[Press Release] : Let’s Talk Columbia

[Press Releases]

You have received this message because you subscribe to the City of
Columbia’s Web Mail service. To view linked material click on provided
links or copy and paste them into your browser's address menu.
______________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7, 2008

Let’s Talk Columbia 
								
	(COLUMBIA, MO) - Mature teens and adults are invited to
participate in “LET’S TALK, COLUMBIA!” This year’s annual event
for citizen dialog centers on the theme: “One Community, All
Generations - Teens and Adults Working Together.” It will be held at
Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 1707 Smiley Lane, on Friday, Feb.
22, 6 p.m.- 9 p.m. and continuing Saturday, Feb. 23, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. The
registration deadline has been extended until Monday, Feb. 11. Call
(573) 874-7488, email hrc at GoColumbiaMo.com or go online to
www.GoColumbiaMo.com (What’s Happening? section, “LET’S TALK,
COLUMBIA!”).
	 “LET’S TALK, COLUMBIA!” is a great program. If people are
concerned about the high incidence of teen crime in Columbia and want to
do something about it, this is an opportunity to communicate with and
listen to our young people and find out what they are thinking,” said
Columbia Mayor Darwin Hindman. “This is an opportunity to learn the
value of communication across generations. I participated in “LET'S
TALK, COLUMBIA!" in the past and had an excellent experience. I
recommend it for everyone!”
	The inter-generational focus is in response to a widely-attended
Dec. 18 community meeting where citizens and community leaders addressed
an increase in violent crime in Columbia. A common emphasis was the
importance of engaging our youth. “LET’S TALK, COLUMBIA!” is
designed to do that.
	Sponsored by the Human Rights Commission since 2001, “LET’S
TALK, COLUMBIA!” has brought hundreds of citizens together to talk
candidly about difficult issues of diversity. Following a study circles
model for dialog, groups of 7-10 participants engage in honest, open
sharing guided by peer facilitators. In a safe, respectful setting, each
participant’s life experience and personal perspective is valued.  
	Study circle dialog progresses from personal experience to a
broader framework, to ideas for change and action. This year, trained
adult and teen community members will serve as volunteer peer
facilitators as participants consider these four sections:      
	1. “What is it like to be a young person in our community?”
	2. “How are young people in this community doing?”
	3. “How can we make this community a better place for young
people?”
	4. “Making a difference: How can we move from words to
action?”
	To continue the process of citizen engagement a follow-up
Community Action Forum will be held Tuesday, March 4, from 5:30-9 p.m.
at Days Inn.
	“LET’S TALK, COLUMBIA!” is an opportunity for fun - food,
live entertainment, prizes - and stimulating dialog to break through
generational barriers and to build inter-generational relationships.
Anyone concerned about the community and the future of Columbia’s
youth should attend. The event is free. Childcare is provided free. 
	
	The city of Columbia Human Rights Commission is collaborating
with the Youth Community Coalition, KRCG TV, the Columbia Missourian and
other local organizations for this event.

- 30 -
______________________________________________________

Archived press releases can be viewed online at: 
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Public_Comm/Public_Information/Press_Releases/

______________________________________________________

If you would like to stop receiving messages, modify list options, or
subscribe to other lists visit the Web Mail section of our Web site and
follow the instructions provided. 

http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Web_Mail/index.php