Coalition Information
The mission of the Coalition: (view FAQ, or ask a question)
The mission of Madison County's Promise is to make a positive difference in the lives of children and youth. This is achieved through a partnership of caring, committed youth and adults who share a common goal of reducing substance abuse and building a safe, healthy community.
Where are we located:
We are in Madison County, which is a county that is located in the middle of New York State. The geographical center of New York State is in our county, in a little area called Pratt's Hollow.
What our area is like:
Madison County is a rather unique area. Located between the cities of Syracuse and Utica, it is home to a diverse collection of people. The county has both rural farmland and suburban areas. There are many local colleges in the area as well.
Coalition History:
In December 2002, Madison County was approved as a County of Promise from America’s
Promise – The Alliance for Youth. America’s Promise – The Alliance for Youth is a national
initiative that was founded after the President’s Summit for America’s Future in 1997. America’s Promise is a collaborative network that builds upon the collective power of communities and partners to help fulfill the Five Promises for every young person in America.
The approval of Madison County as a County of Promise came about because of the hard work of 60 Madison County leaders who were interested in the coordination and systemic planning of services for youth. In order to identify the needs of Madison County, during the spring and summer of 2003, high school youth involved with Madison County’s Promise (MCP) traveled around Madison County conducting focus groups about how the county was meeting the Five Promises, with 140 of their peers. Youth from 15 townships were reached. This information, along with the progress and goals of MCP were presented by youth at a Key Leader Breakfast in June of 2003. Representatives from government, business, schools, churches, law enforcement and human service organizations gathered to hear about the accomplishments of Madison County’s Promise.
Later that same summer, youth presented MCP goals and accomplishments at the Annual
Dinner of the Community Services Board, which initiated the process of Madison County’s
Promise. Seventy-five people were reached during this event. Some new volunteers were also recruited, as well as one individual who joined the community board of MCP.
In Sept. 2003, an 80-foot mural depicting the Five Promises, painted on the side of a local
business, was unveiled. The mural was designed by a local college student and painted by youth from Madison County. More than 50 youth and adults gathered for the ribbon cutting of the mural. A local youth theater troupe was also present to perform for the community. Local teen bands also played at the event.
From the needs assessment information and the community profile, outcome factors for risk behaviors of youth in the county were identified. Committee members of MCP identified three main focus areas: Drug-Free Communities, Alienation & Rebelliousness, and Family Management.
In December 2004, the Community Board and other community members at large were offered the opportunity to begin work in the three focus areas. The task groups began meeting and have developed a plan for the next quarter. Actions will be happening in the Madison County communities that will help influence youth to make positive decisions in the three main focus areas.
The Community Partnership Board, with private citizen, Roger Benn as Chair, represented a partnership of people from human service organizations, churches, schools, businesses, and other organizations that have been actively working together for positive youth development in Madison County.
In 2004, The Promise Panels were created as part of the 'Unleashed' art project in Allen Park. With the help of Cazenovia College student Kirby Zorda, the youth in Madison County created five panels to each represent one of the 5 Promises. They are currently on display in the Madison County Mental Health Department and are available for show.
In 2005-2006 the coalition strengthened its work with youth development. Two youth groups emerged at local area high schools. These groups became MCP Youth. With the support of school administration and groups like ACT For Youth, these groups exist today at Oneida High School and Otto Shortell Middle School.
In 2007, the coalition is as strong as ever. New projects, such as a new annual awards ceremony called MCP Celebrates Youth and the Hero Packs Project present new challenges for the coalition. We look forward to a year full of challenges and rewards working for the good of our young people.
Coalition Structure:
The Coalition is divided into committees that focus on certain promise areas. These committees are:
Family Management
Drug Free Task Force
Aligning Resources with Teens (ART)
Outreach and Resource
*IMPACT (formerly the Ministerial Alliance) (a partnership support effort with ACT For Youth)
Other Coalition parts:
The Community Board
The Executive Board
The Coordinator and Project Director
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