There will be a grand opening of the Williamson County Neighborhood Conference Committee at 10 a.m. Oct. 12 at the NCC Center, 210 Round Rock Ave. (formerly the Snapdragon flower shop adjacent to the water tower and across from Round Rock Doughnuts). Media and event attendees may park at the First Baptist Church of Round Rock nearby.

Speakers include Mayor Alan McGraw, Councilmember Carlos Salinas, Judge Dain Johnson and Dr. Jesus Chavez, RRISD superintendent. Part of the kick-off event will include a ceremonial swearing-in of volunteer mentors.

This program is modeled after other successful neighborhood programs and is a realization of a partnership between LifeSteps, Williamson County, Round Rock ISD and the City of Round Rock.

The Neighborhood Conference Committee consists of trained volunteers acting under the Williamson County Juvenile Court System. The NCC meets with families who have a child age 10-16, who is a first-time truancy law offender, to establish the root of the truancy problem. The family, student and volunteers develop a positive action plan that outlines requirements the student must successfully complete without having to go through a formal court hearing. The action plan requires the student to develop a graduation plan, a career plan, and to participate in appropriate activities such as community service, mentoring, and/or expressing an apology to a victim. The action plan may also include referrals for support services such as parent/child mediations and parent groups. 

NCC also provides an avenue for expressing the community's concern to the student to help the student generate a sense of responsibility, personal growth and development.

How can the community get involved?
To volunteer to be a neighborhood committee member, request an application by calling (512) 248-7670 or sending an e-mail to JP1@wilco.org. Contact Efrain Davila with questions at (512) 971-2029.

Volunteers must:

• be at least 18 years of age;
• submit an NCC application;
• agree to a criminal history background check;
• attend an 18-hour training for volunteers; and
• be sworn into confidentiality by a judge

The next 18-hour volunteer training cycle begins Oct. 23 at 6 p.m. The trainings will be held at the NCC Building, 210 Round Rock Ave., Round Rock.