YDEV

Youth Development 

Rhode Island College

YDEV is a program at Rhode Island College that allows you to have a variety of options for your career choice. Some of these options are administrative assistant, working and with youth of all ages , mainly school aged but not limited too those age groups, you could also work with college students as well. The program is required to complete 180 hours of an internship in any organization of your choice. The best part of choosing  your own individualized internship is the option, usually for internships students have no or little input to where they will be place. The internship will enhance your understanding of the work that is being done to assist the young individuals in our communities. Along with the internship requirement you will become competent with current issues that occur in our communities. You will also meet with other organizations such as YOUTH IN ACTION where youth have a voice.

Currently Rhode Island College is the only school in Rhode Island that offers this Youth Development Program. If you love and enjoy working with youth and rather not have the responsibility or burden of teaching in a traditional school setting, YDEV will be a good choice as we teach youth in an informal way which the young people enjoy. We provide safe spaces for young individuals where they could be themselves as well as being leaders and role models within their communities. We are here to empower these young people as they are our future.

Resilience Kids

Resilient Kids Program Videos

The video Evolution high school, students testimonies  were interesting to see. This is because the youth were empowered to change the way they usually behave or interacted with the teachers and or their peers. They were relaxed and engaged in learning in a positive manner. While inspiring others to use the calming techniques they learned.

As a result of this program children are empowered to return to their classroom after recess or breaks and are able to redirect themselves, showing resiliency using learned positive skills to continue with their educational day.

Teachers, students, and a principal attest that this resilience program is beneficial to the students they serve. These techniques are essential to youth as it is a new way of assessing their education and life.

I really like the idea of programs like these as it encourages youth to become leaders in their schools and communities.I can relate these videos to the work we did at the Calcult Middle School in Central Falls. The students there showed resiliency and they also demonstrated leadership in their environment.

Rock the Vote !!!!

Civil Conversation Challenge

President or Not

The idea of Rock the Vote is a good idea. For getting individuals who are not interested in politics like myself, get engaged with the government and imperative issues that are currently going on in our society.

Anyone could make an executive decision of their own to choose the candidate of their choice. The information that is presented on the websites are well explained and addresses the concerns that many people have. Specifically the negative ideas that are in the media with Donald Trump. 

The Civil Challenge for teenagers is a safe haven where teenagers could express how they feel on issues that are important to them as well as receiving  feedback from others that may have similar feelings towards the same issue. They do this in a restful manner. I feel that this is a good place for them because they probably can not express how they feel regarding issues of politics and be taken seriously. The site gives examples of recent issues such as gun violence. Although the media does a good job with persuading people how to feel the blogs on this website does the same. 

President or Not

For me this information on the website does not encourage me to vote, as I already voted. On the other hand for others this might encourage them to vote as they read the blogs and the information on   the site and they may feel like the agree or disagree with the candidates and what they are saying they wan to do for our country. 

This could alienate someone to vote because the negative tone about important issues such as immigration could be sensitive to some. The tone and talk about building walls and deporting individuals back to their country is un-American. 

Make sure to do your part......www.votinginformation.com

Nakkula and Toshalis

Identity in Context 

Understanding Youth Adolescent Development for Educators

Context mapping is an approach where one uses their own experiences on a daily basis to 'inform and inspire themselves'. Another view of this is behaving differently in different environments. For example the way I conduct myself in school as a student and home is different from when I am working in an office setting in my professional environment.


Mich asked Julian to "to list the various spaces and relationships he must negotiate each day."'After refusing to do the task, he finally agreed and then was instructed again to list the spaces and the people and his expectations from those spaces and individuals.'

Mich also asked Julian to be attentive to his feelings differentiating between when he felt safe, anxious or uneasy. 

1. Foreclosed identity- this is closed-mindedness, behaving in a particular manner without any other experience.. set on being one way.
2. Diffuse identity- this is the individual I call a follower, not committing to ones own identity.
3. Identity moratorium- they take charge to make a resolution to a problem.
4. Achieved identity- this individual is in a leader role, collaborating their experiences from past, present and future.. with an understanding of how to conduct themselves from their own experiences.

