Youth have the power to make changes
As facilitator of the Hubbard County Youth Drug & Alcohol Task Force I cannot recall the number of times our Task Force has discussed most of the concerns expressed by Police Chief Terry Eilers and Jakob Sheeran. Yes, youth have limited places to hang out. Yes, there are kids out past curfew with minimal parental guidance. Yes, the majority of youth respect our community. Yes, our youth can at times be stereotyped by adults and yes, there are many youth in our community who choose NOT to use drugs, alcohol or tobacco.
On the other side; Yes, writing tickets for minor consumptions means that someone has broken the law. It’s not because they are being picked on or stereotyped.
The decision to use chemicals is a personal choice. The scenario presented by Mr. Sheeran involving a young person drinking and driving is a depiction of a poor choice. It is not a by-product of policing. Yes, there’s probably only a very small number of youth who find it recreational to cause $8,000 in damage at the park. Yes, there are adults supplying youth with drugs, alcohol and tobacco, and yes, youth who care about making change occur are encouraged to start the process.
I understand the desire to hang out on Main Street. Being a native of Park Rapids myself, I too thought Main Street was the place to be. Back then the only person I had to fear catching up with me on Main Street was my father. He thought it was inappropriate for teenage girls to be hanging out with others on Main Street. My now-grown children enjoyed hanging out on Main Street when they were teenagers and I would guess that my grandchildren will also have these same desires. The Main Street issue is not just a Park Rapids issue - it’s an issue of many communities.
During the teen years, youth generally have a limited amount of responsibility and have more free time and in general it’s a time when they’re just supposed to be kids! The need to be fully self sufficient and independent will soon arrive, but for now, many will seek employment, participate in positive activities and in general just want to be around their peers.
All of the above concerns cannot be improved overnight, but change can occur. I think youth underestimate the power they hold. I believe youth would be truly surprised of the impact they could make if they came together, expressed their opinions and wishes and be willing to do the necessary work in order to make true change occur.
Tina Eischens
20 Augut 2008