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� ..� y `� � �� �..�'; � � Creating Safe Places for our Youth In March of 2000, a panel of youth told us we needed safe places for kids to hang out. In April 2001, a Community Forum was held and forty-five community members strongly supported this same concept. In May of 2001, one hundred students ages 12- 17 confirmed the need and gave specific information to us on what kind of a safe places they had in mind. The following is a summary of the critical information we gathered in our work with the community members and students. Leadership and Structure The balance between youth and adult leadership was clearly described by all groups as being designed by students with a respectful adult in charge. Students said "we should plan, decorate, work there, but not be in charge." The students also wanted a say in which adults would be hired to "manage, budget, make the tough decisions and enforce the rules". `They had strong ideas about the adults in charge and wanted them to be "supervisors -keeping kids safe." Both adults and youth think the adult should be flexible, friendly and able to relate to kids. Involving youth at the beginning of this process is the critical factor. They need to be part of the initial planning early in the process. Students of all ages supported a minimal admission fee. The younger students supported a membership fee. There should be a way for students who can demonstrate need to have their fee waived. (perhaps another agency or funding source would support this cost as a donation.) An example of this source could be the Roseville Community F��j, The students also discussed the need for age segregation but did not reach consensus. They were clear that it was best not to make separate nights but maybe to have Sepacate spaces for different ages. According to students "mixed ages might be a problem." �� ;�.� ;. Y� � � ��. � � �� � ,�� s� L�� i �,Y N�� C f �� °��.. �� ,�� , � �� :. Listen • Involve • Nurture . Connect R�.�r ,�a �k�lw, commwur. i�mu., rann �pws Csnwes P�usen Unda Helly 6510063�8 Environment Their highest need was for a comfortable place with food available (see attached list). In addition they wanted it to be "colorful, comfy, a unique structure.. . decorated by kids." They also wanted some place that would be quiet and would like a large field for outdoor activities. Issues of safety were important to students. They want to feel safe. Activities The most frequently mentioned activities were physical (see attached lists) but the students mentioned art and music with equal desire. Computers were also mentioned by students. Location and Accessibility Students were clear that they wanted it in the center of Roseville but were aware that was probably not possible. (They mentioned the vacated building, Just For Feet, as being an example of the best place.) The students and community members both felt the center should be accessible and the students clarified that as `being able to ride their bikes, walk or ride a bus to the place". Hours need to accommodate the students' need to come at "random times."