When Kelvin Mansfield talks, dozens of elected officials, candidates and community organizations will be listening.
The Lakewood High School sophomore is one of 14 students who will speak Thursday at the Voices of Youth Kids’ Futures summit. “Kids usually don’t get a chance to talk, because adults take over,” said Mansfield, 17. “This is my chance to let my voice be heard and know that what I say might make a difference.”
The panel of students will question leaders about everything from homeless youths to after-school programs.
Mansfield said he’s planning to ask about street racing and accidents involving teen drivers.
“Over the past couple of years, I’ve seen a bunch of my friends get into accidents,” he said. “I’m concerned about that.”
The panel of students was selected from schools throughout the county by the Snohomish County Health and Safety Network, which is sponsoring the forum along with Snohomish County.
This is the summit’s fifth year. Last year, more than 200 people attended, including 25 elected officials and 77 community organizations.
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon and former County Executive Bob Drewel will host the event. A question-and-answer period will follow the panel discussion.
“We’ve had quite a few success stories over the last couple of years in students making recommendations and agencies following up and creating programs or projects,” said Carrie Weldon, the network’s community outreach director.
That includes a countywide dance in April 2003 at Meadowdale High School attended by 500 students, she said. A student suggested the event as a way for teenagers to get together outside school.
“Normally, it’s adults speaking on behalf of youth,” said Laura Collins, who helped set up the event. “This summit is really a chance for kids to open up and talk.”
Reporter Katherine Schiffner: 425-339-3436 or schiffner@heraldnet.com.
Voices of Youth summit
A panel of students will talk with elected officials 7-9 p.m. Thursday at the Snohomish County PUD auditorium, 2320 California St., Everett. Sign-in and a reception starts at 6:30 p.m. The event is free, but an RSVP is recommended. Call the Snohomish County Health and Safety Network at 425-252-2668.
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