Rooted in the idea of training the next generation of leaders and philanthropists, the Harvest Teen Council (HTC) is a partnership with the neighborhood teens to create more opportunities for engagement socially and to create positive change in their own backyards. In 2017, the HTC will:
- organize fun events for teens;
- learn about giving back to the community through their time, talent, and resources as they plan and execute Teen-Council sponsored fundraisers for the North Texas Food Bank;
- develop leadership skills and learn how to advocate and raise awareness about hunger in North Texas; and
- receive community service hours through their participation on the HTC.
This morning, we had the privilege to have Northlake Mayor Pete Dewing at Harvest for breakfast with the HTC. He challenged them to be more than just a club but rather change agents in their community. He shared unique stories and articulated in a way that connected with teens in their season of life drawing on the importance of leadership and integrity. The teens had great questions for Mayor Dewing and he had some great advice for them, such as:
- Be honest
- Be respectful
- Be a good steward
- Be advocates for the HTC and not for personal gain
- Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you
He also talked about how important it is to work well with others. You can learn something from everyone, for example how to treat people and how not to treat people. The main thing is to focus on your responsibility and do what is right at all times.
His final piece of wisdom was to not let your greatest accomplishments in school be your greatest accomplishments in life.
