Lessons From the Border

Commissioner Debbie Robles wrote about her recent trip to Nogales, Arizona with fellow members Andres Cano, Abby Wells and Andrew Conlogue.

"On March 13, 2009, in Nogales, Arizona law enforcement partners, elected officials, community members, educators, and students, which included us, were able to attend the Youth On The Border Conference. We were taught about the realities confronting immigrant and repatriated children, and were able to attend workshops including: Teen Relationship Violence in the Age of Technology, The Law and its Implication for Underage Drinkers, and Youth and HIV/AIDS on the Border: Cultural Considerations for Treatment and Prevention. Christopher, Abby, Andrew, and myself attended the Teen Relationship Violence in the Age of Technology while Andres attended the HIV/ AIDS on the Border: Cultural Considerations for Treatment and preventions workshop. Various Presenters then spoke to the youth including: Sandy Bromly, who works as the coordinator of the New Mexico Domestic Violence Homicide Review Team, Jesse Medina who is a Rio Rico High School graduate from the class of 2008. Many inspiring presenters also spoke, such as Luis Valdez who is the founder and artistic director of the internationally renowned El Teatro Campesino. The session ended with youth presentations of issues such as Crossing the Line: The Dangers of Meth, and Alcohol and its Impact on Teens. The conference was an inspiring day full of lessons, and ended with great traditionally styled Mexican food at Frida’s Bed and Breakfast!" Commissioner Debbie Robles

Learning About Domestic Violence

Commissioner Hannah Nunez has become very involved with the Committee to Prevent Domestic Violence, and spent time during October learning about the issue through various events. Here are her reflections on attending a community coversation in Phoenix and a Vigil in Prescott.

"I attended the community conversation forum for domestic violence in October, and I can honestly say it was more than honor to attend. At the forum we heard from several guest speakers and I was informed on different aspects of the seriousness and causes of D.V. In the second part of the forum we split into groups to come up with solutions to better help females...all people really...who are victims of D.V. By the end of the day I found myself truly interested in domestic violence. Hearing how many people were so involved with the safety and comfort of D.V. victims inspired me.

Myself, Christopher, and the director of the Division for Women's Maria Elena Ochoa traveled to Prescott last night to attend a candle light vigil for domestic violence victims. Not only was the weather amazing [me being from Phoenix], but the entire experience was exhilarating. Several D.V. victims shared their survival stories that night, and listening to their stories of their traumatic events that had happened hit me; D.V. victims aren't just statistics. Witnessing the pain they displayed as each of them shared their individual cases opened my eyes to the actual seriousness of the problem. I concluded by the middle of the event that I had been guilty simply knowing the stat's back and forth and forgetting about the actual people affected. I can now say that I am pleased to be on the Committee to Prevent Domestic Violence, and I plan on making a change for the better. Overall I'm very glad that I was able to listen to those women speak; it was a very moving experience." Commissioner Hannah Nunez

MAN Domestic Violence County Attorney Debate

During October, Commissioner Pranav Kelkar witnessed the Maricopy County Attorney debate hosted by the Men's Anti-Violence Network in Phoenix.

"The office of County Attorney is currently held by incumbent Republican Andrew Thomas and is being challenged for by Democrat Tim Nelson and Libertarian Michael Kielsky. On Wednesday, October 1st, the three debated their positions on the issue of domestic violence. I attended the debate to gather information on what the County Attorney's office does to deal with domestic violence, but what I saw was a display of competitive debating. The candidates took turns answering questions about their policies on domestic violence. However, upon answering the questions, the candidates, primarily Nelson and Thomas, criticized the policies of the others. All in all, the debaters created a very tense environment which even youth such as myself could sense without much prior knowledge on any of the candidates. Aside from all the tension, it was evident as each candidate valued sportsmanship as handshakes were shared after the debate. Throughout this experience, I learned about different sorts of policies that are encompassed by all three party representatives, and felt that it was a very educational, and action packed hour." Pranav Kelkar, Commissioner

10th Annual National Leadership Conference

Commissioners Andrew Conlogue and Abby Wells received scholarships from the Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety to attend the 10th Annual National Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Both presented results to the national prevention community on the Alcohol Retailer Mapping in Proximity to Youth Attractions project (ARMPY). As a result of their stellar presentation, the ARMPY project was done by other organizations in Butte County, California, Detroit, Michigan, and various communities in Louisiana.

"My trip to Nashville to present on the GYC's work in mapping alcohol retailer proximity to youth attractions was one of the best experiences of my life. A stay at the fanciest hotel I've ever seen and free food every day were just perks compared to the honor of displaying our findings to the national community and the feeling of making a real difference that came with it. I got to have some fun at the Grand Ole Opry and make a few great friends along the way, too. I will never, ever forget that, nor will I forget the GYC for allowing me to do that." Andrew Conlogue, Committee to Prevent Domestic Violence Chair

Helping the Homeless

Commissioners Courtney Rothwell, David Reynolds, Dominic Chen, and Muhammad Seedat volunteered on a Sunday afternoon at André House of Arizona, a house of hospitality for homeless men and women in central Phoenix.

