Student Involvement
AmySara Richardson
J.R.
> Do you think students can make a change in their communities?
I believe that they can with the appropriate guidance and planning. I am as concerned as other S.A.F.E. members that we not squander our assets by working as groups and agencies without apprising a coalition of the engaged. I think students remain engaged when there is a way to demonstrate clear progress in achieving objectives on an ongoing basis. This requires volunteers committed to organizing and engaging consistently.
I believe that the volunteer base has to be expanded substantially to support any sustained effort to help encourage students to remain engaged. Too many times we have started in the middle of projects without adequate preparedness and vision. The marathon dance program at the high school appears to me to be a good framework: (1) Find a way to make the preparation and planning fun by creating a challenge that culminates in an enjoyable special event. (2) Stick with the things that year after year bring more people into the initiative. (3) Get input from a variety of social circles.