Public Communications serves as a communications link between the city of Columbia’s municipal government and the citizens. The Public Communications Office coordinates several programs that are designed to link citizens with their city government.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Raine McCray, Youth In Action Intern - (573) 489-6066

‘Youth In Action’ summer volunteer program begins new year

COLUMBIA, MO (May 14, 2008) - Youth in Action, a summer volunteer program aimed at those ages 12-15, is starting its seventh year. Youth In Action is a great way for young people to make use of extra time during the summer while giving back to the community, learning new skills, making friends and having fun.

The participants in Youth In Action will have many opportunities to lend a helping hand this summer. City of Columbia staff organizes approximately three volunteer activities for youth each week. The range of projects varies. Activities include: helping with Art in the Park and Lunch in the Park, cleaning streams, painting and building play sets for PACE and baking treats for the Ronald McDonald House. Youth can select the activities with which they would like to help.

The Office of Volunteer Services will host two information sessions on this program:
Tuesday, May 20, from 5-7 p.m. at the Gentry Building, 1 South 7th Street
Wednesday, May 28, from 5-7 p.m. at the ARC, 1701 W. Ash.
Both will be held in an “open house” fashion.

For more information regarding the Youth in Action program, contact the city’s Office of Volunteer Services at 874-7499 or ovsinter@GoColumbiaMo.com. There will be a list of Youth In Action activities scheduled for the summer on the city’s Web site at www.GoColumbiaMo.com after the first information session.

-30-