Past Youth to Youth participants perform “Samantha Skunk” to elementary school students. The program returns in 2022.
Appalachian Youth to Youth, the local chapter of a national youth empowerment and leadership program, is returning to the middle schools of Yancey and Mitchell counties this fall after a year-long hiatus.
The weekly after-school program, organized by Partners Aligned Toward Health, serves sixth through eighth graders at East Yancey, Cane River, Harris and Bowman Middle who have a passion for making a difference in their schools and community.
In years past, Youth to Youth students led the charge on several projects to create positive change. They performed “Samantha Skunk”, an educational skit on medicine safety, to elementary school students.
They recorded radio and video public service announcements on various topics which were aired on the local radio station and their own Youth to Youth YouTube channel. During Red Ribbon Week, they organized a photo contest and an information campaign called “Shattering the Myths” to educate their peers on substance use.
They have started a discussion in their community about making the playground a tobacco-free area, spurring town hall meetings in both Mitchell and Yancey counties. Youth to Youth participants have shown us what a powerful resource we have in our youth and how our investment in them is an investment in the community as a whole.
A typical weekly meeting of Appalachian Youth to Youth starts right after school is dismissed when students trickle in and enjoy a free snack while winding down and socializing with their peers. The students share announcements on current projects the group is working on, followed by an icebreaker and a fun team-building game.
Next, there may be a group discussion, in which the youth participants share personal stories, talk about what’s happening in their school or community and brainstorm ideas to effect positive change.
Finally, the group breaks out into small groups or committees to workshop their ideas and take action. After the meeting ends, transportation is available to take the students back home.
There are occasional field trips, recreational activities and celebrations at the end of each semester. Appalachian Youth to Youth strives to create a safe environment where all students are accepted and can develop their skills and talents while forming meaningful connections with others and making a positive impact.
PATH thanks the teachers and administrators of Mitchell and Yancey County schools who help make the program possible and the community as a whole for its continued support. For more information on Appalachian Youth to Youth or how to sign up, contact Tara Wright, the Youth to Youth advisor, at info@pathwnc.org or visit AppYouth2Youth.org.
Meetings begin the third and fourth weeks of September.