Research shows that students who bond with schools and community are less likely to be involved with risk behaviors that contribute to chronic and debilitating diseases later in life. Working with the City of Casper and the Natrona County School District, the Wyoming Medical Center Foundation developed a volunteer youth council designed to engage young people in community decision making, and strengthen bonds between young people and their community. This group of young people work at city, state and national levels to advocate for youth programs and projects that improve the quality of life for their peers and their future. They took a leadership role in completing the Casper Skate Park and have conducted safety forums in each secondary school. They represented Casper and Wyoming at National League of Cities Conventions in Los Angeles and Boston, leading a national body of youth in the development of a national youth agenda. This past year, they assisted with a local meth conference and organized a youth volunteer fair and rock concert.

The Youth Empowerment Council has won both the JC Penney Golden Rule Award and the Governor's Community Spirit Award. Check out their web site at www.youthempowermentcouncil.com

Your local Youth Empowement Council is sponsored by:

• Wyoming Medical Center Foundation
• City of Casper
• Natrona County School District #1
• Natrona County Prevention Coalition