The Youth Leadership Network (YLN) had a great year in 2006 filled with good friends, great discussions, and big accomplishments. YLN met at least two times per week during the school year and often 4 times per week during the summer.  During our meetings the kids and I did a variety of things including, skateboarding, swimming, playing basketball, and sometimes we walked around to explore Madison.  We also watched movies, created art, and even painted a coat rack with fun splatter paint for all the clothing donations to Community Partnerships. YLN had a blast meeting together and enjoying such a wide range of activities.

During all this fun, YLN participants also found time to give back to the community by participating in more than 200 total hours of community service this year alone.  We accomplished this by raking leaves for community members who were unable to do so on their own, cooking and donating baked goods to local meal sites, and cleaning up our neighborhood.  YLN also ran a food drive.  We delivered plastic bags to over 200 homes in the neighborhood and then collected the food and donated it to the local food pantry at the Wil-Mar Community Center.  Another highlight of 2006 was a Parent Dinner prepared by some of our YLN participants.  The kids worked very hard to prepare a 4 course meal and then shared this with their parents and family.

            I am sad to report that I will no longer be able to facilitate YLN as I have been given an opportunity to travel on a long term basis.  I very much enjoyed my role in YLN, and the wonderful memories and laughs we shared will not soon be forgotten.  If you need assistance in finding programming, please contact your coordinator at Community Partnerships for ideas.

-Jeff Roberts