SNOHOMISH COUNTY — The next generation of leaders are learning their skills today through a new youth offshoot of the NAACP Snohomish County.
The NAACP youth council group formed in October and is aiming to encourage people of color ages 7 to 19 to get involved in their communities.
The youth council is small but mighty.
Empowered by what happened in 2020, “the kids are looking for an outlet and to make change,” group adviser Monet Bletson said.
The youth group is currently working on a calendar of influential local Black people, businesses and organizations that it plans to release in February.
In December, the group members assembled and delivered stockings to the YWCA Pathways For Women emergency shelter.
This month, the council is partnering with the Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee to help with events honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Bletson said the group is leading itself with momentum.
The 12-month calendar they’re working on puts important historical Black figures and places in the pages. “There’s such a richness of history,” Bletson said.
The NAACP youth council is a mirror to the NAACP, and holds the same goals and mission statement as the national organization.
The group taps into student government and Black Student Union groups at Everett, Cascade, Jackson, Mariner and Monroe high schools, and to encourage students of color to get involved with their school councils. The Youth Council plans to meet with all school districts this year, Bletson said.
Being in the council not only teaches civics but helps youth so they “can prepare for being at the table at government decisions” in adult life, Bletson said.
“These are future leaders and we need to pay attention,” Bletson said.
The youth council meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 6 p.m. online. To get an online invitation, email Bletson at dmoble@aol.com.
All school students in Snohomish County are welcome to join the youth council. Visit www.naacp-snoco.org for more information or email membership@naacp-snoco.org to sign up.
