Promise Fellows Resource Blog

Great Stories: by Katie Gard, AmeriCorps Promise Fellow, Fergus Falls

2009-11-30T11:28:00.002-06:00

A keen but rebellious and intentionally aggravating 6th grader started the school year on the wrong foot, antagonizing teachers every morning such that it became routine for her to spend the afternoon in the principal’s office, smugly distracting the secretary.

She thrived on peer attention, but when placed one-on-one with the Promise Fellow to do her math, she found it in herself to hunker down and work, knowing that this one-on-one tutoring was her best shot at positive attention in school. Over the course of being tutored, her self-esteem began to grow from the attention and affirmation she was receiving for getting the hang of her math homework.

During the remaining daily hours confined in the principal’s office, the student began to make paper snowflakes and give them to staff to hang up around the school. These were not just any old snowflakes; they were phenomenal 3D snowflakes, and became the envy of adults and students alike.
The Promise Fellow has partnerships with local downtown businesses, and knew that businesses were encouraging each other to go all out in decorating their storefronts for the holiday season. When the Promise Fellow offered the help of her 6th grade service-learning club to help decorate downtown, the pieces came together: Our rebellious student joined the service-learning club for a day and taught the group of 6th graders how to make the 3D snowflakes, which will be hung in the enormous glass window storefront of a downtown business. The store appreciates the decorative donation; sixth graders will get to see their work on display downtown, and our student received positive attention in demonstrating to her peers the secret of her craft.

Meanwhile, plans were formulating to move this student to a specialized school for behavior management (within the same school district). The decision was announced that the student would be at her new school beginning only days after her service-learning club appearance.

The Promise Fellow had a heart-to-heart with the student, and asked whether she thought she’d be coming back to the regular school. “If I’m good,” the student replied. The Promise Fellow sensed that regular school was becoming a more attractive place for the student after all, but she would have to work to earn her way back.

On her last day, the student stopped by the Promise Fellow’s desk on her way out to say “good-bye.” It didn’t feel like a ‘good-bye’ so much as a ‘see-you-again-sometime.’ I hope she returns, ready to be the leader she is within the parameters of appropriate behavior.

Promise Fellow Northern Site Visit September 16th-17th 2009

2009-10-01T11:41:00.005-05:00

We began our adventure to the Iron Range early Wednesday morning, setting off from Saint Paul and heading North toward McGreggor, MN, where we would be meeting Trent Meld. We (Maria, Mason and Clare) had met only a few times before, but hours of flat highway are the perfect backdrop for building friendship (and sleeping) and we soon discovered that despite having widely different life experiences, our choice to become Promise Fellows was enough of a bond to keep us from drifting into the awkward silence that comes when people with nothing in common are forced to share an enclosed space. We arrived in McGreggor (population 404) and nearly passed through it, but managed to find the school where we were greeted by Trent. Trent is a McGreggor native and spent his youth in the very school where he now runs the homework help program and coaches football. We ate lunch at the local bakery and then toured the school. We were struck at once by how new and technologically advanced the school appeared. Trent’s mother, who is also the chair of YIPA’s Professional Development Committee, writes grants for the school and is evidently quite good at her job!
As the end of the school day neared, we returned to Trent’s classroom and base of operations to set up the Dance Dance Revolution game, which was the activity of the day for the after-school program. Trent’s room was spacious and held a pool table, several large couches and lots of materials for art projects and other games.
At the end of the day, just before the last bell, we helped Trent teach a group of freshman boys about planes so that they could get a start on their math homework. When the bell rang Trent headed to football practices and we went to help his mother with the kick-off after school event of the year – a DDR tournament and a pizza-decorating contest. A small group of about eight 7th-9th graders trickled into the room and began playing with us immediately. We drew pictures on the chalkboard and danced until we collapsed. Then, we went into the school’s kitchen to decorate pizzas and were designated the official judges (despite the fact that Maria is a vegetarian!).

Trent kindly let us sleep at his house that night and the next morning we woke early and headed to Warba, MN (population 133) to visit the Northern Lights Charter School. We arrived at Northern Lights just in time for their community service seminar, where we spoke to the class about our programs. Our arrival inspired a mixed reaction, while a group of students may now attend YIPA’s youth conference in Saint Paul, another student loudly stated as we began, “Honestly, I just don’t care.” It was another moment where the SCP Fellow experience was sharply contrasted with our experiences of offices and adults and conference calls. We toured the school, met the middle school advisory menagerie, and ate lunch with the staff. After lunch we headed off to Duluth.
In Duluth, Mason was able to connect up with a former YAC member. We also visited Neighborhood Youth Services, which is a member of YIPA and hosts a True North AmeriCorp member. We stayed for a while to help with homework, but the evening’s chili competition stole most of the young people’s attention away from work. That evening, after a restful moment by Lake Superior, we met up with two other Promise Fellows for dinner. It was a perfect end to our trip, we were able to relax and talk about our experiences, connecting more with Fellows whose location isolates them from the larger Twin Cities Promise Fellow community. We drove home Thursday night exhausted, but ultimately happy that we had taken the time to visit these unique sites.

Clare Ryan, Maria Ortiz, Mason Fong: SPN Promise Fellows

WELCOME PROMISE FELLOWS

2009-08-11T14:28:00.001-05:00

Greetings! As a fellow Promise Fellow I just wanted to welcome you to The Alliance, AmeriCorps, and a year of fulfilling, life-enriching service! It is my hope that we can use this blog to stay in contact about the work we are doing with youth as well as share any exceptional stories or triumphs. I look forward to meeting you all shortly and once again, Welcome!

