2002-2003 UNITY Youth Council Affiliate
Annual Report
Name of Youth Council Rising Sun Youth Council KCHS
Advisor Mrs. Irene Hamilton, teacher. Mrs. Lorritta Nez, Parent Advisor.
Number of youth council members 30.
Do these members represent themselves? Or are they elected and represent other youth?
Please check: Represent themselves 30. Elected and represent others NA.
If members represent other youth, what is the total number of Native American youth (ages 15-24) represented by your youth council? NA.
When, where and how often does your youth council meet? Youth council meets at least once a month, often more depending on plans, and usually at school in the advisor’s classroom. Other times, they meet at community meeting places.
Please describe a typical meeting and send a copy of an agenda, if possible.
The co-presidents of the council usually run the meeting following a set agenda.
Please report activities which have occurred between July 2002 and June 2003. Use additional paper if needed. Send photos of activities for use in UNITY News.
Environment The council sponsored a presenter who spoke about Navajo water rights and policies at a school assembly.
Heritage In October 2002, a pageant was held to select cultural representatives. The council constructed a float that was a part of the Northern Navajo Fair parade.
Rising Sun Youth Council sponsored its school’s first Native American Heritage Week. There were numerous presenters and activities. The events were well covered by local and tribal newspapers.
Community Service Some members picked up trash around the chapter house/community center, visited schools and gave presentations during their Native Heritage Weeks. The council sponsored a Halloween Spook House.
Members helped serve Thanksgiving dinner at the Farmington Indian Center and also help run their concession stand during the pow wow.
Healthy Lifestyles Some council members ran a basketball camp during their Spring Break.
How are the programs and activities of your youth council financed?
Student members participate in fundraising activities and work with school and tribal youth advocacy groups.
Please list any successful fund raising events conducted by your youth council? Also, indicate if you are willing to share this information with other youth councils.
Student members have raised money selling Navajo Taco dinners at school during parent—teacher conferences, sponsored a school dance, and sold tickets to a school buy-out to a cultural field day that the council sponsored.
List the greatest accomplishment(s) of your youth council during the past year.
Students state that is has been “working together.” We followed the UNITY leadership model and our council’s co-presidents experienced longevity.
List any problems/concerns/challenges your youth council has experienced.
Setting realistic goals.
How have your youth council members benefited from being affiliated with UNITY?
Being an affiliate has given us needed structure and guidelines.
List any suggestions as to how UNITY can assist your youth council.
Continue to encourage dialogue between councils for stimulating motivation and active participation.
National UNITY Council representatives:
Female: Lariet Williams Male: Derrick Nez
Date: May15, 2003 Report completed by: Mrs. Irene Hamilton, advisor
Youth council e-mail address: Irene Hamilton <>