Jobs and leadership opportunities for young people are two of the many important goals of the recently completed Pleasanton Youth Master Plan. The comprehensive plan was developed as a community effort by representatives of business, the City of Pleasanton, school district, local nonprofit agencies, city commissions, faith communities, and the police department.

Andy Jorgensen, City of Pleasanton community services manager, says that Pleasanton is committed to nurturing a safe, supportive community for all youth and their families. The Pleasanton Youth Master Plan sets out ideas and actions including youth jobs and leadership opportunities to further ensure those objectives.

Hacienda businesses are invited to actively participate in identifying, evaluating and creating employment and leadership opportunities for young people, he says.

"Taking action on the plan's ideas begins this fall. The implementation committee is meeting this summer to prioritize the goals, and to determine what will be done each year."

Jorgensen explains that groups of community partners such as Hacienda, The Volunteer Center of Alameda County, YMCA, Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, Pleasanton Adult Education, Las Positas College, sports groups, parents, and others can be brought together on an ad hoc basis to address designated issues such as jobs for youth and propose ideas and programs to achieve the desired outcomes. Youth and the entire community will benefit.

Hacienda businesses can get involved in the jobs and leadership portion. The city hopes to set up a job network with entry-level positions for people coming out of high school and the business community will play a key role in that effort. "One of the things we will be looking at will be coordinating and facilitating a network for that, possibly on a web site." The site could also provide information on jobs, job fairs, internships, community service, resume writing, and interviews skills, says Jorgensen. Hacienda businesses could also assist by participating in an annual Youth Summer Job Fair.

Jorgensen notes that one of the plan's objectives is to establish a standing youth employment advisory committee. Hacienda businesses can also play a role in advising the Pleasanton Youth Commission and Human Services Commission on issues related to youth employment. "Committee members would be resource people so as priorities are developed, they can identify other key partners to address that objective," explains Jorgensen.

The groups working on the implementation and ad hoc committees will be continually looking at ways to bring youth and business together.

For more information on the Youth Master Plan, call Andy Jorgensen at (925) 931-5347.

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