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Year in Review (2021-2023)

The Walking In Authority (WIA) Teen Council focuses on Character Development, Positive Community and Cultural Involvement, and Effective Civic Engagement through our Leadership and Social Emotional Programs.   The following is a list of our activities through the calendar year of 2021.

JANUARY 2021

  • Some of the youth attended the 2021 Georgia Municipal's Virtual Cities United Summit as youth delegates on Monday, January 25th.  This confernce brought together hundreds of elected and appointed city leaders from across the State of Georgia to focus on the policy issues to be addressed during the 2021 Georgia General Assembly.

  • Legacy Bridge Leadership Inc. conducted seminars on various leadership modules.

  • Continued to meet via Zoom.

  • Social media, Website www.wiateencouncil.com, Facebook, and Instagram@wiateencouncil.

  • Participated in the PREP (Personal Responsibility Education Program) with the Board of Health, every Tuesday.

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February

  • Continued to meet via Zoom and work on recruitment and retention.

  • Started the PREP with the Clayton County Health District, Adolescent and Youth Development.

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MARCH 2021

  • Some of the youth attended the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce's 67th Annual Gala on Saturday, March 27th at the Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway Hotel.

  • Virtually attended the National League of Cities Congressional Conference March 7-9th.

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APRIL 2021

  • Held a Teen Life Skills Empowerment Summit featuring DJ Mars (Marshall Thomas) and professional career advisors speaking on various topics from financial literacy, dressing for success, leadership, knowing your legal rights, college and career readiness, employment skills, social media etiquette, and self-management on Saturday, April 10th.  

  • Tragically loss Elijah Major to a terrible hit-and-run driver.  We mourn with his family and friends. 

MAY 2021

  • Held our first face-to-face meeting for 2021 at our office in the Plaza Building Atrium, 1590 Adamson Parkway, Morrow, GA 30260.

  • Attended and celebrated high school graduations for some of our youth.

  • Completed vision boards.

JUNE 2021

  • Participated and was a presenter for the National League of Cities Summit on the Military Communities Committee to show how youth are adversely affected by family members deployment and military duty.

  • Posse scholarship nominations submitted.

  • Youth attended the Tuskegee Airman Aviation Summer Training Camp hosted by the Atlanta Chapter Tuskegee Airman Inc.

  • Participated in the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport LIFT Project.

JULY 2021  (NEW FISCAL YEAR FY22)

  • Met at the office in the Plaza Building Atrium, 1590 Adamson Parkway, Morrow, GA.

  • Assigned the United Nation's Sustainable Initiatives to each youth to create a presentation to show at the various governmental meetings.  

AUGUST 2021

  • Met via Zoom to discuss new officers, committee assignments, recruitment/retention, etc.

  • Chanel Dang assumed the office of the presidency. 

SEPTEMBER 2021

  • Participated with the Clayton County Library's Storytime project and was recorded reading a preassigned bood.

  • Held our meeting via Zoom with West Point Military Academy Speaker, Lt. King. 

OCTOBER 2021

  • Thursday, October 7th, we helped the Forest Park Minister’s Association with their voter's forum for the candidates in the City of Forest Park's election.

  • Saturday, October 9th, some of the youth and board members attended Chairman Turner's International Ball at the Georgia International Convention Center and had an opportunity to network with political figures and business owners.

  • Purchased computer equipment, marketing materials.

NOVEMBER 2021

  • Interviewed and hired a well-qualified program manager for the L.E.A.D.S. program.

DECEMBER 2021

  • Held a successful Christmas Meet & Greet on Tuesday, December 14th at the Plaza Building Atrium in Morrow, GA.

  • Held a Zoom meeting with guest from the Clayton County Health District, Chronic Disease Department and the Adolescent Health and Youth Development Department.

  • Committee Reports:  Marketing, Fundraising, Events, Financial, Recruiting, Education, Retention, Membership/Diversity, and Social Media (Website www.wiateencouncil.com , Facebook- WIATC, e-mail wiateencouncil@gmail.com , and Instagram@wiateencouncil.  WIA phone number 1(530)643-7582).
  • President Chanel Dang continued to exude leadership to hold the committee chairpersons accountable and responsible for their respective areas.

  • JANUARY 2022 (NEW CALENDAR YEAR FY22)

    • The teens continued to participate in the GA Secretary of State’s Student Ambassador program by attending and creating civic events relative to community engagement.