Christ Temple Church

Youth Service Event

This event took place at Christ Temple Church located at 122 Wadsworth Street Providence Rhode Island.The duration of this youth service was for 3hours from 5:00-8:00pm Saturday October 22, 2016. This was a diverse environment with many youth members, youth pastors from other  churches, individuals from the neighbor and the area. I was impressed that the church was filled to its full capacity on a Saturday evening with so many young people. I found this interesting and I was impressed because these young people could of been else where instead of attending a positive youth service event.

At this event there were other churches that attended such as "Kings Cathedral"....the king's Cathedral  The youth pastor from this church preached at the service. 

"Christ Center of Praise" members from this church performed a song praise selection...www.church christ center of praise.org

The purpose of this youth service was to encourage young people to remain focus and to live their lives as leaders within their environment.

The concept of the service was a skit played by two youth leaders along with youth members from the CTC (church). Between each skit there were games played by the audience. Games such as jeopardy... one of the youth leaders read biblical questions and the contestants was to ring the bell to answer to the correct answers; again these games were played by brave young people who volunteered to stand in front of the church. 

Other games that were played was finishing the lyrics to songs and the bible book. The bible book had two contestants who was to stack the books according to the order of the bible. This was a fun and engaging activity as the audience cheered the young people on to stack the books up correctly. 

The theme of the skit was titled I'm on my way to.........

The idea of this was that the two sisters played the roles in three sceenes. Where one sister was to encourage the other from making bad decisions such as partying vs doing the positive right thing.

This idea was to encourage young people to stay on a straight and positive path so they could become leaders in their communities from their positive experiences.

As the evening went on there were worshiping and praising through the entire event. This is where the young people were encouraged to participate in singing and dancing around the church. 

Some words and phrases that resonated with me, that I heard throughout the night were.........

encourage

youth is our future

lead with

inspire

youth leaders            

young people

positive

believe in your self

God

This event is related to YIA ...www.youth in action.com and coauthoring Nakkula and Toshails

At the end of the event the members from the different churches gathered together in the dining area of the church for food and refreshments. This is the main idea of the youth services. getting young people together for a positive message and to socialize among other young people like themselves.

The ultimate message I received from this youth service is that "it doesn't matter how far you go away from God, he just wants you to come back to him."

New Urban Arts

Open house for New Urban Arts
October 7, 2016

New Urban Arts is a free and open to public out -of- school program in Providence that provide space for high school students who correlate with artists mentors from the community. In this environment youth are encouraged  to express themselves through art while gaining the skills of leadership. Here is a link to New Urban Arts website..

newurbanarts.org

This re-opening took place at their location at 705 Westminster Street Providence, RI 02903. This event was 2 hours long. From 5:00-7:00 pm Friday October 7, 2016. The hours was convenient as it was the end of the work week and students would be able to attend this event as there was no school the next day.





New Urban Arts was welcoming as soon as you walked in the door of this re-opening. My daughter, her friend and I felt comfortable as we walked in. Two teenage girls not sure what to expect because they were entering a environment different from their own immediately felt welcomed. At the entrance a staff member greeted all guest that arrived to the event. When we walked in I immediately noticed the interesting art work that was displayed throughout the building. For example, this work of art drawn by one of the youth members over the summer of 2016.

Amazing Work

Their was a Dj set up as you walked into the building to set the mood of the environment. The music was urban genre which was fitting for their guest. There were many people there but it was not overcrowded as they recently renovated the space to accommodate the high volume of guest that occupy the space daily. There was a table in the back with snacks and beverages for the guest.As we walked around admiring the art work I came across this interesting piece 

Downstairs in the basement is the new addition to the New Urban Arts building. In this area they have a music station with a recording sound booth with several different instruments, many individuals were utilizing this area. Another aspect that was interesting in this area was the sewing area. Here is a dress that they made during the summer.

