Investing in the youth of Cortland County is a key part of the mission and vision of Cortland Area Communities that Care.

On March 27, 2010, CACTC, Access to Independence, SUNY Cortland Athletics, and the National Guard will host an afternoon devoted to helping area youth learn new ways to make better choices.

The underlying theme of the day for the 4^th Annual CACTC Youth Conference is “How You Can Make a Difference,”

John Underwood of the American Athletic Institute will be the keynote speaker.

Workshops offered throughout the afternoon will also help youth consider what they can do to make a difference in their community, school, and lives.

Having youth involved in the planning process has always been a priority of CACTC. This year has proved to be no different.

Youth have been the ingredient needed to pull the schedule for the day together, to create an evaluation for the conference, and photograph the event.

This conference is also a departure from the format of previous years, in that it is targeting older youth and is structured as a professional development day. Up to 400 youth are expected to attend the event.

The Conference will begin at 12:00pm in Park Center on the Cortland State campus.

Upon arrival students will receive their schedules for the afternoon, and then proceed to the gym for opening remarks.

Throughout the day all students will take part in a workshop presented by Tim Davis, Assistant Professor of Physical Education, and his students called “Simplexity Games”. During this activity, youth will learn simple and complex games that accommodate all abilities.

All youth will also participate in a workshop provided by SSGT. Stanley Norton from the US Army National Guard that focuses on team building and leadership skills.

Youth will then break out into smaller groups to participate in one other workshop that could be about topics from  sports drinks to concussions.

Healthy refreshments will also be available during the day to offer ideas for “grab and go snacks” that youth can prepare in advance and bring to school for midmorning or afterschool snacks before practice, a game, a club meeting, or other activity.

It’s important to educate youth on the significance of refueling energy stores before engaging in physical activity, especially if youth haven’t eaten since lunch, or haven’t eaten much during the day. Choosing healthy nutrient rich foods is one other way for youth to make better choices.

Local community agencies will also be on hand to display the array of available opportunities in Cortland County for youth to be a part of or gain information about. The Jacobus Center, as well as the LBGTQ Resource Center will be among them.

By learning about local resources, youth will be more equipped to know where to go when they need more information or help.

Cortland Area Communities that Care wants to reduce adolescent alcohol and other drug abuse, teen pregnancy, delinquency, school drop-outs rates, and teen violence in our community.

All of that while providing a safe, stable community that supports positive values, education, diversity and investment in youth.

It’s a tall order, but in a time when alcohol and drug use are more prevalent then ever, we owe it to our children as parents, friends, neighbors, and community members to provide them with the tools they need to survive in their world.

The CACTC Youth Conference is just one way we are helping youth make positive choices. What will you do to make a difference?

Susan Prier is a member of the CACTC Board and Chair of the Youth Development Workgroup.