Martin, you pose some great questions. One of Richard Florida's points at the event was that young people have immense creative energy and insights, but often face constraits in their school, social or family situations. They are often able to think 'outside-of-the-box' and come up with ideas for projects that others might not. Also, they are often not limited by so-called conventional barriers or limitations which older people might stop at.

What specific instances do you (and other young people) see that might lead to this feeling of lack of support? School budget cuts for art and extracurricular activities? Lack of recognition for your opinions? Inability to connect with other like minds? Not knowing where to turn for experienced advice or money? Feel free to list others here for us all to consider and tackle. Thanks,

We will get a real chance to see how creative opportunities for our youth are valued during the upcoming cutbacks in our public schools. FWCS is looking at releasing close to 200 teachers. Will it dismiss gym teachers and football coaches or english teachers, art and music? My bet is that there will be cuts in the humanities,primarily at elementary and middle school levels in music, art, english, drama, etc. In many school districts its not uncommon for an athletic director to be the highest paid "teacher" in the district. It will be interesting to watch what the values of FWCS are this spring as cuts are implemented.

Richard Florida made a slight lateral step in response to this question by suggesting that while these kinds of essential creative activities MUST happen in the schools, we can't afford to wait for them to catch up. These activities can happen in community centers and neighborhoods as well as the schools, while we work to get them more funding and resources. There are also numerous private funders and philanthropists that could be writing checks and giving endowments to schools on a local level while the state and federal funds are sought. Other comments?

Sometimes it seems like there is too much to do around here, or at least too many structured activities. Why can't we supply our youth with unstructured outlets for their energies and talents. Provide safe places for them to play and learn outside of school too.

Hello. I am an art student at St. Francis and am a "youth." I believe there is an untapped outlet in Fort Wayne that could be coming out in the Art Factory. My peers have been trying to get things together there and they have more ideas for it than just a place to put on shows. I believe they feel they do not have the support of the community to bring it all together. I was told that it was seen as an "eye sore" but I have also seen the ideas and the energy that has been generated there that can easily be transformed into something great. There are many aspiring minds that go into "putting on punk shows" there that could be tapped.