Laura Jeffrey Academy Students Compete in The Miracle Kids Triathlon!!

2009-07-22T11:11:00.004-05:00

Laura Jeffrey Academy Students Participate in the Miracle Kids Triathlon

Lake Nokomis, Minneapolis, MN Twelve Laura Jeffrey Academy (LJA) Students completed their first Miracle Kids Triathlon last Saturday at Lake Nokomis in South Minneapolis. The Triathlon is part of annual fundraising initiatives for The Miracle of Mitch Foundation, an organization set up by the family of Mitch Chepokas, whose mission is to advocate and support families who care for young children with cancer. Pledges for this event provide the Foundation with a majority of its annual funding—without this event, many Minnesota families would not receive the care they need.

LJA students signed up for the triathlon in early June and began training twice a week with the Social Studies Teacher, Kelly Armstrong. “None of the students that participated in the triathlon had done something like it before,” Armstrong said. “They trained, only having a vague idea of what to expect. When they got to the race, the people and the music had them all excited and nervous. They raced for a child who couldn't, and all of them did an amazing job. The water was cold, the air was brisk, but at the end when asked if they would do it again, they all said ‘absolutely’!”

According to the Melpomene Institute, “[during] adolescence, from approximately 12 to 18 years of age, new thought processes merge that allows young people to think about themselves in new ways. It is important that during this time girls find something beyond their external appearance that gives them a sense of self-worth and self-esteem. For many girls, athletic participation can be just the thing. In fact, researchers have found that organized athletic participation has a greater positive effect on girls' sense of self esteem than family income, parent education, or gender.” (http://www.melpomene.org/melpomeneResearch.asp#factsheets)

The triathlon aligns perfectly with the mission of Laura Jeffrey Academy. LJA is named after Laura Jeffrey, a long-time Minnesota resident whose life exemplified the love of learning and serve to community that are the goals of our school. Despite the limitations imposed on her, Ms. Jeffrey was an honors graduate of Macalester College and the only African-American in her class. Laura Jeffrey Academy provides an environment where students are free to learn, to explore their potential, to discover their brilliance and develop their intellect. LJA’s motto is “Asking questions, making choices.”

Serving a culturally diverse student body, LJA exemplifies that people most thrive when they work with others and take responsibility for their own learning. At LJA, students learn from their successes, failures, and experiences. In the spirit of Laura Jeffrey, LJA provides a stimulating learning environment that will foster confident young students—students with the skills to be a positive force in their communities.

We are currently accepting applications for fifth, sixth, and seventh grades for the ’09-’10 academic year. To learn more, please visit us online at www.laurajeffreyacademy.org or email info@laurajeffreyacademy.org.

Sacred Circle Retreat May 30-31, 2009

2009-06-01T09:58:00.004-05:00

Thank you DoSomething Grant and PSA for supporting our Sacred Circle Retreat. We went to St. Criox, WI to hike, learn about potholes, swim, teambuild, and bonded over great conversations. We had to so much fun! The girls learned alot about patience, teamwork, cooperation and most importantly about each other. We ended the retreat off by having lunch at Macaroni Grill in Roseville (with the money fundraised from our Springroll sale) and reflections at PSA. Some highlights of our retreat:

Hiked the trails, climbed rocks, took numerous pictures and had lunch on at the park.
Spider Web Game: Everyone had to pass through a space created by tying yarn between two trees. One space can only be used once and body parts can not touch the yarn or else everyone will have to start over. We learned about listening to each other, leadership, teamwork, creativity and trust. Great Job Girls!
Playing Sequence: Team effort and strategies.
We went swimming, played volleyball in the pool, stayed in for dinner/movies.
We had small group discussion about dreams, friendships and our future.
We did a whole group reflection about self-esteem, identity and strengths.
We had lunch at Macaroni Grill, where the girls dressed up and dined in style.

Healthy Habits at PSA -Delta Dental Project

2009-05-29T15:06:00.003-05:00

Healthy Habits' primary goal is to teach students at PSA the importance of hygiene. PSA's Physical Education and Health teachers will teach students in grades 7th-8th about healthy habits. The objective is to further students' knowledge regarding hygiene and demonstrate proper usage of hygiene products through learning and teaching.

To meet our goal students in grades 7th-8th will learn from the teachers about hygiene, and then perform a skit about it to students in grades 5-6. The purpose of the skit is to encourage classmates in becoming healthy adults and take on leadership roles. Students in grades 5th-6th will then work in teams to create posters to display around the school to promote healthy habits.

Thank you Delta Dental for making this project possible!

Making a Difference at PSA

2009-05-28T10:20:00.002-05:00

We did it! We completed our Phase II part of Breaking Barriers Through Service and Cultural Understanding service project sponsored by Teaching Tolerance and Disney Minne Grant. There was about 35+ volunteers who came to volunteers; 16 of theses were BoyScout Tropp 100. Check out our powerful pictures!

The Key's GYSD Extravaganza

2009-04-27T12:02:00.002-05:00

I just thought I would quickly mention what The Key did on GYSD this past weekend. I wrote a little blurb about it for The Key's website, so please feel free to check out said blurb, and photos-- HERE!

