"Striving together" - the original Greek meaning from which we derive today's word "competition," according to Ian Hill, keynote speaker for the WATT Community Forum. This Community Forum on youth development in Washtenaw County brought together a unique mix of local leaders in education, business, local government and health & human services.  Time is at a premium for these people and pressing local needs often compete for their attention.

On Wednesday, May 18th, 2005, the WATT Community Forum offered a platform for our youth.  It was an afternoon that became "striving together" to find concrete proposals that will help every young person in Washtenaw County develop into a healthy, productive citizen.  (See some of those outcomes).  From the teens themselves to a few who were teens many, many years ago, the talk was about making a better future, together.

For more information on how you, your teen or your organization can get involved in this effort, see WATT's UP? Get Connected! 

Ian Hill, stirring it up with a lot of questions for the 125 attendees.

Washtenaw County Commissioner Barbara Bergman attended,

Shamyle Nesfield, youth worker, making a point,

Derrick Ulrich, member of the WATT Youth Advisory Council and
Washtenaw County Children's Services Director Denise Dalrymple

Youth Advsory Council Member Katey Jahnke and
listen intently during table discussion.

DeVaughn Swanson and Washtenaw County Sheriff's Commander Marilyn Hall-Beard

 Washtenaw Community College's Anthony Williamson (l),and Marcus Dixson (r) exchange ideas.

Washtenaw County Public Health Officer Ellen Clement

Willow Run School Superintendant Dr. Doug Benit got involved.

One of the day's top vote-getters for priorities (See others)
was the need to create County-wide transportation opportunties for teens. (52 dots!)