Circle of Youth Engagement
The Circle of Youth Engagement is an interactive, participatory, training, curriculum, training and process that was brainstormed, developed and created together with the young leaders of youthrive, Unlike traditional training, the Circle program will go on to transform the youth serving organization(s) by enlisting young people to participate in meaningful and genuine leadership roles working in partnership with the adults in the Circle program. The program strives to support young people through leadership and service-learning opportunities as facilitators with adult partners. This 10- 16 hour Circle of Youth Engagement experience is designed by youth and adults at youthrive, a local non profit organization in Minnesota.
youthrive Vision
The vision of youthrive is peaceful and just communities where young people are recognized and valued. The mission of youthrive is to engage young people with adults in strengthening leadership and peace-building skills.
Over the years, people would ask Donna Gillen (Executive Director- youthrive), “How do you do it? How do you get youth involved in your programs, actually, how do you keep them involved as leaders?” Donna decided to answer the question, share her best insights and wisdom gained from youth, and tried and true experience of how to do work with youth. She co-authored a book with some of her colleagues,Giving Voice to the Leader Within, Donna Gillen, Marlys C. Johnson, and Jackie S. Sinykin. Young people working closely with the authors, considered support, opportunities, space and resources to be essential in truly engaging youth in leadership. This book serves as the foundation of the Circle of Youth Engagement training and facilitation.
The reflection framework created with youth we have developed 4 simple rules for authentic youth engagement:
1. Show Up & Pay Attention to What Matters to You
2. Know Yourself and Your Power & Speak Truth Courageously
3. Change Yourself as an Example
4. Lead! Lead! Use Your Passion, Your Power for a Purpose
The Circle of Youth Engagement Training is designed in 3 sessions: Youth Training, Adult Training and a joint Youth / Adult Training. Each training session is designed to provide an opportunity for participants to build on their accumulated knowledge and to form meaningful relationships with each other while breaking down barriers. Each participant learns beneficial communication skills between adults and youth. They also learn about the four core concepts that describe the inner circle, which is includes support, providing opportunities, providing space, providing resources. Each training session is designed to last 4-6 hours depending on the needs of the organization.
For more information about the Circle of Youth Engagement or to schedule training, please call theyouthrive office at 651.224.3066
youthrive Vision
The vision of youthrive is peaceful and just communities where young people are recognized and valued. The mission of youthrive is to engage young people with adults in strengthening leadership and peace-building skills.
Over the years, people would ask Donna Gillen (Executive Director- youthrive), “How do you do it? How do you get youth involved in your programs, actually, how do you keep them involved as leaders?” Donna decided to answer the question, share her best insights and wisdom gained from youth, and tried and true experience of how to do work with youth. She co-authored a book with some of her colleagues,Giving Voice to the Leader Within, Donna Gillen, Marlys C. Johnson, and Jackie S. Sinykin. Young people working closely with the authors, considered support, opportunities, space and resources to be essential in truly engaging youth in leadership. This book serves as the foundation of the Circle of Youth Engagement training and facilitation.
The reflection framework created with youth we have developed 4 simple rules for authentic youth engagement:
1. Show Up & Pay Attention to What Matters to You
2. Know Yourself and Your Power & Speak Truth Courageously
3. Change Yourself as an Example
4. Lead! Lead! Use Your Passion, Your Power for a Purpose
The Circle of Youth Engagement Training is designed in 3 sessions: Youth Training, Adult Training and a joint Youth / Adult Training. Each training session is designed to provide an opportunity for participants to build on their accumulated knowledge and to form meaningful relationships with each other while breaking down barriers. Each participant learns beneficial communication skills between adults and youth. They also learn about the four core concepts that describe the inner circle, which is includes support, providing opportunities, providing space, providing resources. Each training session is designed to last 4-6 hours depending on the needs of the organization.
For more information about the Circle of Youth Engagement or to schedule training, please call theyouthrive office at 651.224.3066
400 Selby Ave, Suite G3, St. Paul, MN 55012 ---651.224.3066 --- nick@youthrive.net
