Metro Councilors recently joined students at several schools around the region as part of the Reaching and Empowering All People (REAP) "Future is Now Tour." The tour, which brought students from diverse backgrounds and decision makers together to discuss Metro’s role in the community and brainstorm solutions to the region’s problems, paired Metro Councilors with students in their district.
Students who attended the events are participants in the REAP program, which empowers young people and provides leadership training. Metro has partnered with REAP for several years. The school visits comprise an important part of the agency’s ongoing commitment to fostering diversity and directly engaging the community in Metro’s decision making process.
Mark Jackson, Vice President and Executive Director of REAP praised the meetings saying, "The Future Is Now Tour highlights how strategic community partnerships help engage future leaders to ensure the region protects its unique brand of sustainable living."
Each councilor’s presentation varied depending on their particular field of interest. The overall mission of the visits was to inform students about how Metro policies affect the region, increase opportunities for young leaders to participate in decision making processes and build a long-term relationship between Metro and REAP.
After each presentation, students discussed their perception of Metro’s role in the region and made suggestions for how the agency can improve its effectiveness. They also brainstormed ways Metro could effectively engage students and communities of color.
Visitation schedule:
- Council President Carlotta Collette visited Rowe Middle School Friday, Dec. 10
- Councilor Rod Park visited Centennial High School Monday, Dec. 13
- Councilor Carl Hosticka visited Beaverton High School Monday, Dec. 13
- Councilor Kathryn visited Aloha High School Wednesday, Dec. 15
- Councilor Rex Burkholder visited Lincoln High School Friday, Dec. 10
- Councilor Robert Liberty visited David Douglas High School Monday, Dec. 6
The mission of REAP is to be proactively involved to empower and engage youth, families and the community for a better future now.