The village of Northbrook Youth Commission met Jan. 25 to promote debate workshops.
Here are the meeting's minutes, as provided by the commission:
The Youth Commission is an advisory Commission concerned with the initiation, review, coordination and evaluation of youth related services and programs in the Village; the improvement of communication between the governing body and the various groups and persons involved in the development of young citizens; focusing greater attention on the accomplishments of youth; and the promotion of increased participation by youth in all aspects of community life.
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF A REGULARLY SCHEDULED
2 YOUTH COMMISSION MEETING, VILLAGE OF NORTHBROOK
3 COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
4 JANUARY 25, 2017
6 Adult Commissioners Present (5)
7 Carla Slawson-Martens, Chairperson
8 Gary Moriello
9 David Whitlock
10 Emmeline Hazaray
11 Jodie Dinelli
12
13 Student Commissioners Present (5)
14 Lucia Bosacoma
15 Danny Brodson
16 Brandon Mankoff
17 Jennifer Shin
18 Hannah Whitlock
19
20 Adult/Student Commissioners Absent (10)
21 Kelli Christenson
22 Nelson Bosacoma
23 Joey Martens
24 Bianca Osinski
25 Jessica Bresler
26 Emily Sedlak
27 Samuel Shin
28 Kieley Anderson
29 Cecilia Calise
30 Eli Traub
31
32 Village Staff Present (2)
33 Sarah Gianni, Staff Liaison
34 Gale Cerabona, Recorder
35
36 1. Call to Order
37 Chairperson Slawson-Martens called the meeting to order in the Terrace Room of Village Hall, 1225
38 Cedar Lane, at 7:02 p.m. and enlisted Student Commissioner J. Shin to co-chair. A quorum was present.
1 2. Approval of Meeting Minutes
2 Commissioner Moriello moved, seconded by Commissioner Brodson, to correct the spelling of his last
3 name and approve the YC meeting minutes of November 16, 2016, and. On a voice vote, the motion
4 unanimously carried.
5
6 3. Hear from the Audience
7 There was no Hear from the Audience.
8
9 4. Review Expected Outcomes from previous meeting
10 Hear reports from Commissioners who attended Village Board or CRC. Next Board Meetings are
11 2/14 and 2/18, next CRC meeting is 2/9
12
13 Commissioner Hazaray shared she attended the CRC and subsequently is participating in the
14 Subcommittee for the Celebration of Cultures event on April 23 at the YMCA from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
15 She is hosting the Indian booth (which will feature dancing, a quiz, etc.).
16
17 Chairperson Slawson-Martens advised she attended a CRC meeting as well and introduced what
18 the YC is. She noted three Commissioners would like to attend the Civility workshop.
19 Chairperson Slawson-Martens explained the CRC’s One Community One Book program where
20 the YC could potentially partner. The CRC may collaborate in the Youth Forum as well. A
21 reminder was given that each Commissioner is welcome to attend CRC meetings and vice versa.
22
23 Chairperson Slawson-Martens shared that Northbrook Cares will launch a web site where
24 support services will be identified on various issues. Text-A-Tip (text hot line) was explained.
25
26 A potential podcast is forthcoming. Commissioner L. Bosacoma suggested making a local
27 podcast card.
28
29 Commissioner L. Bosacoma advised she presented at a Village Board Meeting along with
30 Chairperson Slawson-Martens (Staff Liaison Gianni played the video from the Village web site).
31 She stated President Frum is in favor of continuing the YC as the Board seems interested in YC
32 efforts and the upcoming Civility workshop.
33
34 Commissioner H. Whitlock departed at 7:18 p.m.
35
36 Staff Liaison Gianni agreed the Board believes the YC presented well. She noted the Board
37 appreciated student representation and flyer creation by Chairperson Slawson-Martens.
38
39
40 5. Planning/Discussion/Action Items
41 Meet new, potential YC members
42
43 Commissioner L. Bosacoma shared that two friends from The Torch will attend a future YC
44 meeting. Commissioner Brodson advised he is presenting to the schools.
Attendance promotion for February 26th Institute for Civility workshop
2
3 Chairperson Slawson-Martens reviewed the revised flyer and shared the new workshop date of
4 February 26 and new time of 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. She noted a press release is being submitted next
5 week. Chairperson Slawson-Martens asked how Commissioners feel about inviting a reporter to
6 attend. Commissioners shared their thoughts.
