The Teen Network Board (TNB) is a youth-led project of the Arlington Partnership for Children, Youth and Families, a commission jointly appointed by the Arlington County Board and the Arlington County School Board,charged with improving the health, well-being and safety of citizens of Arlington.
One of the youth co-chairs of the TNB, Anna Tramposch (Yorktown, Class of 2014), was recently selected as an Extraordinary Teen by Arlington Magazine. Anna spent 4 years on TNB, two as a co-chair. "I love that Teen Network Board promotes youth having active roles in the community and I have made friends from other schools that I never would have met otherwise." Co-chair for 2014-15, Noah Chase (Yorktown, Class of 2015), said in his application, “I know how much of an impact the Teen Network Board can make. I feel that I can add to this impact by really knowing what teens care about.
This year, they helped with Arlington Parks and Recreation and Care for a Change’s Color Run. For the last 4 years, they have worked with Arlington's Ready Coalition on Mythbusters to answer middle schoolers’ questions about “What’s high school REALLY like?” Everyone’s favorite service activity is making sandwiches for Martha’s Table. They have started a chapter at Yorktown High School for Volunteer Emergency Service Team, a pilot program with the Arlington County Office of Emergency Management. The service and leadership the TNB can foster in youth is a true asset to the community.
Last year, the group worked with Borromeo House, a home for teen moms, to update and beautify the house where the moms live with their young children while attending high school (see the video here). The TNB was established in 2003 to give youth a voice in Arlington. Mary Ann Moran and Judy Hadden were the first organizers. The current youth coordinator is Siobhan Grayson, MSW, an employee of Arlington County’s Department of Human Services. Ms. Grayson says “Working with the TNB is the highlight of my 25 years with Arlington County. These youth give new perspective and gain leadership experience that inspires me.”
TNB meets twice a month, usually at Central Library. Four committees address issues germane to Arlington’s youth, such as drugs and alcohol, positive peer relations, teen employment, volunteer and community service options for teens. Learn more here. Applications will open briefly at the end of August for interested high school students. Follow them at www.twitter.com/arlingtontnb