concert enjoyable.”

Teens swayed to some of the music of their favorite local bands and, on occasion, held up their cell phones as lights as they swayed. For the most part, parents stayed on one side of the room and the kids hung out with their friends expected to tap their parents for funds for pizza or something to drink. But everyone agreed it was a great family event with many generations coming together for the good of the community.

Gallman said the three bands performing were comprised of high school students from Walton County. County Line and Sarudus were from Loganville and Blake Helman was from Monroe.

The entrance fee was either $5 or $2 with a donation of canned goods for the Shepherd’s Staff pantry in Loganville.

“We raised almost $1,000 from ticket sales and plan to donate a portion of it to charity,” Gallman said. “In addition, we collected tons of canned foods that we will be donating to Shepherd’s Staff.”

Gallman said the number of kids that came to support the effort shows teens want to be involved in the community.

“They want to help others by collecting canned foods or raising funds for charity. Also, they want their community to be interested in them and I think we clearly showed that on Friday night,” Gallman said.

Walton County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Tim Lull and Loganville City Councilman Chuck Bagley were some of the city and county leaders in attendance.

“I think this event really gave teens an opportunity to see their community cares about them and vice versa,” Gallman said. “We are definitely planning on holding the event next year. We will make a few adjustments, but overall try to include more bands and get even more teens involved. “

If anyone has any questions or wants information about youth development initiatives in Walton County, they can contact Gallman at 770-883-6881 or emily.gallman@gmail.com

Monroe teen wins president’s volunteer award

By Robbie Schwartz
The Walton Tribune

Published November 25, 2007
MONROE — In the age of video games, the Internet and cable TV, the likelihood of getting a teenager off the couch or out of their room is almost non-existent.

But groups like the Youth Advocacy Board brandish light in the time of darkness when it comes to motivating young minds, and one member in particular — Jessica Leach, a freshman at Monroe Area High School — shines brighter.

Tuesday morning, Leach was presented with the President’s Volunteer Gold Level Service Award, recognition which does not come lightly.

“Volunteerism at any age is phenomenal,” said Melinda Quinn, coordinator for The Partnership for Families, Children and Youth, who helped present the award to Leach. “It is important to the development of these young people. They are being pulled in so many different directions. And for Jessica, caring for others is a way of life.”

In 2003, President George W. Bush created the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation to help recognize the much-needed contributions volunteers make, bringing together business, entertainment, sports, education, government, non-profit and other leaders to weigh in on the accolade. The awards bestowed thanks and honor demonstrated commitment and action which inspires others — which easily describes Leach.

The young Monroe resident’s resumé is already established with a multitude of activities, which includes the Girl Scouts, the American Red Cross, sewing pillows for children in Somoa, collecting items and assembling more than 200 comfort kits for Hurricane Katrina victims and more.

Perhaps what sealed the deal for Leach to be thrown into the limelight followed a book sale by The Partnership. With hundreds of books left over, The Partnership agreed the books could be donated to various organizations throughout the county to help promote literacy, rather than stuffed in a box for storage.

Calls were made and hours spent sorting the variety of books, placed in boxes marked for each group which would benefit from each genre. Great Oaks Retirement Home asked for romance novels; the fire department requested action and adventure books. Many requests were made for children’s books, but those were few and far between in what was left over after the sale.

Leach took it upon herself to collect more books, creating a flyer for “gently used” children’s books from the 200 homes in the subdivision her family lives in, Woodlake. The residents stepped up to support the efforts of Leach, and through her initiative and their generosity, more than 500 books were collected. This afforded places such as the Boys & Girls Club the benefit.

“On behalf of the 600 kids of the Boys & Girls Club, thank you,” said Michelle Unchuan, executive director of the Walton County Boys & Girls Club. “We only survive on efforts of the community, and Jessica is one of the fine individuals in Walton County. She is one of those people who will have a big impact in life.”

For Leach, the reward came when she saw how much the children and other members of the community appreciated the books when they were delivered.

“Caring for others is a way of life, it’s what you do every day that can make a difference,” Leach said. “If you are having a bad day, do something kind for someone else — no strings attached, no expectations — that is the pure love of Christ. It will always make you feel better.”

