State senators, Americorps volunteers, school leaders and children all gathered at Madison Middle School to celebrate Madison County / Rexburg being chosen as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People in the nation.
Superintendent Jeff Thomas of the Madison School District said that the award, given by the America’s Promise Foundation on Sept. 29, “…goes to recognize what we’ve known for many years.” Madison County was selected out of nearly 1,200 applicants. The cities of Caldwell, Meridian, Nampa and Salmon were the other four selected in Idaho.
Idaho was one of the states in the country with the most cities picked; only five other states had as many communities selected. Besides the bragging rights, the county will send two delegates to Washington D.C. to a convention for the winners.
The community has already received national recognition from a congratulatory half-page ad run in USA Today. But, more importantly, the real rewards can be seen all around us, according to the community members attending the dinner. “I think our community’s done really well in addressing tough issues,” said Janet Goodliffe of the Community Council.
Speaking about many of the issues that the community has faced recently, including drugs and alcohol, recreational programs and racism, Goodliffe said, “We’re not done … but we’re making progress.” She felt strongly that one of the main reasons the community has been able to achieve things like a 10 percent reduction in drug and alcohol abuse over five years and increase recreational activities has been because of the Community Council.
The Community Council is separate from the city or county governments. It brings together a cross-section of over 30 community organizations, including churches, local government, student organizations and volunteer groups to address problems and create and carry out solutions. Much of its work is done largely through volunteer work and getting grants.
The council and its member organizations sponsor or help to cosponsor a number of activities, including community clean-up projects and the biennial Youth Search Conference.
“More than anything, youth need to know they are respected and valued,” said Americorps member Amber Goodwin. The Youth Search Conference brings together youth from across the community and helps them to communicate their concerns to the adults in charge so that necessary changes can be made.
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