Imagine the difference each of us could make if we took the time every day to connect meaningfully with a child. Imagine a community where all young people's needs are met and their voices heard. Strengthening the bonds of our community - and providing a network of support for its youngest members - is what the Arlington Partnership is all about.

Our Vision - An Arlington where all young people are cared for, valued, and receive the support they need to become contributing, caring adults.

Our Mission - To improve the health, wellbeing, and safety of children, youth, and families in Arlington through researching young people's needs, advocating for improved policies and programs to meet those needs, and engaging all members of our community as part of the solution.

What We Do

• Promote an Asset-based approach focusing on the strengths of young people.
• Identify community needs through surveys of teens and the Community Report Card
• Engage young people through the Teen Portal, a website for teens (www.arlingtonteens.com)
• Foster collaboration, increased dialogues, and shared decision-making across the community.
• Other Partnership Initiatives
  • The Community School at Carlin Springs Elementary - designed to link students and their families with a range of supports.
  • Too Smart to Start - Alcohol prevention program for Arlington 5th graders and their families.
  • Risk behavior information brochures for parents in Spanish and English.
  • Arlington Youth Film festival - an annual juried competition for middle and high school teens.
  • Raising Teens - Three five-part TV shows (2 in English, 1 in Spanish) for parents of teens produced with Arlington Independent Media - DVD's and study guides for each series available Spring 2007.