Global Youth Service Day (April 25th, 2009) at PSA

2009-04-27T09:25:00.003-05:00

We did it! We completed our first phase of Breaking Barriers through Service and Cultural Understanding! We had 38 participants cleaning and painting the school.

Special thanks to all those who helped, sponsored and encouraged us!

The second phase will be cleaning, painting and gardening outside of PSA on May 23rd, 2009.

Nation needs youthful idealism more than ever

2009-04-15T22:54:00.000-05:00

By Michelle Obama for USA TODAY

Embedded in our nation's core values is a spirit of community, generosity and entrepreneurship — a can-do attitude that says no challenge is insurmountable.
When so many people are struggling to make ends meet, we need everyone pulling together to solve our nation's problems and to lift up our fellow Americans. And this includes our young people. Today, more than ever, we need their energy, enthusiasm and idealism.

Service groups, non-profits, faith-based organizations, philanthropists, corporations, government and individuals all have a role to play in moving this country forward, and more and more students are filling these ranks.

Every day we hear stories of people rising to the occasion and making a real difference: the retiree who volunteers at the local elementary school to help children learn to read; the woman down the block who watches out for her neighbor's kids after school — providing a snack, some wisdom and a home with a light on until parents return from a long day of work; the mothers and fathers in a neighborhood who coach Little League and soccer and teach kids about good sportsmanship and perseverance and teamwork.

These adults know the value of service and make it an integral part of their lives. And even more importantly, by being good neighbors, concerned citizens and solid role models, they are helping to train the next generation of community leaders.

FIND MORE STORIES IN: White House | Manhattan | Chicago | Little League | Kitchen | AmeriCorps | Miriam | Jesuit Volunteer Corps | Participating | YouthBuild | Collegiate School
When I made the decision to leave my job to found Public Allies, an AmeriCorps program in Chicago that prepares youth for public service, I realized right away that I had made the right decision. There are few things more rewarding than watching young people recognize they have the power to enrich not only their own lives, but the lives of those around them as well.

Research shows that the current generation of young people is one of the most socially conscious and active, with 61% of 13- to 25-year-olds saying they feel personally responsible for making a difference in the world. And with the recent passage of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, we can tap into this enthusiasm and usher in a new era of service in this nation.

This bipartisan legislation promotes the cause of service among young people by investing in service-learning. It is never too early to encourage kids to better their community or begin investing in their own future. And some are truly making a difference.

Students such as those at the Collegiate School in Manhattan, led by Avery Hairston, who launched a program called RelightNY. They are working with companies and foundations to acquire energy-saving light bulbs and install them in low-income housing communities, saving on both electric costs and carbon emissions. These young men represent the next generation of social innovators!

The Serve America Act will also dramatically increase the number of full- and part-time service opportunities for college-age students by expanding AmeriCorps from 75,000 positions a year to 250,000 by 2017, and providing more than $5,000 a year to help those students pay for college.

This will help folks such as Kierstin Quinsland of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and Nicole Fauble of the Lutheran Volunteer Corps, who work at Miriam's Kitchen, a homeless service agency near the White House. Every day, Kierstin and Nicole provide case management services to homeless men and women who come for a nutritious meal served in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. Each has recently signed up to volunteer for an additional year at Miriam's.

Through a new service corps founded in the Serve America Act, students will work on national priorities such as education, health care, clean energy and supporting veterans' organizations. They will work with organizations such as YouthBuild, an AmeriCorps program providing opportunities for low-income youth to rebuild their communities, learn job skills, complete their high school education and graduate.

YouthBuild began more than 30 years ago as a program to rebuild housing units in low-income communities. It has withstood the test of time because it has evolved to include green building, energy-saving practices and environmental awareness programs.

The message of YouthBuild is so important: Participating in national and community service is not just an escape for the wealthy or for those students who can afford it; it is an integral part of empowering all our young people and making our communities stronger.

And this is what I find so inspiring. RelightNY, the JVC and the LVC and YouthBuild all demonstrate that, given the chance, young people will take responsibility for making their communities stronger. They know that each of us has something to contribute. And they are ready to lead the way.

4-H Green Team at Gooseberry Falls

2009-04-09T13:02:00.001-05:00

Five members of the Morgan Park 4-H Green Team in Duluth took a trip to Gooseberry Falls State Park to continue education leading up to their “Planting Trees for Diversity” project at Hartley Nature Center on May 6th. These youth have been studying connections between diversity in society and the importance of forest diversity, as well as introductions to concepts of watersheds and other environmental themes. Our trip to Gooseberry Falls included a program from park naturalist Carly Hawkinson, along with agate hunting and site seeing along the trails to the falls and river mouth. Carly delivered a great program about tree identification methods that culminated with a GPS scavenger hunt that allowed the kids to use their new skills. It was a beautiful day to drive up the North Shore, and we had a great time!

Miley Cyrus and Global Youth Service Day!!!

2009-04-08T09:43:00.000-05:00

Find more videos like this on Global Youth Service Day

Global Youth Service Day Celebration!

2009-04-06T09:21:00.001-05:00

As you all know, Global Youth Service Day is fast approaching. In honor of the fantastic service projects you and your students have been working on, the Minnesota Alliance With Youth and Delta Dental are sponsoring a Global Youth Service Day Celebration event. You and the youth you work with are invited to attend!

