Paula White
Northern News Services

INUVIK (May 21/99) - The future of the youth centre is on shaky ground, but in this case it has nothing to do with funding.

"I don't mean money. I mean people," said board chair Roslyn Woodcock. "We believe we have enough funding for the next fiscal year, but we need people. If we don't have board members to keep the doors open every day, all the money in the world doesn't make a difference."

Woodcock explained that although there is a lot of support from the community already, it hasn't been in the form of volunteering at the centre or on the board. She said she didn't want people to get the wrong impression -- funding for the centre is fairly secure, the books are in order and the board has just hired a new co-ordinator, Marnie Hilash.

"In a lot of ways, we're in an amazing spot," Woodcock said. "Despite formidable odds, the youth centre has really pulled up its socks this year, so I'd hate to see it closed."

But in order to operate effectively, Woodcock said the board needs at least six members. There are technically seven positions. Currently there are five, but two have already announced their intention of stepping down and there is a possibility that two more may step down as well.

"Basically, what we're looking at is we need a whole new board," Woodcock said. "I'm very worried we're going to have this annual general meeting and nobody will show up."

That, she added, would not bode well for the centre.

"That will mean the youth centre's doors will shut. We're already below capacity and if we go any further below capacity, we cannot do it," Woodcock said. "We're afraid that's what's going to happen and we don't want it to. I won't be able to do it alone."

Woodcock took part of the blame for the lack of interest in the community about becoming involved in the centre. She said that neither she nor other board members have had much time to go out and canvass for new members. But she is hoping that won't matter and people will come out and attend the annual general meeting, to be held this evening (May 20) at 7 p.m. at the centre.

The youth centre opened more than two years ago and has had its share of worries as far as funding is concerned.

Woodcock said it provides youth with a place to spend their time playing pool, watching television, using the computer or playing ping pong. Currently, it is open after school and during the evening, as well as on weekends. During the summer it will be open all day, every day. She said right now, about 20 teens visit the centre each evening.

"We're very busy," Woodcock pointed out. "There are very few activities for youth available in this community."

Woodcock added it would be unfortunate if the centre fails to generate volunteer support and come up with at least four new board members.

"Without that, we don't have a lot of hope of surviving over the next year."