King County developing a Youth Action Plan, and needs your input

For the Reporter

Last year, the Metropolitan King County Council unanimously passed legislation calling for the development of a Youth Action Plan that will set the county’s priorities for serving its young people, from infants through adults.

A task force of experts was formed earlier this year to help develop the Youth Action Plan with accomplishments so far including developing a planning framework, agreeing to set of core principles, mapping existing partnerships and identifying a mission and vision for the Plan. Their progress is outlined in a Youth Action Plan Progress Report available to the public.

The next step for the task force is to deliver a well-informed set of recommendations on a list of topics outlined in the legislation. But first they want to hear from community members, so their input can inform the plan and shape the future of youth in the county.

The voices of children and youth – and the adults who care about them – are vital to creating a plan that can make a difference. The county invites all who want to be involved to attend any one of the following local community conversations. Youth age 12-24 and adults of any age are welcome:

• East King County Community Conversation
Location: Kamiakin Middle School, 14111 132nd Ave. NE, Kirkland
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 1
Time: 6-8:30 p.m.
Interpretation available for Arabic, Cantonese and Vietnamese speakers

• Kent/South King County Community
Location: Mill Creek Middle School, 320 Central Ave. N, Kent
Date: Saturday, Oct. 4
Time: 3-5 p.m.
Interpretation available for Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese speakers

• South Seattle Community Conversation
Location: Smilow Rainier Vista Boy & Girls Club, 4520 MLK Jr. Way S, Seattle
Date: Saturday, Oct. 25
Time: 3-5 p.m.
Interpretation available for Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese speakers

For more information, visit www.kingcounty.gov/YAP