Where: the East Court of Rosedale Mall, 10 Rosedale Center, Roseville, MN 55113 (651) 633-0872

When: Saturday, April 25th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Details:

There will be performances by the Como Park High School Drill Team and Cooper High School Step Team (and more, wait for details as additional performers are confirmed)
There will be a youth MC, and possibly other special guests
There will be service projects in which youth and adults can participate, supporting the following organizations: Bundles of Love, Feline Rescue Inc., and AdoptaPlatoon
There will be a service award presented (more details to follow)

Please encourage youth to attend with their families. We understand that transportation may be difficult. See what you can work out with your site and/or community partnership.

We're putting together a slideshow of photos of service projects to be shown at the celebration, so expect Em to be contacting you soon for photos of your projects. If you have some already, be sure to send them her way - promisefellow@mnyouth.net.

Upcoming Stuffs in Northfield

2009-03-31T13:21:00.003-05:00

it's been a while since i've posted on here, but never fear-- things are be-boppin' and a'scattin' all over the place in the town know as northfield.

first and foremost is the rescheduling of the SCREAM open mic night. it was originally slated late in february, but there was a blizzard that day, causing us to call the whole thing off for the time being. but your thirst for open mic nights will soon be quenched-- april 9th is the new date. yes, that is a thursday. but it's at a popular pub in town, and they are endlessly booked on friday and saturday nights.

so anyway, if you'd like to come and check it out, or even come and perform, it is at the contented cow, thursday april 9th, at 8:00 p.m. registration for performers starts at 7:30, and there is a "suggested donation" of two bucks. it will be cohosted by myself, and everyone's favorite skateboarder from northfield-- josh wood.

the following night, there is an electronica show at the key. it starts at 7, i believe, and the cover charge is $4. on the bill to perform are low-gain (who makes beats from circuit bending) and robotic sound check. most importantly is the act opening up the festivities-- detective ventriloquist, a band that i may be in, along with dan zenner, a youth board member at the key. do we make abrasive electronic music? yes. do we have a small following of kids in northfield? possibly. are we working on recording an e.p? yes. yes we are. we have three songs finished and we will be performings those at this show. so come on down to northfield on april 10th to see me in my band.

we have been working hard on making a beyond epic stage show, involving a smoke machine and strobe lights.

coming up at the end of april, on the 25th, we are working on sorting through people's usable garbage during northfield's "dump day." it's a day when residents are encouraged to bring their old appliances and other bits to the rodeo grounds, and the city hauls it away FOR FREE. but we will be taking what we think we can resell, and having a garage sale to benefit the key the very next weekend.

booya.

thanks for reading. holler at me if you need any more information about the events mentioned in this blurb.

Delta Dental of Minnesota Announces 2009 Serve-A-Smile Grantees!

2009-03-31T12:51:00.005-05:00

Delta Dental of Minnesota Awards Serve-A-Smile Grants to 16 of the Minnesota Alliance With Youth's AmeriCorps Promise Fellows and 2 Minnesota Youth Advisory Council (MNYAC) Members! Congratulations on a job well done, everyone!

Click here to go to the Alliance website and read about the great projects that were chosen to receive Serve-A-Smile grants for Global Youth Service Day!

From the White House: Statement by Obama on the Serve America Act

2009-03-26T21:06:00.002-05:00

WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary
______________________________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release March 26, 2009

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT ON THE EDWARD M. KENNEDY SERVE AMERICA ACT

I’m so pleased that the Senate overwhelmingly passed the bipartisan Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act -- legislation that will usher in a new era of service. I want to applaud all those who have worked so hard to see this bill through, and I am eager to sign it into law.

This legislation will help create new opportunities for millions of Americans at all stages of their lives. From improving service learning in schools to creating an army of 250,000 volunteers a year dedicated to addressing our nation's toughest problems. From connecting working Americans to a variety of part-time service opportunities to better utilizing the skills and experience of our retirees and baby boomers. This legislation will help tap the genius of our faith based and community organizations, and it will find the most innovative ideas for addressing our common challenges and helping those ideas grow.

It is fitting that this legislation is named after Ted Kennedy, a person who has never stopped asking what he could do for his country. This legislation is not just a tribute to the service to which he has dedicated his life, it is a call to action for the rest of us. Our work is not finished when I sign this bill into law – it has just begun. While our government can provide every opportunity imaginable for us to serve our communities, it is up to each of us to seize those opportunities. To do our part to lift up our fellow Americans. To realize our own true potential. I call on all Americans to stand up and do what they can to serve their communities, shape our history and enrich both their own lives and the lives of others across this country.

MNYAC Represents at Youth Rally Day at the Capitol!

2009-03-19T12:04:00.009-05:00

On Thursday March 5, 2009, members of the Minnesota Youth Advisory Council (MNYAC) represented the Minnesota Alliance With Youth and their home communities at the state capitol for Youth Rally Day! Youth Rally Day was sponsored by the Youth Policy Alliance, of which the Minnesota Alliance With Youth is a member (other organizations which make up YPA include the Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota, Youth Community Connections, Youth Intervention Programs Association, Workforce Development, Lutheran Social Services, and others).

MNYAC members Rachelle Jenson (Duluth); Jeff Jakubic (Robbinsdale); Sagal Ali, Jiccarra Hollman, and Trice Jones (Minneapolis); Fayise Abraham and Susie Murillo (Worthington); and Josh Wood, Briseiry Bermudez, and Zaret Calderon (Northfield) all attended Youth Rally Day. Adult sponsors for MNYAC were Faaria Husain, Andrew Mahoney, and Em Westerlund.

