Regional and Local Officials Expected to Attend U City Youth Forum

The needs and wants of teenagers and young adults in the St. Louis metro area will take center stage at a forum next week hosted by University City Mayor Shelley Welsch.

The conference aims to address recreational and outreach program needs of local and regional youth.

The Regional Initiative on Youth will be held on Tuesday, July 12 at the , located at 975 Pennsylvania Ave. The discussion kicks off at 6 p.m.

According to a University City press release a number of local and regional dignitaries who expressed interest in participating in the conversation. They include:

• mayors from throughout the St. Louis metro region
• staff members from St. Louis City and County governments
• representatives from the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE)
• the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) 
• the Regional Arts Council 
• Youth In Need
• leaders from youth organizations 
• Beyond Housing
• religious leaders 
• representatives from Real Talk.

Residents throughout the St. Louis metro region are encouraged to take part in the forum and share their opinions about recreational opportunities and outreach programs that should be created or enhanced for area youth. All age groups are encouraged to attend.

“This is an opportunity for parents, area leaders and our youth to come together and facilitate an open discussion about pertinent issues affecting the future generations of leaders,” Welsch said in the University City press release. “The goal is to better understand the needs of our area teens and young adults to create both recreational and outreach opportunities to meet their needs and expectations."