Putnam County Youth Forum Event April 17

Annual Putnam County Youth Forum

On Tuesday April 17^th, Cornell University’s Cooperative Extension will host approximately 150 students collectively representing Brewster, Carmel, Haldane, Mahopac, and Putnam Valley High Schools at Clearpool Education Center in Carmel. This is an unmatched opportunity for High School students to participate in open discussions on many of the issues that often concern youth. Some of the topics offered this year include: ‘A Story of Addiction’, ‘The Law & You’, ‘If You Really Knew Me – the Social Divide’, ‘Teamwork Makes the Dream Work’, ‘What Makes, & How to Become a Leader’, and other choices.

All of the topics offered at the Youth Forum were previously selected by the ‘Youth Forum Planning Committee’. This group of High School students, each representing the 5 county-wide school districts, have been meeting since January. To ensure that this is a youth-driven event, they have been actively involved in all aspects of the Forum.

Facilitators, who bring an array of experience, knowledge and an ability to engage youth, will lead the discussions. For instance the program – ‘A Story of Addiction” will be facilitated by ‘Drug Crisis in Our Backyard’ with real-life stories regarding the impact on families, an instructor from United Martial Arts Center UMAC) will discuss ‘Self Defense’, and a lawyer will share information on legal issues pertaining to youth at ‘The Law & You’ workshop.

Confidentiality and respect for the opinion of others is expected during each 50 minute program. To ensure a free exchange of dialogue the workshops are open to only the facilitator and students.

Interested high school students should contact their school administrator to apply for permission to attend the Forum. Transportation is provided by the individual school district for this full day event. For additional information please contact Cornell Cooperative Extension: 845-278-6738 or Putnam.cce.cornell.edu