Turner Pride, County Extension Director with Vance County Cooperative Extension, was on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the revival of the center’s “Community Voices” program.

The community-based program, sponsored by Vance County Cooperative Extension and N.C. A&T State University, helps citizens tackle community issues while developing effective leadership skills.

“Community Voices provides citizens with a free, actionable and self-directed training program,” said Pride. “It is a way to gather individuals, some who may not already be in a leadership position or involved in civic organizations, to talk about issues in their community and develop action plans.”

During a public kick-off session at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market on April 9, an estimated 25-30 interested community members heard from Coop. staff, public officials, business owners and members of the most recent “Community Voices” group – the class of 2016.

“Individuals from the 2016 group spoke and gave testimonials of their experiences and successes with the program,” Pride said.

According to Pride, the 2016 class made great strides in their four chosen areas of focus – healthcare, jobs, education and housing in Vance County.

“This year’s group can decide to continue work in these four areas or they can decide to embark on a different path. We [Coop. staff] are here to act as facilitators and provide the support and the tools for the community to accomplish what they want to accomplish,” explained Pride.

Pride reported that while the initial meeting for 2019 was more of a general interest session, issues surrounding healthcare and housing were discussed, and could possibly become topics the new group decides to tackle.

“At last week’s meeting, the discussion on healthcare focused on health disparities in our community and the prevalence of chronic disease and illness,” Pride stated. “Healthcare issues discussed by previous groups have included the community’s access to insurance, doctors, healthy eating habits, access to fresh foods and health education.”

Pride said he is looking forward to seeing the direction this year’s group will take and hopes that all community members, including local youth, will get involved.

“Youth ages 16 and up that are interested in the direction and future of the community and want to see and be a part of something bigger than themselves are invited to come out as well. We know the youth often see through a different lens than we do, so it would be good to hear their voices.”

The next session of “Community Voices” will be held at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market – 210 Southpark Dr., in Henderson (off Beckford Drive) – Tuesday, April 30, 2019, from 6 to 8 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided. All are welcome; attendance at the first meeting is not required for participation in the April 30 meeting.

With questions concerning the program, please contact Pride at (252) 438-8188 or email turner_pride@ncsu.edu.

To hear the Town Talk interview with Turner Pride in its entirety, click here.