Not only did local and area Youth Leaders in Kansas (YLinK) members get a chance to share their idea for a new community-service project, they also learned that their sponsor received an award.
Nine young people and two adults attended the annual YLinK state meeting recently at Wellington High School.
“The community-service idea was a highlight for our members,” said Tyler Morton, Juvenile Services prevention advocate. “They want to offer to clean school buses to help manage the potential health risks that come with widely used vehicles.
“They discussed how a group of volunteers could support school districts in this way, while relieving them of this maintenance responsibility.”
Another meeting highlight was Morton receiving the Sherill Carlson Award for Outstanding Sponsor of the Year.
“I was surprised and gratified to win this award,” Morton commented. “But I share the recognition with this great group of kids who show real leadership potential. YLinK is the definition of a team effort.”
The meeting agenda included a presentation on voting in national, state and local elections and a panel of young professionals/entrepreneurs in the Wellington area who shared information about their journeys.
“Our group talked with the panelists about their presentations,” Morton said. “The young people really seemed to enjoy hearing about the panelists’ different experiences, as well as learning about avenues for civic work.
“It was cool to see how the panelists could share a few minutes of their time and make a real connection with young people.”
The keynoter was Annette Lawless, a former Wichita television news reporter, who has followed new opportunities for projects with Netflix and other major platforms.
“It is so important for YLinK members to attend this event each year to show support for other youth coalitions across Kansas and to connect with their peers in other counties,” Morton summarized. “It also gives us a chance to demonstrate our appreciation to the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) for the spotlight they put on youth civic engagement and advocacy for change.”
KDADS sponsors the annual meeting, which is hosted by a YLinK chapter. Morton and Glenna Reinert were the two adults who attended this year.
