Dumfries hosts a Youth-led Empowerment Town Hall to address issues

The Youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow – Nelson Mandela

It is often said that children are to be seen and not heard. Earlier this evening in Dumfries, they gave several youths the opportunity to let their voices be heard as they hosted a town hall meeting. Attended by elected officials, parents and community leaders, they spoke on a litany of issues, from security, to mental health, and community activities.

The youths leading the panel were: Prince William County School Board Student Representative Chance Williams, Forest Park High School Senior Dynasty Wood, Battlefield High School Senior Jaylen, Swans Creek Elementary School fifth grader Tanner Nickerson, and Chris, a sixth grader from Potomac Shores Middle School. They discussed strategies to several topics that were of great concern. One of them was the recent rise in violent incidents, including several lockdowns.

“It’s not an economic or racial issue,” said Williams, “it’s a human issue.”

One of the biggest challenges students are facing is addressing mental health. Jaylen made a call of action for both authority leaders and peers to help students with both clinical and non-clinical levels. “We hold the power now,” he said, “what are we going to do with it?”

Wood called upon the town of Dumfries to implement more programs within the area, such as teen-focused job fairs. “We need to have ways that kids can get involved in the community,” said Wood.

Afterwards, the youths took questions from several adults. Potomac District Supervisor Andrea Bailey was among them, as she expressed support for helping students with mental health resources. “The county is ready to put some dollars on the table,” said Bailey.

Parents, along with other youths, brought up questions on topics such as bullying and drug use. The panel mentioned about seeing actual drug deals taking place in the hallways, with the primary action being closing the restrooms. “It’s punishing the public rather than the person,” said Wood.

Throughout the week, Prince William School Board Superintendent Dr. LaTanya McDade will host a series of town hall meetings on introducing artificial intelligence detectors, which Potomac School District Representative Justin Wilk asked the panelists for their views on it. While some discussed both its positive and potential negative effects, Williams said while those are effective, more needs to be done.

“We need to look at what motivates students to bring in guns and drugs in our schools,” he said.

At the end of the panel, Dumfries Mayor Derrick Wood announced the formation of a youth council. On March 3rd at Forest Park, there will be a multicultural night to initiate further discussion.