FARMINGTON — The Healthy Community Coalition of Greater Franklin County is partnering with the Maine Resilience Building Network to host a town hall, focusing on youth mattering in Farmington.

The event is set for 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1, at St. Joseph’s Parish Hall, 130 Quebec St.

The Maine Resilience Building Network defines mattering as “The sense of being significant and valued by other people.” People who believe they matter to others have a key protective resource that can buffer them from life stressors and challenges throughout their lives, according to a news release from Jill Gray, MaineHealth’s communications and public affairs manager.

Mattering is a major protective factor for outcomes related to graduation rates, school involvement, mental health, substance use prevention and violence.

The town hall will include:

• A brief presentation with an overview of the issue, statistics and what is currently being done to address youth mattering;
• Engagement of participants in a discussion responding to questions, sharing community assets to engage youth and offering different perspectives on mattering; and
• Opportunities for participants on how to be involved following the event.

“Organizers want to engage the entire community including those who may not see themselves as having a role such as businesses or town officials,” said Lorri Brown, HCC senior program manager. “Everyone has a role on youth mattering, and we are excited to host these town halls for everyone.”

To learn more about youth mattering, visit maineresilience.org/Mattering.

For more information about the event, contact Gray at 207-779-2555.

Check out other upcoming area events!