The Youth and Elders Council began as part of a regional effort to
reduce poverty in urban Indian communities. The Council works to
energize local communities to join in a “community of interest” of
off-reservation tribal peoples. Together this community of interest
used community-based research and inclusive community input to develop
greater community ties and improve the quality of life for Native
Americans in urban areas. Through the practice of traditional values, the Youth and Elders Council continues to address poverty and other community issues by focusing on community solutions to housing, employment, education, health, and racism while building on community strengths. Research and Planning In 2004 the Youth and Elders Council hired four young adults from the local Native community to conduct a community-based research project. The overwhelming success of this project demanded that this process continue into the future as a tool for gaging community strengths and barriers. This research employed young adults to build the skills of the next generation of leadership while informing the current one. A Native American consultant led the project and helped to insure that community information stayed confidential and was used by the community for the community. The research, as well as community meetings and forums helped the community of interest to develop a Strategic Plan for Poverty Reduction. This plan is helping to usher in a new era of thriving Native American communities in Northwest urban centers. |
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History of Portland Youth & Elders Council |