Introducing Talia Harter

Chief Marlon Washington, Probation

Leadership Corner: Talia Harter

Hello, Marin 9 to 25!

My name is Talia Harter, and in July of this year, I was asked to join Marin 9 to 25 as the Youth Co-Chair. I have known about Marin 9 to 25 for over a year now, and I was thrilled to hear about the many wonderful people and groups involved. I am grateful to have this opportunity to work with you all on this vital coalition. I believe that the work Marin 9 to 25 will do to help better serve youth in our community is critical, now more than ever.

I live in San Rafael, and I am currently a junior at San Rafael High School. School is an essential part of life, and I am grateful to learn each and every day from my peers. I have seen within my own community the devastating impact that occurs when youth are not aware of or engaged in the support systems that exist for them. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this crisis of connection. Since many students were online this past year, traditional systems of support, such as relationships with teachers or mentors, community programs, and peer groups, might have moved online or shut down entirely. Even as most of us moved back into in-person learning throughout the county, youth are still struggling to adjust to the new conditions we face.

We know that youth are struggling, and we must break down the barriers that obstruct youth from finding the support they need.

In my role as the Youth Co-Chair, I will work to engage youth in this coalition to better inform the work we are doing. As a youth, I can relate to my peers and also recognize our diverse needs as young people. The Youth Visioning workgroup, which I help organize, provides the space for youth to gather to discuss what projects and goals we are passionate about and how to enact these goals within our county. By giving our youth the chance to voice their experiences and share what they wish comprehensive support looks like, we build up youth confidence in the support systems and receive invaluable commentary as to how we might better implement support systems.

When youth know that our needs in all areas will be addressed because the programs and groups they work with are well-connected and informed by youth voices, the process of reaching out for and receiving support becomes much less daunting. Youth also play a huge role in supporting our peers. I know that many resources and programs I have learned about have come from a recommendation or experience of a peer. Feeling confident and knowledgeable about the available resources not only impacts us on an individual level but allows us to share information and impact each other in lasting ways. Creating supports that collaborate and communicate with one another can only strengthen youth engagement in wellness for ourselves and for others.

I am thrilled and inspired to be working with all of you, and I can not wait to see what this work will accomplish!