The Hollister Youth Alliance and San Benito Prevention Coalition
have joined forces to hold a first ever Teen Rally this Saturday in
an effort to promote healthy lifestyles and encourage productive
youth leadership.
Hollister – The Hollister Youth Alliance and San Benito Prevention Coalition have joined forces to hold a first ever Teen Rally this Saturday in an effort to promote healthy lifestyles and encourage productive youth leadership.
The event at Dunne Park on Sixth Street, from 11am to 3pm, will feature a number of activities for teenagers including a basketball tournament, freestyle dance contest and a battle of the bands competition. Organizers have prepared for 300 teenagers, but only expect about 100.
“We hope that the community teens will take advantage of this opportunity,” Organizer Diane Peterson said. “Our stance has always been to promote youth leadership, which is why it is so important to have teens involved in the planning process.”
The Hollister Youth Alliance and San Benito Prevention Coalition, both non-profit organizations dedicated to supporting youth, hope the rally will become an annual event, Peterson said.
The two co-sponsors have enlisted the help of five other local organizations, including the San Benito County YMCA, to organize the event.
YMCA Program Director Amy Boggs has been organizing the battle of the bands and the dance contest.
“This is one way we’re trying to build strong kids and strong communities,” Boggs said. “We’ve always tried to encourage teens to participate in positive activities, so this a good opportunity for us.”
Boggs has worked with community members and the city of Hollister to acquire a sound system, amplifiers and a stage for the battle of the bands. So far, three local bands – Bad Genitx, Burning Madinline and Zipackatli – have signed up. Boggs is hoping to get one more band involved.
The YMCA hopes to use the events to promote their own youth activities, such as annual trips to Mammoth Lakes, Boggs said. Boggs knows that a one-day event is not enough to keep San Benito County teenagers away from violence and alcohol.
“This is part of an ongoing effort,” Boggs said. “It’s just one more way to make teenagers aware of YMCA activities.”
Brett Rowland covers education for the Free Lance. He can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 330 or
br******@fr***********.com
.
