Thursday, August 12, 2010

Weed and Seed youth council sprouts in Wilkinsburg


From The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette-

As more than 100 guests packed into the St. Stephen's Episcopal Church auditorium for Wilkinsburg Weed and Seed's Youth Speak Out forum, the youth among them did as teens will do when they gather.

They greeted each other enthusiastically and loudly last week. They bounced from table to table, sparking new conversations the instant the previous one ended.

By the time Weed and Seed coordinator Gayle Mitchell Hall kicked off the Aug. 4 forum, her introduction competed with a cacophony of chatter.

"We're trying to have you tell us what you want, what you need, what your concerns are for the community," she called out over the sea of voices.

But once the teens formed groups with adult leaders to discuss community needs and issues, they showed they were there to get down to business.

"We need more people to care, more people to be involved," Kymi Ewing, 17, read from her group's list.

"We need better education, more caring teachers, new books. ..."

"Harder work! I want to be challenged," added Melissa Portis, a 17-year-old Wilkinsburg High School student.

Read more:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10224/1079320-56.stm#ixzz0wOISZuzr

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