The Oak Harbor Youth Commission is planning the first in a series of community forums to discuss issues affecting children.

The first “community cafe” forum takes place Thursday, March 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Oak Harbor High School Student Union Building. Food and child care will be provided.

“This community has many good people working and advocating on behalf of kids. The city hopes to add, through the Youth Commission, some coordination and cooperation between these efforts,” said Lt. John Dyer with the Oak Harbor Police Department. He is also serving as president of the group.

The group will advise the Oak Harbor City Council on youth issues ranging from safety and health concerns to ways youth can better contribute to the community. Members will stay abreast of state and national legislation that may impact school-age youth and communicate those issues to council members.

The commission is also working on its annual “state of the youth” report to present to the Oak Harbor City Council. Data in the report could include truancy rates, the number of minor in possession citations, pregnancy rates, on-time graduation rates and juvenile rates.

For more information, contact Dyer at 279-4644, or jdyer@oakharbor.org.