The youth participated in a kick-off rally in the morning, heard local representatives address rally participants in the capitol rotunda, and spent the rest of the day educating state representatives about youth development programs and educational opportunities needed for youth.

Congratulations to our MNYAC members for a job well done!

Jiccarra relaxes after the rally in the rotunda.
(Photo Credit: Shelly Cambell)

MNYAC representing the Minnesota Alliance With Youth.
(Photo Credit: Shelly Cambell)

The rotunda in fine form!
(Photo Credit: Shelly Cambell)

Insights from Minnesota's Dropout Prevention Initiative

2009-03-12T12:45:00.003-05:00

As the Dropout Prevention Initiative is in its final stages at the Minnesota Department of Education, I thought I would share with everyone a document that outlines some of the insights gained through the course of the Initiative. Throughout the three years of the grant, a Steering Committee of professionals from youth-serving organizations across the state worked together to discuss and grapple with the issues of school completion and dropout prevention. The central charge of the Steering Committee was to develop a report of insights learned from the initiative and include recommendations for future Minnesota dropout prevention efforts. The report was presented to the Commissioner of Education in December, 2008. You can now find the report here:

http://education.state.mn.us/mdeprod/groups/Dropout/documents/Announcement/036686.pdf

For more information and resources regarding the Dropout Prevention Initiative, please visit our website here:

http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/Academic_Excellence/Dropout_Prevent_Reten_Grad_Init/index.html

Ty'Sheoma Bethea: Obama Inspired By Letter, Invites Young Student To Speech

2009-03-07T12:06:00.005-06:00

The Huffington Post | Rachel Weiner | February 25, 2009 10:24 AM

One of the guests at President Obama's address to Congress Tuesday night was Ty'sheoma Bethea, an eighth grader from a small town in South Carolina. Bethea wrote Obama and asked that money from the stimulus go to her dilapidated school. She had reportedly never been on a plane before boarding a flight to D.C. with her mother for the speech.

The president referenced Bethea's story in his remarks, and quoted her letter:

I think about Ty'Sheoma Bethea, the young girl from that school I visited in Dillon, South Carolina - a place where the ceilings leak, the paint peels off the walls, and they have to stop teaching six times a day because the train barrels by their classroom. She has been told that her school is hopeless, but the other day after class she went to the public library and typed up a letter to the people sitting in this room. She even asked her principal for the money to buy a stamp. The letter asks us for help, and says, "We are just students trying to become lawyers, doctors, congressmen like yourself and one day president, so we can make a change to not just the state of South Carolina but also the world. We are not quitters."

In an interview with ABC's "Good Morning America," Bethea revealed her own ambition: to be the first female president. She said she was inspired to write the letter because she thought too much of the stimulus money was going to people who already had enough.
Watch: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/25/tysheoma-bethea-obama-ins_n_169818.html

Her letter can be found at:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-090224-letter-link,0,7264391.htmlstory

Delta Dental Featured in YSA's National Service Briefing

2009-02-27T09:16:00.004-06:00

Delta Dental of Minnesota, one of the Alliance's key partners for Semester of Service and Global Youth Service Day, was featured in this week's National Service Briefing, a publication of Youth Service America!

Business Spotlight: Delta Dental of Minnesota
Serve a Smile Making a Healthy Difference Through ServiceDelta Dental of Minnesota has sponsored the Serve a Smile grant program for 6 years. Serve a Smile is a grant program that combines health education and outreach with youth volunteerism in support of Youth Service America's Semester of Service and Global Youth Service Day (GYSD). In its 6th year, Delta Dental has teamed up with the Minnesota Alliance with Youth and the Minnesota chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) - both GYSD Lead Agencies in Minnesota - to encourage Minnesota youth to serve their community. Under the Serve a Smile theme of "Making a Healthy Difference through Service" Delta Dental will make available over $25,000 for grants between $100 - $1,000 to Minnesota organizations that implement a youth-led service project that addresses an important health or oral health issue. These grants offer young people essential start-up funds as they envision ways to create healthier schools and communities. Learn more about all of Delta Dental of Minnesota's Community Involvement work at: http://www.deltadentalmn.org/programHighlights.jsp?DView=ProgramHighlights

PSA Has Been Awarded Three Grants

2009-02-25T13:40:00.006-06:00

Prairie Seeds Academy (PSA) is launching its first service learning project to clean up our school sponsored by the Teaching Tolerance Grant ($1800) and the Disney GYSD Minnie Grant ($500). The service project, Breaking Barriers Through Service and Cultural Understanding, is about keeping our school and environment clean with an emphasis on cultural understanding. It will be a two phase event. The first phase consists of cleaning up the inside of our school and painting inspirational quotes around the school (Global Youth Service Day in April 24-26). The second phase is focused on the exterior of the school in May. Individual tasks will consist of painting games on our black top, weeding and cleaning out the bushes on the perimeter of the school, and making two gardens in the front of our school. This project will give the students the opportunity to serve, take on leadership positions and learn about environmental issues. It will also be at time for parents, students, teachers and community members to work collectively on academics and physical service.

