Jefferson County Preventionist: Community Engagement

What an exciting time to be involved with prevention services and to share about community engagement!

Every day, each of us has opportunities to participate in our community. From simple things like picking up the trash that litters the sidewalks or greeting someone as you pass to more committed ongoing involvement in a committee or community activity—each one of these matters. The primary purpose of this article will be to focus on how we participate with the youth in our community. Some examples of what is presently available are:

The Whitehall Chamber of Commerce supports local businesses, which, in turn, employ some of the community's youth. The Chamber is your resource for business grant information, advertising, and much more. The Chamber also promotes fun activities for the youth and the whole family, such as the annual Frontier Days celebration, Fall Festival, Volunteer Appreciation Toast, and grand openings of new businesses in the area.

- Attendance at school events, such as plays, music concerts, sports, etc. Youth notice and appreciate it when adults show up.

Rotary Club—As part of Rotary, there is a youth (Junior club component) called Interact. Interact clubs bring together young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self. The Whitehall Rotary is in conversation with the Whitehall school to reestablish Interact. The difference would be a middle school focus rather than a high school focus.

Library events—Each of the local libraries provides monthly activities for all ages (story time, robotics, STEM activities, and much more), computer time and support, and, of course, the great reading materials available.

Jefferson County DUI Task Force provides scholarships for High School students who wish to become Junior members of the Task Force. These students provide their peers with information, activities (e.g., Teen Super Bowl Party), driver safety tips, and support to make healthy choices throughout their High School years. The Task Force meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 5 PM in the Clerk and Recorders conference room, and a Zoom option is available.

- Jefferson County MHLAC (Mental Health Local Advisory Council) - This group looks at the mental health needs of all residents of Jefferson County and what support can be provided EX. QPR training (suicide awareness), support of schools and health departments with programs such as SOS (Signs of Suicide), RBHI (Rural Behavioral Health Initiative), billboard messaging, etc. Meets on the third Thursday of each month at noon in the Clerk & Recorders conference room, and a Zoom option is available.

Star Theatre and Gold Junction Presents—What a marvelous opportunity for a small community like Whitehall to have a movie theater! The variety of movies presented for all ages provides a family experience for young and old. Live entertainment is also a part of GJP's mission and allows talent of all ages to blossom.

Active Parenting Now classes provide parents, guardians, and anyone working with youth with additional skills for communicating cooperatively with children of all ages. Watch for flyers and ads in the Ledger for a class this fall. https://parentingmontana.org/ has information and tools for parents of children of every age. Many parents have been introduced to this resource at Kindergarten roundups, parent/teacher conferences, and other school events.

Please consider checking out one or more of these many opportunities to support the youth of your community. Also, remember that a positive comment and/or appreciation for the youth who live in your neighborhood goes a long way.