In attendance: Kendra Gallegos Reichle, DRAGON Youth; Harlene Russell-Spratlen, La Plata Youth Services; Emma Salazar, Durango Latino Education Coalition; Shana, FLC student; Darlene Clayton, Alternative Horizons/SUCAP Youth Services; Jennifer Doherty, Durango Women’s Resource Center
(1) Check in: Since we have some new members, everyone introduced themselves. We heard from Shana, who is interested in working with youth in our community, with a specific focus on adventure education. She agreed to continue as a member of the committee. Kendra explained that Mary Jo Rakowski decided to resign from the committee.
(2) Current Projects: Kendra gave an update on the DRAGON Youth Project’s current programs, asking for advice and suggestions on each one.
- FLC Social Norms Campaign: Kendra explained that the second social norms poster is out on campus, and receiving good feedback. Shana mentioned she has seen them. Kendra asked for suggestions about where to place posters around the community. Jenn suggested laundry mats, and to contact Josh Rosenthal (Restaurant Association). Emma suggested Magpie’s. Kendra talked about collaboration with the Uniting Students through Wellness FLC student club and events and promotions before spring break. Shana suggested having students sign a pledge before they receive any goodies.
- Reconnecting Youth: Kendra explained that the DeNier groups are currently at a standstill due to lack of staff. Harlene suggested contacting Dave at La Plata Youth Services about the possibility of doing Reconnecting Youth there. Emma suggested checking with the Learning Center at Durango High School in order to possibly work Reconnecting Youth into the program.
- Girls Circle: Kendra talked about the training she attended in California. She then went on to discuss the amazing progress of her Bayfield Girls Circle group. They are in their fourteenth week and have shown remarkable transformations both individually and as a group. Kendra also talked about the new group at Durango High for Native American girls that just started this week, and the Escalante group that has been going on for five weeks. Emma and Kendra talked about some of the issues with tutors wanting to use the group for their own personal issues, as well as the racism issues that have been going on. Emma explained that turnout has been low across the board for her programs lately due to kids getting kicked out of school. Kendra asked for suggestions about new possibilities, some of which include a Girls Circle for FLC freshman girls, and being available for early release days next school year. Emma and Darlene suggested getting together with 4C GLAD and other Gay Straight Alliances to find guest speakers about HIV. Emma alerted Kendra about a Safe Schools Coalition meeting on Monday that might be beneficial to attend.
(3) Community Education Projects: Kendra asked for any suggestions about girls’ events or events associated with impaired driving prevention. Jenn invited Kendra to sit on a committee for the Girls to Women conference sponsored by the Women’s Resource
Center. Jenn also suggested contacting MADD for ideas about impaired driving prevention. Emma and Kendra talked about the possibility of bringing the “Every 15 Minutes” program to the community. Emma also suggested talking to Marta Martinez-Evans about possible guest speakers on drinking and driving.
(4) Anything else? Jenn announced that the Women’s Resource Center will be moving to 769 Main Avenue this weekend! Darlene talked about the Teens Saving Teens group she has started with Alternative Horizons and the pre-prom assemblies they will be putting on. The meeting was adjourned at around 5:00pm.
