On Engaging Young People
It's IMPERATIVE
Young adults and youth really want to be heard. They are bright, technologically-savvy, know how to save time and money, and they care about making a difference. They are the future leaders of our community and should be engaged in County government.
I would love to draw on Leadership Butler County, YMCA's Youth and Government, and the SPEAK-UP program of Slippery Rock University and the Butler Collaborative for Families to give young people a voice and an opportunity to share ideas in all aspects of County government.
Perhaps the greatest enjoyment, as your Commissioner, is hosting the newly launched Youth Leadership program. We are proud of our assistant Maria Malloy, who was a member of the Leadership Butler County class that launched this program and now serves on its Board of Directors. As Commissioners, we are also privileged to attend the Sheriff's D.A.R.E. graduation programs and to hear youth promise not to do drugs and not to bully but to respect each other. I have been proud to participate in Connecting to Tomorrow and the Slippery Rock University Student Non-Profit Alliance.