Fairmont Minnesota’s Healthy Youth Committee celebrated its 10th anniversary in the fall of 2008 by co-sponsoring a Youth Summit. Over one hundred adults and junior and senior high students spent an afternoon together learning about SPARKS (Supporting and Promoting Assets to Reach Kids). Adult policy makers in the community had a chance to interact with students and hear their hopes and dreams for making our community more inclusive. Suggestions received that day are now being incorporated into upcoming community planning and events.
The local high school conducted its first SEARCH survey back in 1998 as part of a community-driven need to become more aware of ways to increase our youth’s Developmental Assets. Healthy Youth has helped launch many now-longstanding youth development efforts. The mentoring program Kinship is now its own non-profit organization, matching children with adult mentors. The Fairmont Area Youth Council allows youth to help in city planning (such as a new skateboard park) and serve youth by planning safe, fun, recreational events. The City of Fairmont now funds a staff person to direct this group. The Martin County Youth Foundation was developed to involve youth and adults in a community foundation that makes grants to youth projects. Over $130,000 in grants have now been awarded.
Ongoing Listening Lunches at the high school have provided Healthy Youth members a way to invite adults (from service clubs, law enforcement, legal associations, the medical community, and government) to listen to youth during their lunch hours about student concerns in the community. These positive interactions have resulted in adults really hearing and acting on ideas of youth.
Media efforts include a regular article in the Chamber of Commerce newsletter about Developmental Assets, a quarterly newsletter to adults working in youth development, radio PSAs, and recognizing adults with certificates of appreciation for their work as asset builders in the community.
Asset Champions are the newest group of adult business leaders who pledge to share the asset message with their employees, teams, colleagues, and volunteers. We are excited to have this group of leaders willing to spread the asset message and join us for special events and sponsorship of activities.
Marsha Burgraff received a Certificate of Appreciation for her work with youth and families as a child psychologist and theater director. One of the original Healthy Youth members, Marsha has remained active for the past 10 years. Here she is photographed with the Fairmont Healthy Youth committee.
