Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County Hosts First-Ever Annual Youth Forum with Elected Officials
In partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Colorado Alliance, Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County (BGCLC) hosted a special youth forum on August 3rd at their Loveland Club on 1st Street in Loveland. The forum gave Boys & Girls Clubs youth, ages 11-16, an opportunity to speak to their State Representatives about issues that are important to them. Following the youth panel, they had an opportunity to ask State Representatives questions of their own.
Boys & Girls Clubs youth panel featured the voices of: Asha from Wellington, Skylar of Loveland, Ty of Loveland, Keagan of Fort Collins, and Leslie of Fort Collins. The key concerns and topics that youth on the panel discussed were: access to mental health support, the social and political divisions, the impacts of remote learning, and bullying and discrimination.
State Representatives featured on the panel: State Representative Andrew Boesenecker, Senator Joann Ginal, State Representative Cathy Kipp, State Representative Hugh McKean, and State Board of Education Chair Angelika Schroeder. They gave comments on their plans for legislation to help families and youth recover from COVID-19. They also encouraged youth and families to get connected with their local city councils and school boards.
Also in attendance were local and county officials, Commissioners Jody Shadduck-McNally and John Kefalas, Loveland City Council members Kathi Wright and Don Overcash, and Town of Wellington Trustee Ashley Macdonald. There was a special welcome from Loveland Mayor Jacki Marsh, Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County CEO, Kaycee Headrick, and Boys & Girls Clubs in Colorado Executive Director, Danielle Felder.
“Being a part of this event made me feel heard and gave me an opportunity to speak about my experiences,” said Boys & Girls Clubs panelist, Ty.
As a youth development organization, BGCLC strives to elevate youth voice. Young people learn how to channel their concerns in a constructive way. They also learn how to engage in the civic process where they can help to develop solutions as well. This event gave youth a unique opportunity to share their concerns with decision makers in the community.