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Overcast Coalition for Youth a reality
East Rockaway village, school, parents on board with new organization
The Coalition for Youth in East Rockaway became an official organization within the village of East Rockaway on April 29, forming an unprecedented alliance between the village and the school district.
With Deputy Mayor Richard Meagher at the helm, the meeting was attended by dozens of interested parents, school, PTA and village officials, and concerned residents.
“In January we focused on the results of a youth survey that was taken by our students in 2008,” Meagher said. “Thirty-six percent of the students reported that neighbors and others in the community would not disapprove of them drinking and smoking. Another 59 percent said that it’s easy to get alcohol and drugs in East Rockaway.” He added that parental attitude is also an issue, and that 30 percent of the youths believe that their parents do not think it’s wrong [for the students] to drink or use drugs.
“This is pretty serious stuff,” Meagher said. “We want to help do the right thing by the children of this community — whether or not they know they need that — and also to help the parents of this community, a community that I think has been somewhat asleep on this issue.“”
Voting a slate of officers postponed
After the motion to create the coalition was offered, seconded, and approved, a slate of possible officers was presented. Some audience members questioned why the list of names was already put together, and a motion, by a show of hands, as approved to postpone the voting until others in the community could vie for a position within the coalition. Positions available are Coalition Coordinator, First Vice Coordinator, Second Vice Coordinator, Treasurer and Secretary.
Meagher recommended that anyone in the community can e-mail the reason they wish to run for a spot on the coalition’s board, the position they are seeking, and a short bio by Friday, May 14 to: Richard Meagher at Rjvmar@optonline.net
and a copy to Kristen Mednick Kosloff, the high school’s social worker, at KKosloff@eastrockawayschools.org. Nominations will also be taken on the floor at the upcoming May 20 meeting.
