PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Programs: For Youth | For Adults | For Everyone

PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH

 Madison County Youth Forum (Since 1997)

The Madison County Youth Forum provides students the opportunity for youth to have a voice in solutions that affects their daily lives.  Youth Forums stimulate community involvement and teamwork to accomplish solutions proposed by the participants. Youth participants spend the day discussing concerns related to the chosen health topic and developing recommendations on how to address the identified problems. Teen facilitators and college students lead the afternoon discussion sessions. During the evening panel session, youth share their recommendations and proposed solutions with a panel of community leaders and community members. Some examples of past successes include the Zero Tolerance Law, breathalyzers at local proms, successful passage of community tobacco ordinances, an attempted passage of a county tobacco ordinance, a potential state bill, the initial development of a countywide teen center, collaboration with county officials on underage drinking issues, the County Sheriff's TipLine (296-3000) to report underage drinking issues and other concerns, changes in school policy, changes in county policy, and efforts to increase water consumption by students at three high schools. The Madison County Youth Forum is a collaborative effort with many agencies, organizations and schools participating in the planning process. 

 Madison County Youth Board (since 1996)

 The Madison County Youth Board is designed for the express purpose of offering adolescents committed to leadership and wellness activities a voice in a formal structure. The Madison County Youth Board consists of adolescents from Madison County high schools and an adult advisory committee. The adolescents on the board are accountable to their local school, community agencies, fellow board members and to the adolescents of their communities to provide fair and comprehensive representation as a board member. This involves the implementation of a broad-based peer network designed to provide Madison County wellness, social, educational and recreational activities for youth in the community. The Madison County Youth Board focuses on a common goal to provide a forum for expressing ideas, solving problems and doing their part to establish a safer, secure county for the youth of today and the future. Youth Board members develop leadership skills, gain knowledge of health and safety concerns, develop networks among peers, learn to conduct meetings, organize initiatives and gain interest in their county and how it functions. Madison County Youth Board has initiated or participated in projects including Crazy Olympics, county and local tobacco ordinances, a press conference, grant writing, Statewide Youth Boards, community service projects, Staying Alive Night, working with local violence prevention committees, working with the Sheriff’s Department on underage drinking issues, exploring the initiation of a state bill to increase identification at the point of sale for alcohol and tobacco products and development of a proposal to create a countywide teen center, and a series of four tobacco prevention cartoons.        

 Handwashing Presentation

 This program involves the use of Glo-Germs and the Glo-Light. Participants are given a few drops of the Glo-Germs (fluorescent lotion used to represent fake germs) and are instructed to inspect their “dirty” hands under the light. After washing their hands, participants inspect their hands under the light to see if all the germs are off. A discussion of proper handwashing techniques follows. This presentation can be adjusted from adults to young children. For school-based programs, contact Patty at U of I Extension at (618) 344-4230.  For daycare facilities to borrow equipment for their program, contact Kim (618) 296-6079.