Be Like a Subtraction Problem and MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Young people today face many challenges: online predators, drug use, peer pressure, predatory advertising techniques. Yet, youth are often marginalized and isolated based on gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation, and cut off from the tools they need to improve their lives. Their voices and opinions are often not included in the politics and decision-making processes that affect their lives, schools, and communities.

As a response to the issues young people face and to the community’s need for youth leadership, The Boys & Girls Club Hawaii – Kaua`i branch and the YWCA of Kaua`i have joined forces to initiate a new, unique leadership program for Kauai’s young people.

The Kauai Youth Network (KYN) will be a new youth organization that seeks to expand opportunities for young people to engage, partner and lead the changes they want to see on our rural island. KYN will be planned, directed and owned by the youth participants themselves.

The KYN will be hosting The First Annual Youth Summit, to be held at the YWCA Camp Sloggett. It will provide a setting and project foundation where participants can meet and bond in a fun, intellectually stimulating and challenging environment. The Summit will be held 13 – 15 March 2009. Contact the KYN at kauaiyouthnetwork@gmail.com or via telephone 245.9552. Also, look for KYN on facebook!