Overall I had the pleasure to have this experience at this re-opening event. This is related to theme of coauthoring as discussed in Nakkula and Toshalis Understanding Youth: As New Urban Arts is an environment where youth and artist mentors "engage in youth leadership, risk taking, collaboration, and self-directed learning". New Urban Arts

To get involved here are a couple of links 

 bit.ly/NUA_Inkind2015 This is their current wish list

    facebook.com/newurbanarts Stay connected through Facebook

Ideology Inventory

Ideology Horoscope

Risk, Resiliency and Prevention

When I took the Ideology Inventory quiz to learn my ideology horoscope, I was not surprised by the results. My results revealed that I best identify with Risk, Resiliency and Prevention. In this regard I agree that teens brain are not developed to its full capacity and they often make mistakes that they regret. Another aspect of this is that prevention is imperative to teens especially within urban communities among youth. As youth workers we have to pose such questions on how to assist these young individuals with the correct decision making for their future.

                                                                            
This is relatable to me  "urban youth lack cultural capital". Environmental factors among many others factors contribute to risks factors for youth. As youth workers we could be that positive role model and example that youth need, to become successful members of society. By doing this we could potentially save lives from the typical youth urban  story if working in such environment. I learned that sharing personal experiences with youth depending on age in a professional setting could also help teens rationalize to perhaps make the right decisions. We can decrease the negative rates of teen pregnancy, gang activity, and drug abuse by providing safe environment for youth in our communities. 

Nakkula and Toshalis

My story of the people who has impacted me over the years....

This is a list of the names of individuals who have coauthored with me during my lifetime.

1. Hildred

2. Steve

3. Frederick 3rd

4. Aniya

5. Steve                                                             

6. Fern

7. Ms.Dubois

8. Michelle

9. Mr. Maguire

10.Rochelle

This is my story

The person I chose to write about that impacted me the most on coauthoring with me is Rochelle. This is because this is the person I wanted to be like until I was an adult . When I became an adult I realized that she was not someone I would to have as a role model in my professional nor social life. My assessment on this relationship at the time was caring, indifferent at times. I dealt with this woman for many years of my life. The duration of this relationship was for my entire high school years and several years after I graduated high school as I was friends with her daughter.

Although Rochelle seemed to have my best interest at the time of our relationship as the school social worker, she has impacted my life in a negative manner. Again I did not realize that this was a negative relationship until I was sent into the real world and seen a different aspect of professionalism which is something that she lacked in many way. For example, when students confined in her with private issue of their own she would discuss this private matters with her daughter and I at their home. Another example, is that she would play a role as a caring individual portraying to have the best interest of the students but in fact she would discuss these issues with other parents of students in school.

                                                                                                                      

She would enable me and my friends to fail. This is interesting to me as I reflect on this because at the time when I was learning and experiences these difficulties I was unaware of what was really going on. She was not encouraging positive behaviors of an educator. She was more attempting to fit in with the young individuals in the school setting therefore she would allow disruptive behavior along with allowing some of us the "CREW" to not abiding with the school rules and policies. 

However, there were some positive aspects to our relationship. She taught me many life skills that I use to this day. Although these experiences I had with this woman has assist with my views on society and societal issues. It also impacted me as a young black girl growing up in Providence during that era. Similarly to the story of Ms. Petersen and Antwon in "The Construction of Adolescence". However my experience discussed above was many years ago. Currently  this woman is currently working with youth in a similar environment like the way one I received my education in and she still have the same views and coauthoring still as she had prior. Unfortunately the same experiences I had with this woman who was involved in my life in so many different aspects is currently still conducting herself in the same manner. Someone I know is enrolled in a program that she is the director of and like me has very similar story as mines.

Too many stories like Antwon and Ms. Petersen still occur in the public school system to date. My teenage children experienced similar stories. Teachers neglecting students needs intentionally or unintentional because, they are not sure how deal with individuals that are different than them.

