These Community Resource Coordinator positions are distinct from, yet complementary to, the recently added half-time Activities Coordinator positions in the Schools. It is assumed that the Activities Coordinator is handling coordination of school-based activities in each school. The Community Resource Coordinators would take an interactive, proactive approach to connecting youth with non-school-based opportunities.

  Teens in the focus groups stated that they prefer to learn about opportunities and discuss possibilities with a person to whom they feel connected rather than through flyers or broad announcements. The Community Resource Coordinators would be expected to develop relationships that foster young peoples openness to learn about and try new experiences. And, they would be expected to be aware of transportation, cost, and other issues that might act as barriers to participation.

  One particular area of interest researched by the work group was that of recreational and high-adventure activities that provide youth with positive ways to channel risk-taking and competitiveness through physical and mental challenges. In addition to community recreation and high-adventure activities, the Community Resource Coordinators would also link youth with opportunities in science and technology, jobs, volunteer and community service, and cultural and performing arts.

  Further, the Community Resource Coordinators would be charged with extensive outreach to County government programs, Schools, public and private groups and organizations, the business community and others who serve Arlington youth.

  Developmental assets built by stronger connections for youth to extracurricular activities include: constructive use of time through creative activities and youth programs; empowerment through service to others and a demonstration that the community values youth; self-esteem and a sense of purpose; and interpersonal and cultural competence.

  It is recommended that these positions be funded through the Community Activities Fund (in recognition of the unique role such positions would play in linking youth with the community) and that the Partnership be involved in the detailed design of the positions. The eight half-time positions at $25,000 per year (salary and operating costs) would total $200,000 in funding. These positions could be School or County employees or contracted through a community non-profit.

Enhance the Get Real Website

  A related need identified by the Task Force on Youth, the Partnership work group, and by teens in the focus groups is for a comprehensive, up-to-date source of information and calendar of activities and programs available to Arlington youth. The Get Real website maintained by the Libraries is a strong foundation, but enhancements are needed to meet the need for the requested calendar function. The Partnership recommends that the Department of Libraries:

  $26,500 in FY 03 funding to the Libraries would provide for the design and development of a Get Real calendar feature and maintenance and promotion of the site by a half-time or contract position. It is envisioned that this position would also maintain a Partnership web site that provides updates on Partnership activities-- a request that has been made by Partnership members, work group members and the wider community.

Examine Barriers to Participation

  The work group identified an extraordinary number of organizations and activities aimed at youth in Arlington. However, there are numerous barriers to be overcome for these activities and organizations to effectively reach and serve youth to their fullest potential. An important step is improving the way that young people are linked to these activities through the Community Resource Coordinators and the Get Real calendar. In addition, the Partnership makes the following recommendation:

  In its own work and ongoing interface with community groups serving children, youth and families, the Partnership will continue to work with improving awareness of these barriers.

Explore the Feasibility of a Teen Center

  In virtually all 13 focus groups conducted with teens in the summer of 2001, there was a strong desire expressed for a dedicated center for teens. This was also frequently voiced in the community outreach conducted by the Task Force on Youth. Teens want a space where they can comfortably hang out under supervision of adults who are seen as young and relevant, but who can be respected and can maintain appropriate boundaries.

  While many express enthusiasm for structured activities and programs, they also at times want to be able to relax with friends with optional activities, not a Romper Room or highly structured environment. As one work group member put it, they want a space like the rec room at home, where they can be with their friends.

  The need has been so strongly and consistently articulated by young people, that the Partnership recommends the following:

  This feasibility study would be led by representatives from the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources working with a Partnership work group and youth group in FY 03. County Board input is requested to identify key members from departments such as Planning needed to expedite the process.

  Assets built through providing teens with a safe space of their own, and including them in the center design (and perhaps operation) include: empowerment through using youth as resources and a demonstration that the community values youth. The survey data indicate that only 22% of Arlington middle and high-schoolers perceive that the community values youth. Other assets built would include a sense of safety and opportunities to develop interpersonal competence and planning and decision-making skills.

Promote Volunteering and Community Service

  The work group also felt that volunteering and community service are important assets to promote among Arlingtonians, especially our youth. They researched many models for volunteering and community service, and identified compelling research suggesting that service to the community enhances the assets of self-esteem, sense of purpose, interpersonal and cultural competence, caring for others, school engagement, and values of equality and social justice.

  The Assets survey data indicate that 46% of Arlington youth surveyed reported serving in the community one or more hours per week, and 51% place high value on helping others. The Partnership believes it is important to build enthusiasm for volunteering by educating youth on the benefits of volunteering and providing access to more opportunities.

  A 1996 Gallup Poll for the Independent Sector indicates that 93% of youth volunteer when asked, but 49% of teens are not asked to volunteer at all. The Partnership recommends that the County Volunteer Office work with businesses and community non-profit organizations to:

  Businesses and community organizations play a key role in this effort by providing meaningful volunteer opportunities and support to their young volunteers, along with linkages into the paid work force.

  Further, the Partnership recommends that the Schools:

  Again, it is expected that the Volunteer Office, businesses and community non-profit organizations will work closely with the Schools in identifying service opportunities for students. The Partnership recommends that the Schools begin research in the 2002-03 school year, and consistently implement some form of service learning in 2004-05.

  In addition, the work group recognizes that teens of legal working age repeatedly express a desire for paid employment. Indeed, for many families, additional income from a teens part-time employment may be an important supplement for their well-being. The business community can help provide young people with valuable skills, as well as income, by considering them for employment after school, on weekends, and in the summer. The Partnership therefore encourages the County Board to: