A subgroup of the Laredo Learning Council confirmed several community-outreach plans and internal initiatives during its Dec. 12 meeting, including a Jan. 4, 2025 movie night at Haines Recreation Center and a committee to plan a youth leadership day.

A council member announced logistics for the movie night: the event will be held at Haines Recreation Center on Jan. 4, 2025, with ticket-based food sales. "$1 will equal 1 ticket," the presenter said, describing food-ticket stands for drinks, popcorn and nachos. The event schedule discussed at the meeting called for planting activities from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and family activities from 10 a.m. to noon; volunteers were asked to arrive about 5:30 p.m. to set up the screen and concessions.

Council members asked about volunteers, flyer distribution and coordination with Parks and Recreation and Keep Laredo Beautiful for equipment and outreach. Staff member Karen confirmed the city’s public-comment card and noted public-comment rules: speakers generally have about three minutes to address the council.

A motion to create a committee to plan a youth leadership day passed during the meeting. One member noted the original plan would bring different city departments to a leadership event and suggested aiming for February (National Youth Leadership Month) though timing will depend on staff availability and logistics. A council member said the committee will coordinate with schools, chambers and youth groups to invite high-school students and leadership programs.

Members also discussed opening meeting public-comment outreach to students and preparing a short social-media video and posters to encourage student attendance and testimony. Leonardo (council sponsor of the public-comment proposal) emphasized that student perspectives help the council “learn more about what it means to be a leader.”

Separately, members proposed a mentorship pilot in which Learning Council members would mentor middle- or early high-school students (suggested contact points once per semester, with both in-person and virtual options), and discussed partnering with student councils to staff charity events such as toy or teddy-bear drives for younger children.

The meeting closed after motions to form committees and routine adjournment; members indicated they will circulate plans and posters, recruit volunteers and present detailed logistics at future meetings.