Youth Voices Shape the Future: Listening Sessions Reveal Hopes and Challenges

​Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW) recently hosted two youth listening sessions in Kennewick as part of a Community Needs Assessment for Benton and Franklin Counties. Held on May 20 and June 26, the sessions welcomed 26 youth ages 16–21 to share their experiences, concerns, and dreams for their future and their community.
 
These conversations marked the launch of the NextGen Leaders of Benton and Franklin Counties, a new initiative aimed at empowering youth voices and fostering youth-led solutions for a safer, healthier community. Participants engaged in group discussions and activities to explore what they value, where they feel supported, and what changes they hope to see. Each participant received a $50 gift card and dinner as a thank-you for their time and insights. Program Director Andrea Peyton is responsible for spearheading this new initiative.
 
“It is our belief that young people have practical and creative solutions to solve community challenges,” Andrea says. “Often, adults think we have the answers, and we take up decision making space on behalf of young people. These listening sessions have allowed youth to highlight what they believe are the most pressing issues they are facing along with what they love about our community.”
 
Many participants from the May and June sessions expressed strong interest in continuing their involvement to help shape this work, and their first council meeting is scheduled for July 31st. In partnership with local organizations and community leaders, the goal is to allow young people to steer this work, encourage their peers to discover available resources, and ensure they have a voice in shaping the programs and services that affect their futures.
 
For more information, contact Molly Curtiss at [email protected] or visit lcsnw.org/program/nextgen.