offers youth the opportunity to voice their concerns, and provides the structure for them to work at what they care about in their community.

Youth Voice is a leadership council of about 15 youth ages 12-20 that will provide an environment where they can become engaged in the future development of their local community, and learn how to be effective volunteers and community activists.

Ultimately, Youth Voice will enable local young people to voice their concerns and ideas; develop, organize, and execute Youth Voice-created projects; participate in community projects and local government; become empowered to make decisions, take action to improve their local community, assume responsibility for youth-related issues, and participate in the process.

The first year's project, "Youth in Liberty," is a multi-media research documentary. Utilizing video cameras, audio recorders, and GSP mapping equipment, Youth Voice will observe, interview, and survey local youth and residents.

Youth Voice held their first meeting on September 26, at the Liberty CDC office. There are about 15 seriously interested participants, a diverse population ages 12-18, of various economic and ethnic backgrounds, all local to Liberty. Almost all participate in other youth programs including: TeamSkate, Youth Advocacy Program, C.A.C.H.E., Teen Link, faith-based youth groups, to name a few.

Both 4H and the Sullivan County Community College Leadership Seminar class are interested in participating in the first year project and creating a partnership with Youth Voice.

The schedule for the year consists of twice monthly meetings, Tuesday after school. One meeting will be intended for project workshops (media skills training), and various leadership workshops (facilitated by local organization leaders, such as Kathy Krieter of the Dispute Resolution Center). The second meeting is intended for field work: filming, interviews, surveys, etc.

We have engaged the assistance and support of professional documentary filmmakers, Magdalena Sztompka and Josh Moise. Both reside and work in New York City. Magdalena has written, directed, and produced two documetaries. Her own film company (with her partner, a feature film director also interested in providing training) produces professional music videos and commercials. Josh Moise's acclaimed documentary, Supermax Wisconsin, was featured in the Slamdance film festival. He has a degree in Communication Arts and now works as a professional film editor. SCCC media instructor Scott Healy has also agreed to conduct a workshop on story development and "how to shoot." The first film-making workshop is scheduled for October 17th.

Completion of the film is scheduled for summer 2007, to culminate in a public presentation for the Liberty Bicentennial.

Group of Liberty teens ready for
a town clean-up day.
zoom view

Team Skate

Youth Committee

Youth-on-Main