Youth leadership was the focus of our recent Sri Lankan group.
City of Pensacola Councilwoman Megan Pratt welcomed them on their first day during a roundtable discussion which examined ways to foster youth leadership at the local level. Others joining the discussion included Chad Stacy, Jonathan Thompson, Mark Harden, Kurt Larson, Richard Rizzo, and Barrie Arnold. The local participants brought years of personal and business experience working with youth issues at organizations such Pensacola Young Professionals, The Emerging Leaders Society, Leadership Pensacola, and Youth LeaP. After sharing information, ideas, and personal stories, Councilwoman Pratt presented the visitors with certificates proclaiming them to be Honorary Citizens of the City of Pensacola.
Next, the group enjoyed meeting Laura Jo Hust at the CIL-Disability Resource Center to learn about assistive technology. Independent Living Specialist Don Risavy introduced specialized resources for the blind and vision impaired. Later, the group visited Digital Media Education where Director John Lovrien and his staff trained the visitors in media skills and recording industry techniques which its program offers to young adults and inner-city youth.
The next day, the group spent time at Pensacola State College with 2008 Electoral College delegate Juanita Scott and Dr. Gael Frazer, Associate Vice President for Institutional Diversity. At this meeting, they discussed political activism as well as the challenges of working within an ethnically and racially diverse academic environment.
After a relaxing lunch in downtown Pensacola, the visitors met Escambia County Supervisor of Elections David Stafford where they learned about area voting trends and programs educating school children in the election process. At the end of the day, the group visited with Emily Haller and Chain Reaction students at a local youth center to learn how this teen-led organization trains youth through volunteerism.
We thank all in the community who welcomed our visitors and extended southern hospitality to them.
