Teen Think Tanks offer forum to solve problems

'Brainstorming'via computersencourages ideas

The motto "Giving teens a voice" understates the power of Teen Think Tanks. These teenage forums offer not only open conversation but also conclusions by using sophisticated computer networks and software.

Brice F. Marsh chartered Teen Think Tanks Inc. in 1999 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. "TTT is a unique brainstorming event where teens combine their collective thinking and reach conclusions on the best ways to deal with school violence or other youth concerns," Marsh said.

The world's first TTT on school violence convened in 1998 with students from Birmingham. Since then, Marsh has coordinated 37 teen forums from California to Washington, D.C., using GroupSystems' electronic meeting system software.

"The GroupSystems software allows participants to brainstorm electronically and then organize ideas with anonymous voting," he said. TTT sessions start with invitations to students from teachers, counselors and community leaders. A 20-member session includes 25 percent "at-risk" students, 25 percent "high achievers" and 50 percent "average students," Marsh said. Panelists work at networked, laptop computers. With full anonymity, participants record their ideas. Currently, TTT uses equipment in the 3D Immersive Theater at Sci-Quest Hands-On Science Museum in Huntsville.

The Youth Leadership Council with the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce recently used the TTT approach. The teenagers offered recommendations for a proposed project with the chamber.

"Electronic brainstorming" is a better medium for faster results and sharing thoughts anonymously, Marsh said. "A shy and soft-spoken student is heard just as clearly as the most outspoken kids, with no fear of criticism. Students can view everyone else's ideas, triggering new ideas and input.

"That's the magic," he said. "Half-baked ideas don't get laughed at. They become catalysts for discussion."

After a session, a report recommends warning signs to students, parents, teachers, school administrators, law enforcement officers and legislators.

In sessions on teen violence, the panel has concluded common causes are parental neglect, lack of acceptance by peers and lack of values and ethics.

Violence prevention isn't the only topic for TTT. One session of teenagers and adults prioritized options for community recreation, ranging from Boy Scout activities to a weekly "Karaoke Night," Marsh said. Another example is grief counseling, allowing participants to question grief counselors anonymously. Answers appeared on a wide-screen monitor.

Other topics include stopping bullying and teasing at school, avoiding substance abuse, coping with depression and dealing with fears of warfare and bio-terrorism threats.

GroupSystems has designated Marsh and TTT as a consulting partner for its software. "This designation is reserved for a relatively small group of certified GroupSystems facilitators and instructors worldwide," Marsh said.

TTT founder and executive director, Marsh works as a senior computer scientist with Science Applications International Corporation or SAIC. Marsh said TTT meets the following needs of teenagers:

safety and understanding;

a sense of belonging and membership;

self-worth and contribution;

independence and self-control;

closeness and bonding.

"TTT gives teens all of this," Marsh said. "That is the secret to our success.

"GroupSystems has graciously given TTT a research license valued at approximately $65,000 and authorized installation on 35 networked computers in the 3D Immersive Theater at Sci-Quest," Marsh said.

TTT and the Downtown Rescue Mission will receive proceeds from the 2005 Festival of Sacred Christmas Music on Dec. 15 at the Von Braun Center Concert Hall in Huntsville. To honor its theme of "Keep Christmas Alive!," the event will not use "dramatic theatrics or laser lights but stick to simplicity to the tune of 'Silent Night' and 'Jesus Loves Me,' " Marsh said. "Our purpose is to 'reclaim, proclaim and celebrate Christmas the old fashioned way and re-acknowledge Christmas as the official legal national holiday established specifically to commemorate the birth of Christ."

(See www.keepchristmasalive.org for more details.)

The North Alabama Chapter of the Project Management Institute has invited Marsh to present his white paper "Using Collaborative Technology to Enhance PMI Processes" at the organization's symposium at the VBC in September.

To see TTT results, visit www.teenthinktanks.org and click "Results."