Helping youth on island

Published 4:07 pm Tuesday, May 5, 2015

The documentary “Minor Differences” about juvenile offenders in maximum security lock-up was screened at the Sea View Theater last Thursday. This was the first in a spring film series called “Conversations” presented by Orcas Open Arts and co-sponsored by the Islands’ Sounder newspaper.

After the viewing there was a “Q&A” with one of the film’s subjects, producer Caroline Cumming and filmmaker Heather Dew Oaksen followed by a reception for an informal discussion about how the community can help at-risk youth. Representatives from the county, the mentorship program at the Funhouse and the Orcas Island School District discussed solutions to helping youth on the island. One idea was to ask Sheriff Ron Krebs to hold a town meeting on the subject. Another idea was to gather more mentors for the funhouse. To be a mentor visit www.funhousecommons.com.

If you have ideas or want to get involved or continue the conversation, email OrcasOpenArts@gmail.com.