HCHY List: Youth Mini Poster

Wed Jan 7 10:34:40 CST 2009

JoElle,

I think that you have reminded us all how important it is to start with
the little things.  Do they look significant on a global scale -
probably not?  Are they significant on a personal scale - yes!  It is
through small accomplishments that confidence gets built and bigger
challenges can be seen as possibilities.  Although it is wonderful that
there are young people who answer every call, these are not the youth
for whom our extra efforts need to be devoted.  I would love to hear
more about how to speak in a way that is relevant and not intimidating
to those youth who have trouble even identifying a "spark" in
themselves.

    Maria

________________________________

From: hchylist-bounces at lists.search-institute.org
[mailto:hchylist-bounces at lists.search-institute.org] On Behalf Of JoElle
Ramsey
Sent: Tuesday, January 06, 2009 2:19 PM
To: Maria Hinteregger
Cc: 'Healthy Communities Healthy Youth'
Subject: Re: HCHY List: Youth Mini Poster

Thanks for sharing your insight and the personal "vision" story Stacy.

What motivates young people? The Spark: A passion from within and sense
of purpose. 

We all need to be needed, are capable of giving and desire meaningful
involvement. 

Igniting the spark is a process that varies from person to person. Some
can light their own fires, some need a little help and far too many
aren't invited or encouraged to do so.  

Leadership, a fine thing and current buzzword, may be a double edged
sword for youth today. Students are the resource pool of tomorrow's
leaders. Amazing, disciplined youth flourish within leadership
development programs. Yes, leadership can be learned, yet is it
universally appealing? Are we all born to lead?

 Some teens state that the concept as a motivator is overused.
Stigmatized, it represents: the usual suspects, the few, the proud, the
recognized bunch. For the standardized crowd, measuring up is required,
failure is bad. Some see leadership presented as heady, top-down
training and miss the concept or end result of asset development and
personal growth. 

Providing leadership development is a noble thing, yet I believe that if
we want to hit the mark and engage "not the usual suspects" in healthy
development we need another "keyword". 

A personal approach. A you are worthy just as you are approach. A you
are needed approach. What excites you has value. Check yourself, what do
you have to give? Great! Let's get that fire started. 

Youth commentary:

"I can't be late to work, they need me. I can do a better job than the
40 year old before me did."

"I love to write. Until I heard the words you're a writer from my
teacher, I didn't believe it. I want to write to make a difference."

"It's OK to want someone else to tell me what to do, to be led. I feel
better and can contribute just as much as a follower."

Received: I am worthy. I have something to give. My contribution
matters. I can.

Result: Engagement. Identity. Integrity. Well-being. Optimism.

What messages does society send?

Develop 21st century leaders. Make an impact upon a messed up world.
Acquire measurable success. 

Necessary goals, but . . . for the here and now, for today, for the
moment that a young person stops to read a poster, omit the search for
excellence and reel them in! First things first, target the heart and
ignite the spark.

JoElle Ramsey

	----- Original Message ----- 

	From: Stacy Taylor <mailto:thrive at communitycaringcouncil.org>  

	To: joelleramsey at msn.com 

	Cc: 'Healthy Communities Healthy Youth'
<mailto:hchylist at lists.search-institute.org>  

	Sent: Monday, January 05, 2009 8:30 AM

	Subject: RE: HCHY List: Youth Mini Poster

	Like several other people that responded, I really like them
all, but after attending this year's HCHY conference with some youth
from our community, I will share that the ideas that made the biggest
impacts on them were that they can make a difference in the world.  One
of our girls is even researching groups that are working in Africa to
see which one best fits her "vision" for helping.  It seems like the
idea that she could make a difference outside of the walls of her school
and home was really big!

	Stacy

	Expect youth to do THEIR best, not to always be THE best.  Build
Assets!  THRIVE

________________________________

	From: hchylist-bounces at lists.search-institute.org
[mailto:hchylist-bounces at lists.search-institute.org] On Behalf Of Alison
Dotson
	Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2008 5:28 PM
	To: thrive at communitycaringcouncil.org
	Cc: Healthy Communities Healthy Youth
	Subject: HCHY List: Youth Mini Poster

	Greetings!

	We at Search Institute Press are developing a small poster for
youth, one that they would like to hang in their locker at school or on
a bulletin board at home. 

	I'm looking for feedback on the content of the poster. We've
come up with three possible themes, and I would love to know which
poster you would be most likely to buy for the teens in your life. Will
you read the following examples and vote on your favorite? Thanks!

	Theme #1: What Is Your Spark?

	Examples of "sparks" that would appear on the poster are: 
	Building furniture
	Acting        
	Taking care of stray dogs

	And questions the poster may pose are:
	How do you use your gifts to make a difference in the world?
	Who supports your sense of purpose?

	Theme #2: Anyone Can Be a Leader

	Examples of questions the poster may pose are:
	How do I bring out leadership in other people?
	How can I inspire people to come together?
	How do I respond to bullying?

	Theme #3: Make a Difference
	Sections will include the environment, social justice and
equality, and spiritual development.

	An example from each section:
	Lather, rinse, don't repeat. Shortening your time in the shower
by only two minutes saves 10 gallons of water.
	Learn more: dnr.metrokc.gov/wtd/waterconservation/tips.htm

	Speak up. If classmates or friends are telling offensive jokes,
say so. Tell them that you appreciate good jokes, but what they're doing
is perpetuating stereotypes. 
	Learn more: tolerance.org/teens

	Find your spirit. Spirituality is shaped both within and outside
of religious traditions, beliefs, and practices. When do you feel
spiritual? On nature hikes? While playing piano, or nurturing a child?
Creating a piece of art?
	Learn more: spiritualdevelopmentcenter.org

	Please let me know which one you like best, Theme #1, Theme #2,
or Theme #3. We want this to be a poster that really speaks to teens,
and your opinion is so valuable!

	Thanks,

	Alison

	-- 
	Alison Dotson
	Assistant Editor
	612-399-0232

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