Local youth coalition seeks to improve community health

(11/18/20) LAKE PROVIDENCE, La. — The East Carroll Parish HYPE Youth Coalition held its first meeting Oct. 30 to elect officers and learn about the civic role of the local police jury. The meeting was held in the East Carroll Parish Police Jury meeting room for members attending both virtually and in person.

The Healthy Young People Empowerment (HYPE) Project is a youth leadership program that trains youth to become advocates for positive change. HYPE activities focus on health advocacy, youth development, youth-adult partnerships and addressing health disparities.

“It is important for youth to be involved in their community to gain decision-making skills, life skills and experience needed to emerge as leaders and contributing members of society,” said Lekeisha Lucas-Powell, LSU AgCenter 4-H agent and East Carroll HYPE coalition facilitator.

The newly elected officers include president Simiya Whitty, vice president Kedriona McLemore, secretary Charlidra Porter, reporter Maryanne Haley, photographer Kelvin Lane Jr. and health officer Kevin Thompson Jr.

“I decided to join the youth coalition to make positive changes in my community,” Whitty said.

East Carroll Police Jury president Kendall Thompson gave a general overview of legislative and administrative functions of the police jury, which include enacting ordinances and resolutions, establishing programs and setting policy for East Carroll Parish.

“It’s very important to get students involved in local government,” Thompson said. “This will not only give us better citizens in the future, but it also helps their parents and the community become better citizens.”

The youth coalition was established by East Carroll Parish 4-H in collaboration with East Carroll Parish Healthy Communities. The next coalition meeting will be held Nov. 20, at 1:30 pm at Kendall’s Community Park, 1490 Charles D. Jones Blvd. In the event of poor weather, the meeting will be held in the East Carroll Parish Police Jury meeting room.

If you would like to learn more or if your child would like to join the coalition, contact Lekeisha Lucas-Powell at llucaspowell@agcenter.lsu.edu or 318-559-1459.

East Carroll HYPE youth in seats.

East Carroll HYPE youth coalition members gather for a socially distanced meeting Oct. 30. Photo by Lekeisha Lucas-Powell/LSU AgCenter

East Carroll HYPE police jury president.

East Carroll Police Jury president Kendall Thompson teaches local youth coalition members about the function of the police jury. Photo by Lekeisha Lucas-Powell/LSU AgCenter

11/18/2020 7:23:57 PM
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