    • We began a collaboration with the Clayton County Health District’s Tobacco Coalition and Physical Activities.

    • Ordered and distributed Cursive Writing Books to the teens and received several letters in cursive that we answered in cursive.

    • Created our “Inspirational Wall” in the office.

    • Took the teens to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center to see the Shen Yun performance.

 

  • Took a couple of the teens to attend the Youth Council’s portion of the GA Municipal Association’s Cities United Summit at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Atlanta.

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  • FEBRUARY 2022

  • Students represented WIATC in Clayton County’s Youth Talk which was featured on channel CW69.

  • MARCH 2022

    • Purchased blazers and caps to look more professional.  Teens hated the caps!

    • Took the teens to Washington, D.C. to attend the National League of Cities Congressional Cities Conference.

    •   The teens continued to participate in the GA Secretary of State’s Student Ambassador program by attending and creating civic events relative to community engagement.

    • We began a collaboration with the Clayton County Health District’s Tobacco Coalition and Physical Activities

    • WIATC students attended the Unsung Heroine Award from the Coalition of 100 Black Women.

  • APRIL 2022

  • Held our bi-monthly meeting at the Forest Park City Hall.  Our guest was Mayor, City Manager, and Human Resources Manager.

  • Learned that one of the former teen council members, Simeon Strozier passed.  I attended the online services.

  • MAY 2022

  • Attended graduations for several present and former teen council participants.  Distributed graduation cords.

  • We held our annual awards banquet.  No scholarships were awarded as the seniors went to their proms.

  • Avery Dixon, former member, won a “Golden Buzzer” on America’s Got Talent.

  • JUNE 2022

    • We hired Pierre Branding Group to help organizational strategy, structure, and planning.

    • Met on several occasions with Business Consultant, Allan Auld and Interim Board Chair, Brenda Harrison.  These meetings led to productive board meetings.

    • Partnered with the City of Morrow to participate in their 2nd annual Juneteenth celebration as a vendor.  We set up tables and tents with computers and monitors to conduct our Life Skills Summit.  We covered various topics such as financial literacy, self-determination and management, employment skills, health and wellness, personal appearance, identity theft and phishing, and being a lifelong learner.

  • Some of the teens entered the Juneteenth essay contest and won for their submissions.  Jadon Harris was crowned as the City of Morrow’s first “Mr. Juneteenth” because of his essay.

  • Some attended the Lake City’s council meeting to learn about the Cities community initiatives and projects.

  • We continue our bi-monthly meetings to plan and strategize. 

  • We met at Cracker Barrel restaurant to fellowship.

  • Updated contacts in Network For Good as well as created an events page for the Alumni Picnic in July.  

  • Welcomed new members.

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  • JULY 2022 (NEW FISCAL YEAR FY23)

  • Participated in and donated 50 bags of school supplies and goodies for “Stuff the Bus” campaign on Saturday, July 9th.

  • Held the WIATC Annual Alumni Picnic at Starr Park on Sunday, July 17th.

  • Participated in the Back to School Bash with Clayton County Youth Services on Saturday, July 23rd at Flint River Community Center.

  • Participated in the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new Morrow High School on Thursday, July 28th.

  • Participated in Clayton County Public Schools “Back to School Bash” at Drew High School on Saturday, July 30th.

  • Became a table sponsor for Chairman Turner’s Ball to be held on September 23rd.

 

 

  • AUGUST 2022

  • Attended the ribbon cutting at the new Morrow High School.

  • Attended the Homeless Education Resource Fair

  • Held an Interest Meeting for prospective members.

  • Attended the meeting for the Health District’s Physical Activities Group.

  • Met with Clayton County Public Schools Counseling Department Head office to talk about our program placed in the high schools.

  • Held mock Posse interviews with the WIATC Posse candidates and former students that received the scholarship.

  •  Attended an online meeting with the Atlanta Bar Association in a session called, “What About The Students”.

  • Attended the Mentoring Georgia Coffee Hour.

  • Held a Zoom call regarding the “Moon Festival”.

  • Met some of WIATC students to the Big 3 basketball game at the State Farm Arena.

  • Attended the monthly Truist luncheon with the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce at Clayton State University.

