Midland Mayor Lori Blong spoke at a luncheon for the Midland Youth Coalition, where she encouraged the youth leaders to stay strong in the face of challenges. Blong expressed her gratitude for the professionals who dedicate their lives to serving the youth of the community. She acknowledged that Midland's youth face significant challenges and emphasized the importance of attacking problems, not people.
The luncheon, which took place on Oct. 16, provided an opportunity for the coalition to discuss the current challenges faced by Midland's youth. Blong took to Facebook to share her appreciation for the group, stating, "I’m so thankful for all of these professionals who are dedicating their lives and careers to serving the youth of our community." She also highlighted the significance of the challenges faced by the youth, saying, "Midland youth face challenges and issues today…and some of them are significant challenges! My encouragement to these leaders: In Midland we attack problems, not people!"
Blong's post concluded with her optimism about working together with the coalition to address these challenges, stating, "I’m looking forward to continuing to work together to address the challenges we face."
The Midland Youth Coalition is composed of leaders from various youth-centered organizations. The group meets monthly and invites different speakers to share their insights and expertise. Past speakers have included MISD Superintendent Stephanie Howard and IDEA Permian Basin Executive Director Bethany Solis.
In addition to their regular meetings, the coalition also runs other programs, such as the Young Ladies League and the Young Gentleman's League. These mentorship programs pair young individuals with older mentors who provide guidance and support. The coalition has also organized Recruitment Mixers to attract volunteers interested in becoming mentors for these programs.
Mayor Lori Blong's participation in the Midland Youth Coalition luncheon highlights her commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the youth in Midland. By emphasizing the importance of attacking problems rather than individuals, Blong aims to foster a supportive and collaborative environment for the community to come together and find solutions.