Words that were unfamiliar to me......

tangential
parameters
litany

Words that were relevant to reading....
tested knowledge
theoretical thinking
theoretical imagination
construction of adolescene
coauthorship
proximal development
reciprocal coauthorship

Ted Talk

   In my own personal experience, I have felt invisible many times as a young black woman. One example of this occurred last weekend. My husband and I went to a well known reputable car dealership in hopes of purchasing a new vehicle. This was on a Sunday so the car lot was quite and empty, there was another couple looking at cars at the same time we were. So it took about ten minutes for someone to finally approach my husband and I in the parking lot. So when this individual approached us he was a young Spanish man. We didn't think anything at the time so he helped us out and we test drove a couple of the cars that we were interested in and so fourth. By the second car we drove the conversations became comfortable and somewhat personal. The young  man stated that he was glad that the other sales men asked him to assist my husband and I. So I asked the question why was that why the other men would ask him to do that and his response was that they felt he would be a better fit to assist of as he could relate to us better and they probably won't purchase a car anyway. They are probably just looking around and he could use the experience. After we returned to the car my husband and  I decided that car dealership was not the right place for our business. Needless to say we went to another car lot down the street where hopefully stereotyping, discrimination, and racism was not obvious. This is exactly how Hobson felt when she was mistaken for the "HELP" at the luncheon that she was invited to.

 From my perspective I still view visibility in the same manner. I feel as a black woman I understand her view on this matter but my perception is the same before I heard the speech. Although I agree with Hobson statement We need to get comfortable with the uncomfortable". As she used the example of the room filled with all blacks at a prominent meeting. Must people would think that this is a weird situation unlike a meeting with all white males the expected.

"Be color brave observe your environment invite people in your life that are different from you". This is a powerful statement. When I became more diverse in my own personal  life,I became open-mined rather than closed-minded. This has been one of the better decision I have made to becoming a better individual in society.

As an environment like Youth In Action could be an antidote to invisibility in many ways. These are a few examples of some of the things YIA do to work against the unwanted conditions that they are trying to make a difference and a better community.

• Those involved in this program believe that they can change their communities.
• They believe that all youth have equal opportunity , they can achieve this by working together.
• They are taking action, by being leaders within their schools and community.
• They have a voice that is respected by peers and adults.
• Youth participates in public speaking which show leadership.

                                                 

IN A WORLD WHERE YOUTH HOLD THE POWER

YOUTH IN ACTION ARTICLE



   The concept of Youth In Action gives youth the opportunity to express themselves as well as prepare them for their future endeavors. I agree with this style of youth engagement because as a young person many years ago I did not have the opportunity to express or even contribute to changes within my community or school environment. With such roles as budgeting decision making these responsibilities could lead young people to a better understanding of their environment. Skills such a these can only be viewed as positive aspects for other individuals in their social groups.

   According to the article the Youth In Action environment seems to be a safe haven or even a second home to many of the individuals who occupy this building. I also agree with the director perspective regarding a "different mindset, learning process, power dynamic, and perspective about whats possible we all share'.

   Another aspect that resonates with me is the idea that adults within Youth In Action program are viewed as partners with the youth. As a youth worker the ultimate goal is to educate, engage, and involve youth with leadership skills that could could potentially lead to a leadership role within their communities. It is interesting to note that, Giovanni age 15 stated that "learning is happening everywhere" in the Youth In Action space. Usually when adults are utilizing space for a learning experience and teachable moment the youth are usually unaware of the dynamic of the relationship. Unlike this young lady who was a member  of the Youth In Action program. She understand the concept of leadership roles from her peers and the adults of that community.

  From my personal experience with my children, the Middle School that they attend attempt a similar approach to engage students with the curriculum. Some of the recent college graduates that understands the importance of youth involvement and engagement allow the students the opportunity to give positive feedback on some of the assignments they assign to the students.

