(An Open Letter recently sent via US Post to members of the Dartmouth Select Board and Dartmouth Finance Committee.)
Five O’clock Hour
"Andrew" (not his real name) called me Thursday afternoon and asked, "Kevin. You there? Can I stop by or are you meeting with some one else right now?" "I'm here," I said, "And waiting to talk with you if you want to stop by." "Okay," Andrew said, "...be there in five minutes!" And that's the way these visits go with this sixteen-year old boy. Andrew has been stopping in to "say hi" now on and off for almost three years and not once has he ever made a real in-the-book- appointment. It's just his style, which I've come to enjoy, actually.
Andrew first came to our weekly teen support group called "Teen Zone" three years ago. He came to the group just once preferring to speak with me individually from that day forward. Andrew started seeking support from school counselors and advocates who work with teens after telling his dad that he was gay in the seventh grade. His parents split when he was very young, but he had always maintained a fairly decent relationship with his father...until the day he came out. Andrew's mom has been supportive 100%, but dad, well that's another story.
So Andrew pops by every now and then to chat, especially when he's upset or angry about something. He talks about his fears, about being gay and we explore ways of helping him feel more confident about himself and his future. And on a recent Thursday around five in the afternoon, Andrew, like many other teens I work with recently, expressed his frustration regarding the future of my position. But this time, Andrew said something that was very difficult for me to answer. "Well," he said, "I'll still be able to see you and talk with you, won't I, even if they kick you out?" (Love his choice of words...) And I said, "Andrew, I'd like that, but I'd have to get another job and I just wouldn't be able to be present for you like I am now."
He said, "That really sucks." "Yes it does," I said, hoping to move our discussion onto something else for now. But Andrew was on this topic like a laser beam and quickly replied, "When will we know?" "Maybe not until June, actually," I said.
This is some of the work that I do. Sometimes it isn't tidy, and doesn't fit into spread sheets very well. My challenge (always) is convincing those who count the "beans" into categories "one-to-four," and those who practice looking good in politics to understand why this work and service to the youth of Dartmouth is worthy of the price.
I have come to terms long ago with the reality that filling potholes and hauling trash away rates higher as a priority then the work I do with children. But these are our community's children, and you represent them, also. They have neither voice nor power. They do have names and faces though, and real issues that I witness to every day. I realize that your service to the town is demanding, but, if your committee does not have time to consider the work of the Dartmouth Youth Commission then I must somehow bring our work closer to you, instead.
So who will this boy talk to in the future on Thursday afternoons? Any volunteers? My hope....no, my expectation, really, is that our Town officials will do the right thing and keep the doors open for this teen, and others like him.
Kevin Lee, Youth Advocate
508-910-1855 – Office
508-2X7-9XO6 - cell (anytime)
dartmouthyouth@gmail.com
PS: The FinCom and Select Board comprise fourteen persons combined. With the exception of Mr. Carney and Mrs. Dias, the rest of you have never, not once, sat down with me and discussed the work that goes on in Room 118, Town Hall. How come?
Kevin Lee
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