On November 4th, the CCCHS YLinK chapter will host the organization’s state conference. Youth Leaders in Kansas – YlinK is a student-led and adult-supported youth prevention coalition that focuses on mental health and the prevention of tobacco, drugs, and alcohol by youth.
The CCCHS chapter was chosen to host after receiving state-wide recognition for its efforts, said Clay Counts Coalition Community Mobilizer and YLinK sponsor, Lori Martin.
They will host at the Midwest Dream Car Collection in Manhattan, utilizing the theme, The Mechanics of You.
“We spoke at the Governor’s conference and the people who attended were really amazed with what Clay Center was doing,” said YLinK co-president, Braylee Langvardt.
“We planned the event by brainstorming what makes Clay Center’s chapter unique from everyone else and how we can share that.”
The day will consist of five rotations for approximately 250 students from across the state. CCCHS YLinK members have planned a team-building session at the LEAP Trampoline Park, located two doors down from Midwest Dream. In addition, students will go on a scavenger hunt throughout the museum and undergo the bandana training.
The latter is an initiative by the CCCHS chapter where students receive suicide prevention training, then place a teal and purple bandana on their book bag so they can be identified as a safe confidant by other students.
Langvardt, who has undergone the training, said she has been approached by students due to the bandana.
“We keep them on our bag all year and it’s just a way for people to feel welcome to come talk to us.”
In addition, each student will take Clifton’s Strengths Finder before November 4th, with like-personalities gathering to create goals and solutions for their respective communities.
“It’s almost like a personality test,” Langvardt said.
“Each person’s ticket for getting in is their personality category and they will do things based on where they land. We can see how different categories would solve a problem from their perspective, then they can take those ideas back to their community.”
Martin said the test is taken by all juniors in USD 379 to help identify their strengths and talents.
“The goal is to allow them to know their worth and live their lives with purpose, Martin said.
Clay Counts Coalition pays for the test and helps students interpret their results to highlight personal skills and personality strengths.
Meanwhile, speakers will talk on subjects like conflict resolution and recognizing and preventing relationship violence.
Kansas YLinK chapters are supported by grant funds through the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDAD) Behavioral Health Services Commission. The organization provided a budget of $25,000, or $100 per student.
Meanwhile, local care will be served, including Happy Hippie smoothies and Tasty Pastry nut rolls.
“This has been a very empowering experience for our YLinK chapter,” Martin said.
“This has been a great learning experience for the YLinK members in regard to calculating costs, identifying priorities and communicating with both other students across the state and businesses around the region. They are learning to lead one decision at a time.”
The CCCHS YLinK chapter also hosts school events throughout the year, such as fifth quarters, a seasonal get-together for students with snacks and activities.
“It’s just to give everybody a place to hang out after the games,” Langvardt said. “That’s kind of the purpose of our fifth quarters is to not only get kids involved in the school, but give them a safe place.”
