Youth Community Development Team Committee Report

Undaunted by the media who were videotaping and interviewing for a later newscast, the youth leaders greeted guests as they arrived.  One guest observed that it was difficult to tell that this was a leadership education program for youth, and not a Chamber networking or Leadership Harrisburg event filled with young business professionals.  The youth teams were confident and prepared to tell their story as the guests settled into their seats for the presentation.

The Visionaries team introduced themselves and explained their vision for making a difference in the world quoting Goethe from their team poster, "receiving is not enough, we must apply, willing is not enough, we must do."  Members of the team provided an overview of the discussion of issues that the Youth Community Development Team (YCDT) class had during the early months of the leadership experience.  The class agreed; "that while drugs, STD's and violence are serious issues affecting the community, education provided a way to not only address an issue, but change the community."  Helping students see opportunity to reach their dreams whether through a two year associates degree, a four year college experience or trade school is the vision for this year's YCDT class.  Through a request for proposal (RFP) process, the class will review and select a nonprofit to create a project to help at risk students achieve a college or trade school education.

The Super Heroes team introduced themselves and shared that their poster which shows a super hero holding up the world.  Each member of the team then drew themselves as a superhero - representing the differences in backgrounds, schools age and race/ethnicity that they all brought as heroes committed to making a difference.  Team members shared statistics on the positive impact of education on a community and the negative effect on individuals who do not have the opportunity.  Their powerful presentation demonstrated the need to make sure that every student has access to help to achieve their dreams.

The Young Outstanding United Teens of Harrisburg (Y.O.U.T.H.) group introduced themselves and then their team by showing their poster of overlapping hands in service to make a difference.   The student leaders then shared that they were asking for help and needed financial support.  One of the students shared a personal story about how different life could have been if his mother had listened to doctors who told her he was going to be disabled at birth and recommend she consider terminating the pregnancy.  He shared how that she faced that challenge and she taught him, this healthy, strong young leader, to face challenges in life.  He then shared that his Uncle had a "full ride" to Yale University, when he was shot and killed in his neighborhood in Harrisburg.  This student went on to ask for support from the community leaders, so we can help others overcome difficulties and reach for their dreams.

The community leaders showed that they shared the passion for making it possible for students who might not see opportunity, or might hope to have a better life, but not know how - by immediately stepping in with donations to support the student's project.  As the pledge cards were submitted, the community leaders asked all the students why this project is so important to them.  One of the students eloquently said, "we all start out having dreams of a better life and but as we get older we may dream but our eyes are shut because we don't believe it is possible.  Our goal is to provide an opportunity for students to dream with their eyes open and seek all that can be."

A powerful message shared with a vision for a better future from the hearts and minds of our young community leaders.  As they wrapped up the day, they heard encouraging remarks from Rotary President Barry Ramper, Harrisburg Schools Superintendent, Dr. Gerald Kohn, and YCDT Committee Chair, Karen Snider - role models for our young leaders.  It is not too late to be a part of the vision of the youth for our community's future.  To make a donation, please contact Rotarians Una Martone or Karen Snider or bring a pledge card or check to the a Rotary meeting.  You too can help the YCDT Teams help at risk students in our community dream with their eyes wide open.

The next class will be held on February 10, 2009 from 9:00AM to 11:00AM in the conference room at the Harrisburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.  For more information about how you can be involved or if you are interested in more information about the funding needs for their project, please contact Karen Snider, Chair at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .