Get Involved In Community

Mon., Sept. 18, 2000

Cassie Palmer, Lewis

Get involved in your community!

We’ve all heard it a from our parents and teachers, but to many of us, getting involved in the community can sound more like punishment than community service.

What many teens don’t realize is how fulfilling it is to be a youth leader in your community. Being a youth leader means being a voice for youth and learning about your community firsthand.

It’s no secret that a lot of teenagers don’t take pride in their city. We go to school in Spokane, play sports in Spokane and even work in Spokane, and yet we still don’t feel connected to our city. Volunteering helps people learn to appreciate their community.

Like many teens, I spent my high school years in Spokane feeling like a young person living in a city run by adults. I didn’t feel connected to or appreciated by our leaders.

Finally, I decided to do something about it. During my senior year, I served as a board member for the Citizens League of Greater Spokane. I’d learned about this and other opportunities at school.

The time I invested has given me so much more in return than I ever expected. My experience with city government helped me put a face on the people who run our city.

I’ve never felt so much pride and love for Spokane. I now understand that getting involved in your community and being a youth representative can give you a clearer sense of self-worth and motivation.

You can’t learn that from a book.

This sidebar appeared with the story: SIGN UP Youth Leadership

Youth Leadership Spokane is currently taking applications for a 10-month leadership training course. About 30 students from throughout the area will be selected for the program. If you are interested, call 459-4116 for an application.

Teens looking for ways to get involved also can call the Citizens League of Greater Spokane at 326-1129 or check out the Chase Youth Commission’s Web site at www.youthlinkspokane.org.

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