At last Saturday's meeting, we had a brainstorming session about ways to attract young people to 9.12.  I created a list of my ideas, then I spoke with my daughter and her husband (who are in their early 30's).  I have a message out to my 26 yr. old daughter as well.

Here are my thoughts as they came to me during the meeting:

• Have a meeting just for the purpose of getting ideas/thoughts from young people;
• Get young faces on our flyers and have quotes/comments by them in our materials;
• Have young people hand out flyers at farmers markets and other public events;
• Enter names of all people ages 18-25 that show up at a special meeting into a drawing for something like an I Tunes, Borders, REI, etc. gift card;
• Connect w/college and high school newsletters/newspaper.  Let someone from these forums interview a young person involved with 9.12;
• Post our flyers at community colleges;
• Open mic at meetings for young people to say what's on their minds about politics, economy, jobs, etc.;
• Have a special welcome table for young people, staffed by young people.

From our daughter/son-in-law:

• Young people will not come to a meeting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, or, at a sterile location (i.e. WEB bldg);
• They will not sit through a lecture - must be interactive and give them something to do (mentioned several times by people at our Saturday meeting);
• Facebook - that's how most young people share information;
• They know from their friends that young people want the government to be a "parent" - they need to be brought to the reality of what is going to happen to them;
• They both suggested getting into the classrooms - PAC at LO High (Political Action Seminar) When my daughter was in the very first class of it, she said that they made sure to have both sides represented when they had speakers or debates and she really appreciated it and everyone learned.  Also, Interdisciplinary Studies - a class focusing on critical thinking.

My comments:

• Hold some smaller meetings at brew pub, coffee house.  Doesn't even need to be planned - have several people - young, older - show up, ask people to join in conversation about economy and see where it goes. Pay for a pitcher of beer. 
• Small groups at homes - get your kids to invite a small group of friends over for pizza and brainstorming (or, get someone else to host at their house); And/or: invite kids and parents - great way for everyone to learn more about their family;
• In good weather, use George Rogers Park or Foothills Park - have balloons, signs that say "Share your thoughts" or something to draw people in - we will not get just young people, but we can show our genuine interest in hearing thoughts and opinions.  We don't need a big sign that reads "9.12 Project".  As our son-in-law said, most young people want nothing to do with 9.12.  This could be a great community service project for students - finding a way to bring together a variety of people in some local setting to freely share what's on their mind;
• I have worked for years in non-profits and in particular, special education.  There is a curriculum called 'Welcome to My World' where elementary age students can learn about particular disabilities through experiencing what it feels like - pushing yourself in a wheelchair; tying an arm to your body, then trying to button your shirt; putting on a blind-fold and having someone lead you around, etc.  How about creating something similar [for example: recall the Cosby show] where Theo wants to move out and Bill gives Theo Monopoly money, then takes away money as he charges him for rent, food, etc.  Theo had never thought about how much it costs for basics);  
• Get the media involved - including the ones we might not think of - I think PCC and PSU both have radio stations? I know that a lot of young people only listen to OPB programs (when not listening to music);
• Get some young adults on board - I'm talking high school and early college years - give them a title "Youth Liaison" or something similar and have them share a few minutes at each monthly meeting;
• I think for the July meeting we need to emphasize that the topic is 1st Amendment and how everyone, regardless of political leanings, is affected, particularly young people, who are used to having all kinds of technology to share thoughts, and how that needs to be protected.

Anne Brown