TeenSpace
Mission: The mission of TeenSpace is to provide a safe nonjudgmental environment in Sedro-Woolley where teenagers 13 - 19 can participate in progressive recreation, music and art, and receive social support, mentoring and educational encouragement.
Vision: The TeenSpace vision is to accomplish a collaborative culture, mutual respect and support, and remain open to re-evaluate our focus in an attempt to bridge multigenerational gaps within the community.
Value: TeenSpace values a community of youth and adults working together encouraging young people to eliminate all forms of discrimination.
Through strong management of an adult Governing Body and a Youth Council, TeenSpace will adopt a Code of Conduct including specific rules and policies for all members to abide by. It is critical to respect and value the community’s cultural beliefs and to involve many different community members from the very beginning of the partnership to show that TeenSpace is working to develop strong relationships. The youth need to develop a sense of ownership in Sedro-Woolley through community service and increase self-confidence through leadership and events of interest to the age range. Some of the ideas for specific events include music, concerts, art, tournaments, and playing pool or arcade games. Some ideas for community service include spray paint clean-up, mentoring, and helping seniors. TeenSpace envisions local business willing to offer classes or training for trades, such as vehicle maintenance or art workshops. TeenSpace also envisions teenagers teaching computer skills to the elderly. Youth are musically motivated, so by allowing local young bands to play for their peers and challenge each other, increases interest in music and develops self-confidence. Offering a place to be physically active in a manner appealing to the culture, such as martial arts or skateboarding in a controlled environment will encourage a healthy lifestyle helping to eliminate obesity. SWHS Seniors in search of a project can work with TeenSpace to make a memorable impact in the community. Statistics show that close connections with caring adults can foster improvements in adolescents' relationships with others. For example, volunteer mentoring relationships can lead to improvements in teens' perceptions of their relationships with their parents, educators, and community in terms of intimacy, communication, and trust.