Discussion Board Week 8

Saturday, 1 May 2010 11:11:31 AM EST

Hi Karen,
I'm quite interested to read more about your project (thanks for following my blog as well-though I'm really just getting started).

I have been involved as a youth in these programs and am currently through my project working with a Youth Development organization which will hopefully culminated to raising and securing additional funds. Part of my project as well is engaging the youth in a way in which they too can feel empowered over the future or the program and have fun while doing it! I've already had one idea shot down, point blank, but the risks were there and seen to be too great, however, we may soon be running with a County wide collective project in which the youth make in the program work together to create a film or book with their feelings about the program (i.e. what it has done for them, what they enjoy most, and the impact it has had on them--this part may be reflective for older members of the youth organization or for past members). But again, this will be primarily coordinated by the youth, so I'm quite excited to get going.

All research I've done on youth engagement has also pointed clearly to it leading them in a direction to continue to be civically engaged and motivated. There are some great links through the United States State Department website as well as the latest research report published by National 4-H (4-H.org). Take a peek if you are looking for more data. Also, if you have any resources you have tapped for such information, I would love to hear from you.

Good Luck Karen! I hope to hear from you soon.
Cheers,
Alex


Thursday, 29 April 2010 9:21:50 PM EST
My project has organically led to what it should achieve and that is ways to address Social Inclusion and Social Justice through engaging Young people as agents of change.

In developing my plan for the project it helped form a structure around what this project is actually aiming to achieve.

Whilst the project first big event is to raise money, the connection between the school and the youth service has continued to strengthen.
All the research I did indicated that young people who become actively involved in civic and political issues are more likely to be involved in these issues as adults.

This is fantastic prospect for our future – getting a long term commitment to issues of social inclusion and social justice. Influencing young people who will end up in a variety walks of lives and careers (e.g. judges, teachers, politicians, stockbrokers, bankers and IT), who will be advocates on these issues.

The future is promising.
Karen