Youth & Families

One of the issues I’ve heard repeatedly while talking with people across Haywood County is that there aren’t enough things for young people to do.

What I discovered is that there are lots of activities available. The bigger problem is the lack of a coordinated effort to find out about them.

I’d like to see a single, easy-to-use resource where families can find youth activities, special events, sports and clubs, along with information about parks, playgrounds and other recreational opportunities throughout the county.

Such a resource could potentially be developed and maintained by a local business or nonprofit, with advertising or sponsorship revenue helping cover the cost.

Another issue tied to this is the increased awareness of how screen time, especially social media, is damaging our kids. It is far easier to say “no” to addictive social media if parents can say “yes” to something else, like the dozens of things to do in Haywood that don’t involve screens. 

Using my citizen-led model to solve problems, we could start a county-wide group of to make a difference, not nation or statewide, but right here in Haywood. Let me know if you are interested in launching something like this.

Supporting our kids also means protecting one of Haywood County’s greatest assets: our public schools.

Haywood County Schools has a long tradition of educational excellence, consistently ranking in or near the top 10% of school districts statewide. The most recent scoring has Haywood ranked at 11th out of 115 school districts.

If our future leaders fail to learn how to think critically, weigh evidence rather than memorize facts, know the basics of good moral character and learn about civic responsibility, we’re in trouble. We need to fund schools with that core mission in mind.