Sacred Circle is a Hmong girl’s support group at PSA. It is held on Wednesdays, 5pm-6pm. PSA Scared Circle is a safe space for the girls at Prairie Seeds Academy to gather together to talk, learn and share ideas and life stories. Sacred Circle recently received a grant of $500 from So Something. The grant will be used to take the girls on a weekend retreat to do leadership, mentoring and interactive activities.

Special THANKS to the Teaching Tolerance Grant, the Disney GYSD Minnie Grant and the Do Something Grant for your support!

-www.ysa.org

-www.dosomething.org

-www.teachingtolerance.org

Connect with Hope Youth Paintings 2008

2009-02-23T15:24:00.004-06:00

Thanks to a prompt from Kevin and some sleuthing, I found out that pictures of the paintings completed for the 2008 Search Institute Healthy Communities • Healthy Youth Conference can be found on here on flickr. Here's a slideshow for your viewing enjoyment.

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Open Mike Night in Northfield

2009-02-18T11:06:00.004-06:00

What's that you say? You like to see local writers and performers captivate audiences in small, intimate venues? Well....look no further than the upcoming open mike night in Northfield. Sponsored by The Key, The Northfield Arts Guild and ARTech, the festivities get underway on February 26th at 8:00 p.m, at The Contented Cow, a local eatery and drinkery.

Yeah. It's in a pub. But no one will be drinking. At least I won't. Because then I can't put it down for hours.

I will apparently be co-emceeing the event with everyone's favorite Northfield skateboarder Josh Wood. I am also expected to read something, I guess. Josh may as well. We're really hoping for a big youth turn out with this event as far as the readers and performers go. But if we get a bunch of adults performing, I guess that's cool too.

There is a "suggested donation" of two bucks. And that gets you in for all the entertaiment you can handle.

There's also a Facebook page for it. Because I know the kids love Facebook.

Holler at me if you want more information regarding this event.

Northern Corps Meeting in Warba

2009-02-13T10:16:00.004-06:00

Thanks to the Northern Lights Promise Fellows for the warm welcome on our trip to Warba. It was great to see the small, close-knit community and supportive staff at Northern Lights Charter School. We especially loved the nice welcome banner.

MN Youth Rally Day at the Capital!

2009-02-09T10:39:00.001-06:00

Join the Minnesota Alliance With Youth, dozens of organizations and hundreds of youth participants rallying around homelessness, mentoring, out-of-school time, workforce development and youth intervention to tell the State of Minnesota that investing in Minnesota youth IS part of the solution!

MN State Capitol RotundaMarch 5, 200912:30-1:15 p.m.

Show your support (even if you can't attend) by joining our Facebook Group - Rally for Minnesota Youth Day at the Capitol -- http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=48988896777

The Rally for Youth Day at the Capitol was created so that hundreds of participants from dozens of youth service organizations throughout MN could come together to rally behind common issues:Homelessness Mentoring Out-of-School Time Workforce Development Youth InterventionYouth services do not exist or work in an exclusive, solitary environment to meet the needs of young people. We must engage communities and enact policies which promote a comprehensive approach to youth policy.

On March 5, we will celebrate the successes of these young people, who have benefited from multiple programs and services available to support them. They are sharing their stories so that the State of Minnesota will hear our message: Investing in Minnesota Youth IS part of the solution!*This is part of the day-long activities for the Rally for Youth Day at the Capitol. The Rally is open to the public and we encourage all to show your support! If your organization wishes to participate in the full-day's activities or for more information, please contact jstrinmoen@mnyipa.org, Promisefellow@Mentoringworks.org or (888) 945-YIPA.

Red Wagon Award Applications now available!

2009-02-06T10:35:00.002-06:00

The Minnesota Alliance With Youth wants to recognize young people who have demonstrated any or all of the following:
Increased academic achievement
Civic engagement & service
Exemplary leadership

Who can nominate a young person?
Anyone! Alliance partners of all types – nonprofit and community-based organizations, businesses, faith communities, government officials, educators, parents & families, AmeriCorps Promise Fellows – anyone who works with young people!

How do you nominate a young person?
It’s easy! Complete the attached one question application and submit it. Applications are due April 15, 2009. We will select students to recognize from all nominations received before this deadline. Look on our website for the application and submit it to Em Westerlund, Minnesota Alliance With Youth Promise Fellow. Her email address is promisefellow@mnyouth.net. Nominations can also be faxed to the Alliance office at (612) 627-0155. www.mnyouth.net

Does This Count As Civic Engagement?

2009-02-03T18:40:00.008-06:00

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and Kari Dennisen spent a Friday afternoon at Laura Jeffrey Academy a few weeks ago. I invited the mayor to LJA so he could encourage students on their journey through this new and exciting educational opportunity, but also to connect LJA with meaningful after school programs and organizations around St. Paul. He brought Kari because she is the Second Shift Program Coordinator, a program through the mayor’s office that provides transportation to after school programs like the Boys & Girls Club and the YWCA for youth whose parents aren’t able to bring them.

Pa Chia Vang, Illexus Martin, and Astraea Smart toured our little group to each classroom, explaining what was happening, and why they liked attending Laura Jeffrey Academy. Students were incredibly excited in light of the mayor’s visit, and swarmed him for autographs and pictures to post on their Myspace accounts. Because Laura Jeffrey Academy needs financial support with after school programs that only benefit our students, the Second Shift Initiative could not provide funding directly to our cause. However, the Mayor and Kari vowed to spread the word and let us know of any funding opportunities in the future!

