It’s Time To Speak For Yourself

After Oct. 11, teens can never again say no one in Spokane listens to them.

That’s when the Chase Youth Commission and Our Generation will hold “S-TV Unplugged,” (that’s Spokane Teen Voices) a forum for young adults to voice their concerns and offer solutions about issues affecting them today.

Adults will be there to listen.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for teens,” said Debbie Polzin, a freshman at Lewis and Clark and member of the Chase Youth Commission. “A lot of kids - especially teens - feel they don’t have a chance to talk, to speak their mind. We’ll have people in the audience who can make the changes we ask for.”

Dozens of community leaders have been invited to the forum, including city council members, the mayor, county commissioners, school board members and law enforcement. Any teen with a concern, something to say or a desire to listen can attend.

“We’re not limiting it to people who might have a great family situation,” said Polzin. “It’s for everybody, especially people who feel the system has mistreated them.”

There are plenty of things to talk about. Teens were involved in several crimes this summer, including three shootings. There are also police in Spokane schools now and two officers patrolling the city, looking for truants.

Are teens happy with the education they’re receiving? Are they worried it’s too difficult to find a job? What can we do about teen pregnancy?

And there’s always the age-old problem: There’s nothing to do in Spokane.

It’s important to remember this is not a gripe session. It’s a time for teens to speak up and change things for the better.

So be there - at the LC cafeteria from 4 to 6 p.m., Oct. 11. It’s going to be an informal two hours of free discussion, problem solving and pizza. Don’t miss it.