The Tulare County Board of Supervisors has officially established Step Up as a formal advisory committee. In doing so, the Step Up Committee will solidify the future of the program which seeks to address issues that affect all youth in Tulare County.
More specifically, the committee’s focus is to redirect youth from truancy, suspension and expulsion by encouraging participation in positive activities and extra-curricular involvement. Through collaboration, the committee will work to diminish arrest/referral rates, substance abuse and teen pregnancy by fostering positive associations and social networks.
As part this action, the Board of Supervisors is seeking qualified applicants for the committee.
“Step Up is looking for individuals who want to collaborate with communities, stakeholders, youth and their parents to find innovative ways to make a positive impact on the lives of Tulare County youth,” said Step Up Program Administrator Allison Pierce.
Currently, the advisory committee is in need of applicants who qualify under one of the three following descriptions: Community Advocate, Faith-Based Community member and Business Community member. All applications are due by noon on Friday, September 25 and can be found on the Tulare County Clerk of the Board’s web page- www.tularecounty.ca.gov/clerkoftheboard.
Appointment of committee members is scheduled to take place during the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, October 6 with the first official Step Up Committee meeting set for Friday, October 16.
COMMUNITY FORUM
Visalia residents interested in learning more about the issues affecting Tulare County youth and Step Up Programming are invited to an informational meeting on Monday, September 21, 2015.
The community forum will feature a panel discussion and Q&A session with local law enforcement agency representatives. Gang awareness, prevention and solutions are central topics of the forum taking place from 6:30-8:00pm at 210 Café, 210 W. Center Ave, Visalia.
“This forum offers the citizens of Visalia a chance to hear directly from the law enforcement officers dealing with daily gang activity and violence,” said District Three Supervisor Phil Cox. “Visalians will have an opportunity to have their questions answered by those who know the issues best.”
For more information about the Step Up Advisory Committee, Step Up Programming, and/or the community forum, please contact Step Up Program Administrator Allison Pierce at (559) 636-5000 or agpierce@co.tulare.ca.us. Information is also available online at www.stepuptc.com.