Cave Junction, OR – Earlier this month, Illinois Valley teenagers had the opportunity to share their perspectives, needs, and creative ideas to increase youth representation in the area. Hosted by Illinois Valley Web, Community Website Partnership (CWP), and IVCanDO, The session kicked off a series of youth listening sessions happening in rural Oregon communities aimed at learning how community-focused websites, like Illinois Valley Web, can help youth become more involved.
The lively discussion, co-facilitated by local Illinois Valley High School junior Alyssa Lake and CWP co-director Brooke Nuckles Gentekos, highlighted the importance of sharing opportunities to get involved and volunteer. “Youth definitely do want to be part of the community, there just hasn’t been much opportunity for them to share their voices and ideas until now,” says Lake. Additionally, many session participants didn’t know where to find information, relying on word-of-mouth to find ways to get involved.
Illinois Valley Web aims to fill this information gap. As a digital one-stop resource, Illinois Valley Web allows local businesses, organizations, and community members to connect. Featuring an event calendar, local directory, volunteer opportunities, emergency information and more, the community-driven website acts as a central hub of information – for all Illinois Valley residents. “[Illinois Valley Web] is free and accessible for anyone to use. Our hope is that the website is utilized to help people stay informed and get involved to make their community better, especially youth,” shares Gentekos. “There’s a real need for youth-relevant information to be available, whether it’s to increase awareness of youth-focused activities or connect youth with volunteer opportunities.”
For more information about Illinois Valley Web, please visit illinoisvalleyweb.org. Local area businesses, organizations, and individuals are encouraged to add information to the website that would be beneficial for the general public to know.
Illinois Valley Community Development Organization
November 10, 2022 3:30pm
Cave Junction, Oregon
Anna Wiley – Communications and Outreach Manager
English 
Spanish 