Northfield is Where It's At

2009-01-30T15:58:00.002-06:00

As much as I don't care for "retrospective journalism" or whatever you want to call it-- I just thought I would mention that The Northfield Union of Youth a.k.a The Key a.k.a the site I work at, hosted an Open House last night (1/29). The Open House was held for a lot of reasons-- one is to kick off the 15th year of the Union of Youth in Northfield. Another, and possibly more important reason, was to allow members of the community to stop in The Key and learn about the programs that we offer, as well as our desire to move to a better building in Northfield. Granted, during these "harsh economic times," looking for donations and starting a capital campaign and trying to sell the building we're in to move to a different one may not be a great idea-- but it needs to happen, and The Key is dedicated to this project.

Looking to the future, I also wanted to give a plug for "It's Not Easy Being Green"-- the kick off event for the Semester of Service that the three Northfield Promise Fellows are collaborating on. This event will be held on Thursday, February 5th, at 7:00 p.m at the Northfield High School auditorium. It's a free event, and it is designed around educating our community as well as the students from our sites about recycling and waste reduction. Speakers from the county Waste Management, and a local nature center, will give presentations and field questions from the audience.

As always, check out The Key's website for all of the hot action here in N-field.

Obama gives AmeriCorps a shoutout!

2009-01-23T13:08:00.003-06:00

like a majority of our country, i was completely riveted to the television (or computer screen) all day long this past tuesday watching the inauguration of the 44th prez of our great nation, barack obama.

later tuesday night at the inaugural youth ball, president obama made a short speech in which he celebrated the contributions of everyone involved in national service, including americorps!

check it out here on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tG0O77Mfv7c

Delta Dental Grants Now Available!!!!!

2009-01-19T13:22:00.000-06:00

January 19, 2009

Dear Friends:

Delta Dental of Minnesota is extremely pleased to announce its 6th annual Serve a Smile SM grant program in support of Youth Service America’s Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) and Semester of Service in collaboration with Minnesota Alliance with Youth and the Minnesota chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). Serve a Smile is based on the belief that when creative and resourceful youth volunteers are given an opportunity to participate in public service initiatives with their family, friends, school and community leaders, they can contribute in meaningful ways to help solve community issues.

These are extraordinary times in our world and in the world of youth service. Because of increased national recognition and support of volunteerism and community service, Youth Service America expanded its successful GYSD to create the Semester of Service. Both events encourage youth ages 5 to 25 to develop and implement a community service project. GYSD is the most high-profile event in service-learning, involving over 3 million youth in community projects. While GYSD is celebrated in over 100 countries in every region of the world, Minnesota is recognized as having the largest GYSD program in the state, nation and world. The Semester of Service will kick off on Martin Luther King Day and GYSD will be celebrated between April 24-26, 2009.

Under the Serve a Smile theme of "Making a Healthy Difference through Service" Delta Dental will make available over $25,000 for grants between $100 - $1,000 to Minnesota organizations that implement a youth-led service project that addresses an important health or oral health issue. These grants offer young people essential start-up funds as they envision ways to create healthier schools and communities.

In addition, Delta Dental will select one Serve a Smile project to receive the Serve a Smile Select Award for the project that most demonstrates exceptional leadership and service. The winning youth team will receive a $1,000 check to donate to the charity of their choice.

See enclosed packet for application and additional contact information or visit www.deltadentalmn.org. Application deadline is Monday, February 23, 2009.
Thank you in advance for your contribution and community service.

Sincerely,
Ann K. Johnson,
Community Affairs Director
Delta Dental of Minnesota

AmeriCorps and Colbert Report

2009-01-15T15:33:00.001-06:00

Here is Stephen Colbert trying to understand AmeriCorps and giving a year of service.

http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/215964/january-14-2009/alan-khazei

Emerging Nonprofit Leaders Network

2009-01-12T14:11:00.003-06:00

hey everyone,
the minnesota council of non-profits sponsors free networking opportunities called "Emerging Nonprofit Leader Network" the third friday of each month.

Emerging Nonprofit Leader Network

The Emerging Nonprofit Leaders Network is for anyone interested in growing their leadership skills. Ideal for those with fewer than 10 years experience in nonprofits, those new to the sector, students, or anyone seeking skills to grow their leadership, this brown bag lunch is aimed at creating strong professional networks for emerging leaders in nonprofits of all sizes, types, and focus areas.

Each month you will explore a topic with your peers, share information, swap resources, and build on skills you can take back to your organization. You are encouraged to bring questions, samples, and insights related to the topic of the day--and don't forget your lunch! The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, ideal for getting to better know current and future colleagues.

Each session begins with a few rounds of "speed networking," where you will have the opportunity to meet others in a facilitated way, as well as time for group discussion of the topic and a chance to network informally.

The Emerging Nonprofit Leaders Network is free, no RSVP is necessary!
If you have any questions about the series, please contact Nicole Garst at 651-757-3069, or by email.