7
8 Commissioner Whitlock proposed writing an article to the press (The Star and The Tower).
9
10 Commissioner Mankoff arrived at 7:28 p.m.
11
12 It was stated Chairperson Slawson-Martens and Commissioner Whitlock will discuss the Civility
13 workshop with the press.
14
15 Chairperson Slawson-Martens suggested Commissioners L. Bosacoma or Mankoff interview
16 Scott Williams, Institutional Supervisor (Dean) of Social Studies for The Torch.
17
18 Staff Liaison Gianni advised there are 18 participants. She would like the YC to RSVP at
19 ycprogramming@northbrook.il.us. Chairperson Slawson-Martens reminded there are 40
20 available seats for this workshop. She noted the ideal ratio would be 20 students and 20 adults.
21 The budget was discussed.
22
23 In promoting the event, Commissioner D. Whitlock recommends student Commissioners bring a
24 friend. Chairperson Slawson-Martens reminded this topic is top-of-mind in current political
25 times. It was suggested that adult Commissioners promote the workshop to parents.
26
27 Commissioner Moriello suggested having beverages, and Chairperson Slawson-Martens
28 recommended having snacks.
29
30 Commissioner J. Shin stated she would promote the workshop to the Debate Team.
31 Commissioner Moriello will promote same to the Interact Club.
32
33 Commissioner Whitlock asked what the age group is for students. Chairperson Slawson-Martens
34 responded the goal is to recruit high-school students.
35
36 Chairperson Slawson-Martens will invite President Frum.
37
38 Discuss Youth Forum topic ideas and CRC collaboration
39
40 Chairperson Slawson-Martens reminded the CRC is interested in partnering with the YC. She
41 asked for suggestions of hot topics. Recommendations are:
42 o Women’s Rights
43 o Safety at School
44 o Bullying/Cyber Bullying
45 o Feminism
46 o Social Media (pros and cons)
47 o Drugs
o Homework/Sports
2 o Culture
3 o Welcoming
4 o Tolerance
5 o Activities
6
7 Commissioner D. Whitlock reminded posing the topic as a question. Discussion took place on
8 these topics and how best to pose them as questions. Chairperson Slawson-Martens reminded
9 the goal is to hear youth voices. Commissioner D. Whitlock suggested narrowing these topics so
10 the Youth Forum is successful (broad audience, present points of view, share new information).
11
12 Chairperson Slawson-Martens asked if Commissioners are interested in a shared meeting with
13 the CRC. It was stated perhaps four representatives from the CRC could attend a future YC
14 meeting. After some discussion, consensus is to schedule this in the fall.
15
16 Commissioner Brodson suggested a topic that attracts parents. Chairperson Slawson-Martens
17 suggested brainstorming topics and obtaining input from various groups; conduct a survey. It
18 was stated this requires careful consideration. Commissioner D. Whitlock recommended
19 selecting a topic then conduct a survey. Chairperson Slawson-Martens asked Commissioners to
20 provide ideas to promote the Civility workshop.
21
22 Chairperson Slawson-Martens stated she would contact the Chair of the CRC to potentially meet
23 in March.
24
25 6. General Discussion
26 School and Community News
27
28 Commissioner Brodson advised a Civics class was approved (to be a future subject).
29
30 Chairperson Slawson-Martens stated library staff is in need of volunteers (question readers and
31 judges) for Quiz Bowl on 2/23 at the library. She will provide contact information to the YC.
32
33 Chairperson Slawson-Martens extended an invitation from the Forum for Youth Investment to
34 join a conference call on 2/2 from 12 noon-1 p.m. with the Aspen Youth Commission. She will
35 forward this information to YC members.
36
37 Commissioner Brodson stated the (future) school year could begin on 8/10.
38
39 Power School/Grade Book were discussed. Commissioner Mankoff stated the system crashed
40 when viewing grades. He noted grade-point averages are being rounded.
41
42 Commissioner L. Bosacoma advised The Torch is featuring an article about the Civility workshop
43 shortly. Chairperson Slawson-Martens asked students to bring a copy of this publication to YC
44 meetings.
45
46 7. Next Meeting
47 The next YC meeting is scheduled for February 15, 2017
8. Adjournment
2 Commissioner Moriello moved, seconded by Commissioner J. Dinelli, to adjourn the meeting at
3 8:39 p.m. On a voice vote, the motion unanimously carried.
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