   Overall this Youth In Action Program seem to have a positive impact on the individuals lives they service in Providence. With a program such a this, the residents and young people are encourage to lead and motivate others along with learning and teaching all in one.
Here is a link to the Youth In Action site, here you can view what programs they have alone with upcoming events.http://youthinactionri.org

CHARACTERISTICS OF YOUTH WORK

THE SEVEN CHARACTERISTICS OF YOUTH WORK IN THIS CHAPTER IS AS FOLLOWS "YOUTH WORK IS IN EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE". INDIVIDUALS WHO WORK WITH YOUTH TEND TO EDUCATE YOUNG PEOPLE IN A INFORMED MANNER. BY DOING THIS YOUTH WILL POTENTIALLY FAIL MORE COMFORTABLE AND CONFIDENT WHILE BEING EDUCATED. THIS TECHNIQUE WILL ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES IN A SAVE ENVIRONMENT THAT THE YOUTH WORKERS PROVIDE.

"YOUTH WORK IS A SOCIAL PRACTICE" MEANING THAT YOUTH WILL PEER TOGETHER WITH YOUNG PEOPLE THAT THEY CAN RELATE TO. THEY MAY HAVE A CONNECTION TO THESE INDIVIDUALS BECAUSE THEY HAVE THE SAME INTEREST. YOUTH WORKERS WILL  ENGAGE IN SUCH GROUPS TO GUIDE THE YOUNG INDIVIDUALS WITH SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SKILLS. THESE SKILLS MAY ENCOURAGE THE YOUNG TO ACT APPROPRIATELY AMONG THEMSELVES AND OTHERS. 

"YOUTH WORKERS ACTIVELY CHALLENGE INEQUALITY AND WORK TOWARDS SOCIAL JUSTICE."IN THIS REGARD, YOUTH WORKERS ARE PLACED IN YOUNG PEOPLES LIFE TO IMPLICATE AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE WELL BEING OF THERE DISADVANTAGES THEY MAY BE FACED WITHIN THEIR COMMUNITIES.

"YOUTH WORK SEEKS TO STRENGTHEN THE VOICE AND INFLUENCE OF YOUNG PEOPLE." FOR EXAMPLE, WHILE GROUPING AT THE CALCUTT MIDDLE SCHOOL AFTER AN ACTIVITY, WHICH ALWAYS INVOLVED THE GROUP. THE QUESTION ASKED TO THE GROUP OF STUDENTS. WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM THIS ACTIVITY? ONE STUDENT STATED THAT BEING PART OF THE YOUTH GROUP MADE HIM FEEL CONFIDENT IN BEING A POSITIVE ROLL MODEL FOR THE STUDENTS IN HIS SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY. 

"YOUTH WORK IS A WELFARE PRACTICE." THIS ASPECT REFERS TO PROVIDING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT WHERE YOUTH USUALLY RESIDE IN IMPOVERISHED COMMUNITIES. 

"YOUTH WORK WORKS WITH YOUNG PEOPLE HOLISTICALLY."YOUTH WORKERS ENSURE POSITIVE RESULTS WHILE ASSISTING YOUNG PEOPLE WITH THE CHALLENGES THAT ALL YOUNG PEOPLE FACE. WHILE THEY MAKE CHANGE IN THEIR SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT.

"WHERE POSSIBLE, YOUNG PEOPLE CHOOSE TO BE INVOLVED." YOUTH WORKERS TEND TO MEET WITH YOUNG PEOPLE IN SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTS WHICH IS USUALLY A SAFE HAVEN FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF WORKING TOGETHER IN SMALLER SPACES. YOUNG PEOPLE MAKE THE EXECUTIVE DECISION TO ATTEND THESE GROUPS. THIS IS USUALLY NOT A FORCED PROGRAM SO YOUNG PEOPLE ARE OPEN TO THE COMMUNICATIONS AMONG THEMSELVES AND THE YOUTH WORKERS WHO ARE INVOLVED IN THEIR LIVES.

This is my interpretation of the seven characteristics of youth work, by Jason Wood, Sue Westwood and Gill Thompson

WHO AM I... ALL ABOUT ME

FIRST BORN