The Wellspring hosted a two–day Civic Engagement Institute for Youth Tuesday, October 25 from 4 – 7 p.m. and Wednesday, October 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Jack Beard Community Room at the Lincoln Public Library.
The Civic Engagement Institute for Youth is designed to engage students in the democratic process and teach best practices of civic engagement. High school sophomores and juniors from Cedar Creek School, Choudrant High School and Lincoln Preparatory School were organized into teams to research topics of local and national concern.
“Civic Engagement Institute for Youth is a remarkable opportunity for both the youth and the community,” said The Wellspring’s Youth Empowerment Program Coordinator Ann Thompson. “On day one, Joey and Jessica Slaughter with Friends of Ruston Skatepark talked to the students about their role in developing the skatepark.
“Tara Stone and Elizabeth Turpin with The Well of North Louisiana spoke to the students the next day about supporting foster families through building relationship in the community. Both groups of speakers touch on how it takes a group of people to make a difference and see impactful results.”
Each team used the information they collected to create a proposal for change. On day two, the teams presented their presentations to local community and business leaders. The panel guests questioned the students about their recommendations on the social issue or policy chosen by their team. Civic Engagement Institute for Youth helped empower students by improving their communication skills and identifying community issues.
About The Wellspring
The Wellspring is an umbrella organization that focuses on strengthening the lives of individuals and families throughout Northeast Louisiana with programs that include mentoring for children; counseling, therapy and supervised visitation services; and an array of homeless and Veterans’ programs and services. Learn more at http://www.wellspringofnela.org.