  • Attended the groundbreaking and reception for the new development in Lake City/Morrow.

  • Connected former teen council member with present council member for mentorship.

  • Held another Zoom meeting to finalize plans for the Moon Festival.

  • Continued to hold our bi-monthly meetings.

 

  • SEPTEMBER 2022

  • Continued to meet to strategize on the implementation of WIATC programs, policies, and procedures.

  • Held special called meetings with the teen leadership.

  • Set up a sponsorship table at the Lake Spivey/Clayton County Golf Tournament.

  • Met with Morrow High School Principal to discuss the implementation plans for WIATC at Morrow High School.

  • Set up a table and volunteered for the Moon Festival in the City of Morrow.

  • Set up a table and recruited potential members at the Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at Starr Park in Forest Park.

  • Implemented WIATC programs at Morrow High School and created a Morrow Mustang Chapter.

  • Met with Pastor of the Valley Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Riverdale to help him plan his Teen Summit.

  • Met with and presented the WIATC programs to the key staff at Morrow High School.

  • Attending Chairman Turner’s International Ball

  • Attending the Kick-Off of the GA Student Ambassador Program at the Georgia Freight Depot.

 

  • OCTOBER 2022

  • Attended the Forest Park Police Department’s Annual National Night Out at Starr Park where we had a table and passed out information on our program.

  • Attended the Georgia Cities Youth Symposium in Dublin, GA, October 14-16th .

  • Created a youth panel to address concerns and talk about hot topics pertaining to youth on Saturday, October 29th at the Valley Hill Baptist Church’s Teen Summit in Riverdale.

  • Assisted with the Clayton County Public School’s 5K Walk/Run conducted by the Counseling Department.

  • Participated with the Sister’s Empowerment Network’s Manning Up Gathering on Saturday, October 29, 2022.

  • Attended and presented at the Lake City Council meeting.

  • Continued to gain points in the Student Ambassador Program.

  • Hired former WIATC member and now Alumni to work in the office 2 days per week at $10 per hour.

  • Hired WIATC member to work in the office as an unpaid intern 2 days per week.

  • Attended the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce monthly Networking Luncheon.

  • Worked with student on her court mandated volunteer hours with the L.E.A.D.S. program.

  • Attended the Physical Activities Workgroup meeting with the Clayton County Health District.

  • Updated GuideStar.

  • Met with the Alzheimer Organization regarding office space.

  • Helped with the REACH Georgia Scholarship Interviews.

  • Moved from The Plaza Building

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  • NOVEMBER 2022

 

  • Held Zoom meeting with Amy Kelley (potential grant researcher and writer), that did a presentation on her deliverables.

  • Collaborated with the Clayton County Solicitor’s Office to delivered shoeshine kits for JROTC students at Clayton County High Schools to Major Murray at Lovejoy High.

  • Met with staff on the implementation of the Forest Park Panther Chapter of Walking In Authority Teen Council.

  • Met with staff at Jonesboro High School on the implantation of the Jonesboro Cardinal Chapter of Walking In Authority Teen Council.

  • Met with Morrow City staff regarding the collaboration between WIATC and the City of Morrow to serve as their official Youth Council for GMA and NLC.

  • Held a surprise birthday celebration at Chili’s.

  • Participated in Babb Middle School’s family night fair.

  • Pitch presentation to the Youth Commission and the Economic Development Staff on the grant that we submitted.

  • Held our fundraising banquet/fashion and talent show at the Lake City Community Center.

  • Met with staff at Lovejoy High School on the implementation of the Lovejoy Wildcats Chapter of Walking In Authority Teen Council.

  • Continued to perform events to garner points in the Student Ambassador Program.

  • Continued to meet with students on leadership, empowerment, accountability, responsibility, and networking.

 

  • DECEMBER 2022

 

  • Attended the Health Districts Physical Activity Work Group meeting.

  • Picked up toys from the Toys for Tots warehouse in Stone Mountain and delivered them to the Clayton County Homeless Division for distribution to the homeless families.  Also, agreed to purchase 113 gift cards for identified homeless Clayton County high schoolers.

  • Signed an MOU with the City of Morrow to serve as their official youth council.

  • Rendered entertainment to the residents of Governor’s Glen Assisted Living Facility.

  • Registered for the Cities United Youth Summit, Jan. 21-22, 2023, at the Downtown Atlanta Hilton Hotel.