Since the inception of the award in 2004, only 4,011 residents in the state have received any of the awards offered — which includes adults and youth across four different levels of recognition. To reach the gold level, Leach had to accumulate more than 100 hours of volunteer service.

After Walton County Board of Commissioners Chairmen Kevin Little presented Leach with her accolade, and Georgia Rep. Len Walker (R-107) gave the youngster a pin recognizing her effort, the humble youth took the podium, uncomfortable with all of the attention.

“Knowledge matters,” Leach nervously said. “When young people get involved, their knowledge of the world around them increases.”

After paying homage to her grandfather, a role model for Leach who in his own right was recognized for his efforts in a community in Florida by having a school named after him, the Monroe Area student joined her family and friends who were in attendance.

With her YAB friends by her side, Leach and others continue to better Walton County. And a grateful community took the time to thank a young leader for her efforts.

Haunted House of Addictions

The YAB sponsored the Haunted House of Addictions on October 18th and 20th, 2007 at Monroe Paintball Works. The event drew 354 guests from all over Walton County. Forty four volunteers put in numerous hours of effort to make this event a huge success! From all those that visited the Haunted House, 84% resported that what they saw in the Haunted House changed their perceptions and attitudes of drugs and alcohol.

The Haunted House took youth through the journey of addiction. Those that attended witnessed and experienced what it would be like to try drugs for that first time, to the point where it becomes an addiction and controls your life. Other points of interest within the Hautned House included a Meth Lab and a drug bust from Walton County's SERT team. The conclusion of the journey through addiciton allowed the participants to witness a car crash caused from an addiciton that finally took the lives of those who chose to use.

This was a dynamic presentation done in conjunction with Red Ribbon Week.

Special thanks to the Youth Advocacy Board, Walton County Sherriff's Department and Monroe Paintball Works.

Hands on Georiga Week 2007

The Youth Advocacy Board voted to make this week a “Tour of Community Service” throughout Walton. They will begin the week on Monday, October 1st at Southern Plantation Retirement Community in Loganville. These young people will be spending time with the residents while distributing crafts they have made. The following day, Tuesday, October 2nd the service project will be held at FISH’s Thrift Store in Monroe. The YAB will assist in sorting donations that have been brought to the store, while bringing some of their own donations. The final day of Hands on Georgia Week will be spent on Thursday, October 4th at the Boys and Girls Club of Social Circle. The YAB will be constructing terrarium’s with the children while visiting.

The Youth Advocacy Board is sponsored by The Partnership for Families, Children and Youth. A generous grant from the Walton County Health Care Foundation, Inc, has allowed the continuation of the YAB and other youth development initiatives.

Throughout the week, the Youth Advocacy Board members will have the opportunity to visit areas of the county that they may not visit on a regular basis. In addition, they will be focusing their efforts on different populations throughout the week to broaden their perspective on the population of Walton County.

Supplies for this week were made available by Wal-Mart. Participant t-shirts are supplied by Hands On Georgia and The Partnership.

If you would like to participate or help in any way, please contact Emily Gallman, Youth Development Coordinator at 770-883-6881.

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History of the YAB

YABLeader — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 10:37:14 CST

The Walton Tribune-Wednesday, June 26, 2002 Issue

WALTON COUNTY- In an effort to develop local middle school and high school students into leaders, communicators and community advocates, the county's Partnership for Families, Children and Youth has formed a youth advisory board.

The 12-member board is a youth-led, youth-oriented action team for Walton County which involves middle school and high school students from Monroe, Social Circle and Loganville.

Some of the advisory board's responsibilities include identifying youth programs and services within the county, in addition to having the opportunity to be a voice for youth in the community by describing what its members feel are "gaps and barriers" for youth in Walton County. The board will also help create and implement change, and will attempt to serve as a support network for all other existing youth groups and programs.

The youth advisory board was established, said Amber Kai Morgan, outreach coordinator for the Alcove in Monroe, "because the Partnership for Families, Children and Youth felt it was important to seek out the voice of youth, involve them in the process of improving our community, and to provide more positive and empowering opportunities for them in the community."

