Youth Solutions reports pledge-card contest, two small grants and a documentary in progress

Youth Solutions participants told the Las Vegas Youth Leadership Advisory Council that their pledge-card campaign — focused on pedestrian, bicycle and scooter safety — continues and that the group has expanded the project to include driver-safety materials after receiving an additional small grant.

Emera McNally, speaking for Youth Solutions, said the group is near the end of its project deadline and has been distributing pledge cards and organizing a pledge-card contest at middle and high schools to spur participation.

Dr. Tammy Malich described recent funding and recognition: "We submitted a second project plan and budget ... and got a second $1,000 grant," she said, adding that a separate $500 award was received after a member's national op-ed was selected. She said Channel 5 covered a recent school event and that the project has drawn further school requests for materials.

Dr. Malich also reported that a small group is creating a documentary that includes interviews with a trauma surgeon at UMC, school-district police and school principals. She said the Youth Solutions team was invited to give a virtual national presentation on youth civic engagement and the group's approach to local change.

Members praised the outreach and discussed logistics for events and school partnerships. Staff reminded the council that the youth advisory council was created by ordinance and is not a funded body; in-kind donations of goods are generally acceptable but fundraising for money is restricted without following city guidelines.

The council heard that additional schools requested more pledge cards after a school-wide signing event, and staff encouraged members to track outreach contacts and coordinate with appointed council offices for assistance with events and newsletters.