Risk Factor: Community Laws and Norms Favorable Toward Drug Use Firearms and Crime

Identified Gap: Youth Alienation

Youth in Las Vegas report a strong sense of alienation from their community. They believe that they have little influence over the issues that matter to them.

Promising Approach: Youth Commission / Bonding to Community

Outcome Statements:

Youth will show increased sense of community on the Neighborhood Youth Inventory by 2005.

By June 15, 2000, and in collaboration with other community organizations, the youth commission will implement at least two training events for the community including living skills, parenting, health policy planning, public speaking or school success.

By June 15, 2000 the youth commission will bring forth at least one agenda action item to the City Council.

By June 15, 2000 the youth commission will work with the Las Vegas City Council on a policy issue that affects area youth.

By June 15, 2000 there will be youth representation on at least three community councils or boards.

By June 15, 2000 seek information from at least 50 area youth about community strengths and needs and share that information and make recomendations regarding long term health planning with the City Council, School Boards, and other policy-making groups.

Mechanism: A Youth Commission will be formed in order to facilitate gathering information from area youth, communicate that information to the City Council and Mayor and participate with City Council in decisions relevant to Las Vegas area teens.

Suggested Time Frame: The first Youth Commission meeting was held in March, 1999. An increase in sense of community among Las Vegas youth will be demonstrated by June, 2001.

Responsible Parties: CTC task force, City Council, Mayor, Youth Commission members, Las Vegas area citizens as advisors, community organizations, faith community

Necessary Funding: Received $5,000 for 1999-2000 from a Healthier Communities grant, a program of the New Mexico Department of Public Health.

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