  • Purchased Christmas gifts for WIATC participants.

  • Held a Christmas dinner and exchanged gifts and played games.

  • Purchased and delivered 133 gift cards valued at $15.00 each for Clayton County Public School Students identified by the Clayton County Homeless Division at each high school.

  • Met and discussed the chapter implementation plan with the 5-student leadership team at Jonesboro High School.

 

  • JANUARY 2023

  • Continued to meet with students on leadership, empowerment, accountability, responsibility, and networking.

  • Attended the REACH Georgia Scholarship Program Induction Ceremony

  • Attended the Lunar Event with the City of Morrow.

  • Attended the MLK Jr. Parade.

  • Attended the Sky Hawks game fundraiser.

 

 

  • FEBUARY 2023

  • Continued to meet with students on leadership, empowerment, accountability, responsibility, and networking.

  • Attended the Clayton County SEL Zoom.

  • Held a Valentine's Day dinner with our meeting.

  • Met with with Sister’s Empowerment Network regarding Teen Dating Violence Planning Meeting.

  • Met at the Morrow Center regarding the rehearsal for their Black History Program.

  • Met with other nonprofits to talk about the Cleaning Clayton County’s 7 Cities Initiative and sent the Zoom meeting for March 2nd.

 

 

  • MARCH 2023

 

  • Continued to meet in Morrow with students on leadership, empowerment, accountability, responsibility, and networking.

  • Went on our fun trip to Savannah.

  • Attended the STEM Fair at Forest Park High School

  • Attended CCPS’s meeting to learn about the new schools being built.

  • Attended the CEPSR Youth Advocacy Council’s Leadership Series Orientation.

  • Held 3 staff meetings to bring on new volunteers and planning for new initiatives with the new volunteers and creating a business summary and proposal to initiate more chapters in the high schools.

  • Planned for our teens to tour Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

  • Created Cleaning Clayton’s 7 Cities Initiative with all the Cities for April 29th, 8-11 a.m.

  • Training WIATC member, Semaj Johnson, on creating a financial report for our trip to Savannah.

  • Received 7 new membership applications for WIATC.

 

  • APRIL 2023

  • Continued to meet in Morrow with students on leadership, empowerment, accountability, responsibility, and networking.

  • Went to support former WIATC member, Avery Dixon, at his performance in College Park.

  • Continued to meet and organize the Cleaning Clayton’s 7 Cities Initiative with municipalities.

  • Attended the POSSE Nominator’s Orientation Breakfast.

  • Healthy Relationships seminar was conducted on 4/25/23 at North Clayton High School.

  • Continue to identify and receive new members from various middle and high schools.

  • Had Lovejoy High School to represent Clayton County in the Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame Unveiling Ceremony of our pictures at the GA State Capitol.

  • Cleaning Clayton’s 7 Cities Initiative will be conducted on Saturday, April 29, 2023.

 

 

  • MAY 2023

  • Received temporary approval of the trademark from the Library of Congress for the new logo and the programs: L.E.A.R.N., L.E.A.D.S., A.I.R., and P.E.G.

  • Toured Hartsfield Jackson International Airport.

  • Completed Johari’s Window exercise with the students to talk about how they see themselves and how others see them.

  • Ms. Bridgett Renay did an exercise with the students about leadership and visioning themselves in the future.

  • Attended various high school programs and graduations and issued 13 scholarship grants totaling $5,050.00.

  • Held our annual Awards and Scholarship Fundraising Banquet.

  • Attended the GA Secretary of State’s Student Ambassador awards program and received first place in Congressional District 5.

  • Met with QuickBooks bookkeeper to balance accounts.

  • Met with Chris-Andre and shared alumni ideas.

  • Students shared good news about their college acceptance and other accomplishments and scholarships received.

  • New youth leadership was nominated and elected. 

 

  • JUNE 2023

  • New youth leadership assumed their positions and responsibilities.

  • Collaborated with Ms. Nachae Jones on her “Open House” of her facility, “Jonesy’s Place”.  Teens helped with the games and served as ambassadors for the event.

  • Ms. Bridgett Renay and Mrs. Adams attended the Morrow Women’s Club meeting.  They want to do more projects with our teens.  They came out and volunteered with our 7 Cities cleanup.

​“We Aspire to Inspire”
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