DePauw News Archive

March 16, 1999

The second annual summit on Putnam County's youth will focus on developing strategic plans to implement solutions in five key areas of need that were identified at last year's summit.

The "Safe Place" Summit for Putnam County's Youth, part of a national call to action issued at the Presidents' Summit for America's Future held at Philadelphia in 1997, is planned on Saturday, April 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at DePauw University. County residents are encouraged to participate, and volunteers are needed to help with the summit.

Prior to the summit, five task forces consisting of Putnam County residents will research possible solutions and approaches to each of the five needs determined at last year's summit: transportation, after-school programs, youth facility, mentors and coordination of youth activities. Based on their research, each task force will prepare a presentation and facilitate a discussion of the issue at the summit. County residents interested in serving on any of the task forces should call the Grover L. Hartman Center for Civic Education and Leadership at (765) 658-4622.

With a focus of "Responding to the Needs of Our Youth," the 1999 "Safe Place" Summit for Putnam County's Youth is intended as a continuation of last year's summit, which allowed county residents, organizations and businesses to share their opinions, ideas and solutions in order to develop a plan and initiate action to improve the quality of life for youth in Putnam County and respond to the needs of the youth.

The Summit for Putnam County's Youth is a response to the Presidents' Summit for America's Future when President Clinton, General Colin Powell and former presidents of the United States called for efforts to create a healthier society for children. Coordinator of the Presidents' Summit was Stuart C. Lord, executive director of the Hartman Center at DePauw.

Approximately 250-300 people are expected to participate in the local summit. Cloverdale, Greencastle, North Putnam and South Putnam school systems are all participating. There also will be delegates from churches, businesses, civic organizations, city and county government, and DePauw. Community members interested in volunteering to help with the summit should call the Hartman Center at (765) 658-4870.

The "Safe Place" Summit for Putnam County's Youth is in partnership with the national initiative headed by Gen. Powell, America's Promise-The Alliance for Youth. The program is designed to equip young people with five basic tools and resources that create opportunities for success: (1) an ongoing relationship with a caring adult-mentor, tutor, coach; (2) safe places and structured activities during non-school hours; (3) a healthy start; (4) a marketable skill through effective education; and (5) an opportunity to give back through community service.

Under the direction of the Hartman Center, DePauw is a member of the University Summit Advisory Board.