The board's first meeting was in April, and its members attended a leadership retreat in north Georgia in May led by members of the partnership, Dede Wood, health educator for ACES; and Amber Kai Morgan, outreach coordinator for the Alcove.

From humble beginnings...

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Past Events

YABLeader — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 11:26:33 CST

Here are some of the activities that we have worked on. There are many more including Feed the Hungry, Alcove 5K, and others.
Visit our gallery to view some of our events!

A night where teens come together and showcase their positive choices on the runway! A live DJ turns up the music as everyone enjoys the food, fashion and festivities! This year, the YAB has decided to hold a Concert. More details to come.

Youth Advocacy Board Members have a weekend together to learn what it takes to be a leader and works as team. Hands on activities help the members to experience first hand the qualities of a leader.

The Youth Fest is all about having a good time without drugs. The fest is music, games, education, and expressing your Anti-Drug!

YAB members have many opportunities to participate in commercials advertising for youth events or promoting a positive message to our community. These commercials appear on cable on major broadcasting networks. You may have seen us on CMT, MTV, Nickelodeon, The Discovery Channel, and The Travel Channel!

The YAB plans, organizes, and acts in the haunted house. The purpose of this house is to show youth the scary side of drugs and their consequences. Last year the YAB decided to do a Ghost Walk down Church Street.

Part of being a leader is giving back to your community. The YAB is committed to making Walton County the best place to grow up.

The YAB is very active in the community and we are dedicated to expanding from the normal activities we are involved in!

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Other Cool Stuff

YABLeader — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 11:24:04 CST

Just in case you're bored, here are some links to pretty amazing things!

www.whycantyou.org
A site created for Walton County's Youth!
Submit your opinions or ideas, why can't you be googled???

Amazing commercials!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Zdw8FinLOyY

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ny1bsi1QXj4

Sites to visit...

http://www.whatsyourantidrug.com/

Readers Only!

TIME Magazine Articles:

ADDICTED

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,986282,00.html

An Rx For Teen Sex

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1003380,00.html

Newsweek Articles:

Meth’s deadly buzz

www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3071772/

Teen girls should scale back their weigh-ins

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16097562/

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Picture Gallery

YABLeader — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 11:03:07 CDT

Haunted House planning
looks like Sarah has a good idea

some serious work......

having fun!

gettin' crafty!

2007 YAB

YAB new member retreat 2004!

The Original YAB Members from April of 2002.

Front row from left: Kimmiko Davidson, Whitney McClellan, Carrie Anderson, Ashley Fortt, and Dewayne Jackson.

On back row from left: Mandy Hicks, Lynda White, Tyrus Rome, Stephen Carter, Tiffany Tucker, Stephanie Taylor and Selena Spain.

YAB Ghost House! SCARY!

Back to School Fair in 2004

Selena Spain & Donnie Willey pass out anti-drug stickers and answer questions from the youth.

Student Interest

YABLeader — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 07:16:07 CST

The YAB is propelled by the students in Walton County and without their voice there is no Youth Advocacy Board. We are dedicated to giving students the opportunity to speak up for all the youth and to make a difference that will impact the people of the community. As a group, we are involved in community service, special events, and political development. Visit our History of the YAB and Past Events page to learn more about our projects!

To become part of the YAB, students can turn in an application packet beginning the first of the year. We will post deadline dates for YAB applicantions. Click on attachments YAB Packet below Comments to download the student application.

More about our members...
Members of the Advocacy Board are not just straight A students. A youth leader is a young person who displays commitment to being involved, exhibits the behavior and attitude of a leader in and out of school by respecting rules and their peers, enjoys being creative and helping others, is enthusiastic about being part of a team, motivated about getting goals accomplished, and energetic.

Visit other cool stuff for something a little different!

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Teens in Need

YABLeader — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 08:37:56 CST

If you are or you know someone who is in need of help, here are some helpful links and information.

Teen Help Lines

http://www.teenlineonline.org/

This is a for teens by teens website for those who are in need

http://www.teensurfer.com/teenhelp.htm

This website has many numbers to get help from

Local Help

The Alcove (770) 267-9156
ACES Teen Health Clinic (770) 207-4151

Walton County Mental Health Center (770) 267-8302

Family Recovery/Monroe Center (770) 535-1073

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