On Saturday, November 2 at 2 p.m., Fairfield Youth Advocacy will host a youth dialogue and dinner sponsored by the Northwest Area Foundation. A small group of local youth ages 15-25 will participate in the forum to discuss causes of poverty, local economic development initiatives, and solutions to community development challenges. The forum is part of the Northwest Area Foundation's Community Connections Convenings and aims to use grass-roots efforts, service organizations, and community partnerships to fight poverty and inequality. This will be an opportunity for area youth to speak up and offer suggestions about the future of their community and the needs of youth in rural areas. The Northwest Area Foundation has highlighted Fairfield and selected The Beatbox as a partner in assessing the needs of youth in Fairfield to determine any future financial involvement and technical assistance in the area. The forum will be facilitated by Scott Antilla of the Northwest Area Foundation and Beatbox co-director Roland Wells. Wells said, "This youth dialogue is an exciting partnership for both The Beatbox and for the community as a whole. It legitimately recognizes the significance of local youth and youth outlooks for community decision-making and development." The forum may be the first step in a broader long-term commitment to the area and there is a possibility that The Beatbox will be funded by the foundation after this initial assessment on local youth needs.

For more information about the youth dialogue, call 472-9784. Area youth are invited to voice their opinion on local economic matters through an online survey available until December 1, 2002 at the website: http://www.ruralpolicyforum.org/fairfieldyouth

Beatbox Update

Fairfield Youth Advocacy is currently not scheduling any more classes through the BTech Community Technology Program or Beatbox Business Development Center (BBDC). A mixed media class taught by Roland Wells and entrepreneurial class facilitated by Jo Ann Dey and Anjalie Trice will conclude prior to Thanksgiving. The continuation of classes will depend on the availability of funds.

FYA would also like to announce that both Beatbox buildings are for sale. For more information, please call Julie Babb or Roland Wells at 472-9784.