"André House was a great experience. It was fun working with other volunteers and meeting new people. It's also very inspiring seeing what you can do to help people. Everyone that comes to Andre House is extremely grateful and they are always appreciative of the services we provide. This volunteer experience was definitely worth the time!" Courtney Rothwell, Commissioner

"Volunteering at André House was an eye opening experience for me as well as the other commissioners. Our responsibilities included preparing food, serving the food, and assisting with cleaning up after the dinner service. Even though I am not on the Homelessness Committee, I found the experience very enriching and enlightening. I felt very good that I could make a difference in somebody's life, even in the smallest and simplest way." Muhammad Seedat, Commissioner

"At the André House I helped chop fruit for the salad, butter bread, and cleanup in the general dining area. Cleaning up in the general dining area was a bit messy; there were only two of us and we had to change the trash bags pretty frequently. My experience there showed me who the real homeless were: hardworking citizens that were victims of the economic instability, not the stereotypical homeless portrayed on TV or in movies. I especially enjoyed having the opportunity to help other members of our community." Dominic Chen, Commissioner

Community Cleanup

On Saturday, October 4, 2008, Commissioners Sarah Poplin, Courtney Rothwell and David Reynolds traveled to Globe, Gila County to help fellow member Branden Shipley in a cleanup of his community. This is yet another example of commissioners traveling across the state to help others who are in need of assistance.

"The four of us drove up to Globe, Arizona to meet Branden for a day of picking up trash, metal, and branches. During this city beautification project, we had fun talking with people while feeling great about helping a community that needed a few extra hands. It was cooler than Phoenix, so it felt great to do work outside. The Saturday trip to Globe was well worth my time, and I can't wait to see more people participate!" Sarah Poplin, Commissioner

"Our time in Globe was well spent, and not only did we help Branden and his efforts to help his town but the commissioners bonded. It was a great way to see other places of our state through community service projects. The weather was awesome although a few rain drops, but that didn’t stop any of us." David Reynolds, Commissioner

Reflections

Several commissioners took time to reflect on their experiences with the Governor's Youth Commission.

"Joining the Governor's Youth Commission has been one of the best decisions I have made in my high school career. Not only has it shaped my character, but it has opened doors to other life-changing, character-building experiences. Because the makeup of the commission is so diverse, commissioners are able to broaden their perspectives and learn more about different parts of the state. It is truly a worthwhile experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in making a difference in Arizona." Abby Wells, Committee on Substance Abuse Prevention Chair

"For three years I have had the honor of serving on the Arizona's Governor’s Youth Commission, and I have to say it has been one of the best experiences I could ever have had. It has opened doors and gateways to me that I never thought possible. I have learned and assisted in issues dealing with youth around the state. I have also made incredible friends. Most importantly I have learned life skills that will take me to new places, and I have done things that have actually made a difference in the state." Natalie Lucas, Vice Chair

"I had heard time and time again about hyped up youth organizations that, in reality, never really did anything, so of course I was incredulous about the Arizona Governor's Youth Commission when I first heard about it. I was the kind of guy who would have passed it up if not for the urging of a few former Commissioners who turned me on to the coolest thing I've ever been involved. Now, some of my best friends are in the Governor's Youth Commission. Finding forty liked minded, similarly dedicated individuals was a real breath of fresh air. I've formed bonds with some of my fellow Commissioners that I truly believe will last the rest of my life." Andrew Conlogue, Committee to Prevent Domestic Violence Chair

"There is nothing more satisfying than being able to voice your opinion; indeed, as teenagers, it isn’t something we often get to do. Arizona, however, is fearless in its approach to highlighting the issues facing our younger population. The Governor’s Youth Commission recognizes the complexities and effects of these problems, such as how youth experiencing homelessness and underage drinking cripples lives across the state. Through their service, commissioners gain awareness about their surroundings. They advocate for the initiatives important to them, and demonstrate a strong interest in improving the welfare of their peers. A price tag can not be put on such an opportunity—this truly is something that is earned through hard work, and a sincere desire to enrich your high school experience." Andres Cano, Chair

"The Governor's Youth Commission has brought me knowledge and experience. During my time on the GYC, I have had the opportunity to experience new cultures in Arizona and use my leadership skills to help benefit youth across the state. Through my committee, I have become involved with state agencies and organizations that make a difference in the lives of other youth. The reality of issues affecting youth in Arizona has become so real to me and has given me a passion to change the world. In addition, the Governor's Youth Commission has provided me long lasting friendships. Since the commission consists of intelligent, opinionated and diverse youth, we all enjoy learning more about each other and spending time together. I always look forward to working with other GYC members.

Additionally, volunteering with the Governor's Youth Commission has given me the opportunity to witness the issues affecting people and the different cultures across the state of Arizona. I have travelled to several towns to help improve the environment and address these issues. Working with other commissioners and volunteers has brought insight into my life and my knowledge of Arizona has broadened." Courtney Rothwell, Commissioner.