Time and Location:
Times for all are noon - 1 p.m.
Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Conference Room
2314 University Avenue, Suite 20, St. Paul 55114
Directions and Parking

2009 Dates and Topics (3rd Friday of each month):

January 16 – Nonprofit-Specific Leadership (Will include a brief presentation on growing your leadership through MCN's Nonprofit Leadership Institute, as well as other resources for growth)

February 27 (please note - 4th Friday of the month due to 2009 Nonprofit Technology & Communications Conference) – Meet Your Peers & Grow Your Network - speed networking session

March 20 – Organizational Financial Management for Emerging Leaders

April 17 – Social Media at Work - Advancing Mission

May 15 – Cash Money! Nonprofit Fundraising & Resource Development

June 19 – Boards of Directors - What they Do and How to Get on One

July 17 – Coaching Triangles - A Tactic for Growth

August 21 – Nonprofit Show and Tell

September 18 – Asking for a Raise & Negotiating Salary

October 16 – All About Advocacy (Policy Rocks)

November 20 – Programs: Developing, Managing, and Evaluating

December 18 – What You Should Know about Nonprofits & Government

Minnesota State Budget Discussion

2009-01-05T09:52:00.003-06:00

Happy New Year! Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. I found this announcement in my inbox this morning and thought I'd pass it on:

The state’s November Economic Forecast revealed a large budget deficit for the current budget cycle. What does this mean for your nonprofit and the nonprofit sector in Minnesota?

You are invited to answer these questions with the Minnesota Budget Project, an initiative of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, during Stormier Weather Ahead: A Budget Forecast Briefing with State Economist Tom Stinson.

Dr. Stinson will explore the forecast, what it means for the 2009 Legislative Session, and how could it impact our state budget for years to come.

This free event is ideal for policy advocates, executive directors, grassroots organizers, board members and those interested in the state budget. Dr. Stinson has already answered questions about the forecast from the media and policymakers — now it’s your turn!

Event Details:
Tuesday, January 13
2 – 3:30 p.m.
Wilder Center, 451 Lexington Parkway North, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55104

Fee: Free, but preregistration is required.

Additionally, if you haven't yet seen our Lost Decade Report, I encourage you to take a look.

Check out Tel-A-Vision!

2008-12-15T09:33:00.001-06:00

If you are still looking for a fun and easy MLK Day activity, check out http://www.telavision.tv/. It's a website where kids can create video "visions" by putting together pictures and music---it's so cool! (and easy and simple!) The site already has pictures and music to choose from, or else they could upload their own. You could have the kids create their own "Visions of America" for MLK Day. The site even has free curriculum to use, so you are set!

Success First Intersession!

2008-12-05T13:56:00.005-06:00

Laura Jeffrey Academy completed its first successful intersession programming last month! “Laura Jeffrey Academy (LJA) is a Twin Cities tuition-free charter school offering a unique year-round, girl-focused educational experience, grades five through eight. Students learn through rigorous study, by asking questions, solving problems, and participating in the community.” After nine weeks of regular academics, students have three weeks of vacation also known as intersession, with one of these weeks reserved for enrichment programming.

November’s intersession was with TVbyGIRLS (www.tvbygirls.tv), an organization in Minneapolis dedicated to helping girls empower themselves through media. Students began the week with learning how to express ideas through collage and playing with various camera angles. Students filmed short films during the middle of the week to represent Fire, Water, Earth, and Wind elements using objects students brought from home. Students ended the week by producing five minute films on issues like: bullying, prejudice, homelessness, child abuse, and death.

Upcoming intersessions include a weeklong workshops with Geek Squad and Stepping Stone Theatre, and a few nights up north at the Audubon of the Northwoods, LJA’s sponsor.

A New Call to Service

2008-12-04T11:36:00.002-06:00

A New Call to ServiceAdd your voice to encourage President-Elect Obama to inspire a new era of service on January 20th. The message reads: "Amid the challenges our country faces, it is now more important than ever to engage the American people in our common work. On January 20th, I ask you not only to begin a new administration, but to inspire a new era of service in your Inaugural Address. The American people are calling for change and will answer a call to service to improve communities, help one another, and strengthen our democracy. January 20th can be a new day for service and Americans stand ready to answer your call." Add your signature at:
http://servenext.org/a_new_call_to_service/

Location, Location, Location: Combating Urban Poverty through Place-Based Initiatives

2008-12-03T14:40:00.000-06:00

December 11, 2008

Attend in person in Chicago9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. CT
The University of Chicago Gleacher Center
450 North Cityfront Plaza Drive
Register

Listen to a live audio webcast 10 am ET / 9 am CT / 8 am MT / 7 am PT
Program length: 1.5 hours
Register

Soon after the new administration begins governing in January, it is expected to propose an ambitious, multipronged urban policy that includes both housing and community-development activities, and the establishment of "Promise Neighborhoods" that provide networks of community-based diversified services for low-income children and youth. Do these two approaches run on parallel tracks, or can they be interwoven so they more effectively stem the cycle of concentrated, intergenerational poverty?

Please join us in exploring how initiatives that integrate services for high-need young people can complement the kind of comprehensive neighborhood development work now being enacted in Chicago, the San Francisco Bay Area, Detroit, and other cities. Panelists will discuss lessons learned from established community-building initiatives, as well as the research agenda that is still needed to strengthen new and continuing efforts. Speakers will examine models of place-based integrative services and analyze how such initiatives can best help young people living in poverty and improve their academic achievement. The role of federal urban policy and programs for children, youth, and families will also be discussed.

Speakers:
Robert Chaskin, Chapin Hall research fellow and associate professor, School of Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago

Ajay Chaudry, director of the Center on Labor, Human Services, and Population, the Urban Institute

Craig Howard, director of community and economic development, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

Celena Roldan, director of child care, Erie Neighborhood House

Moderator: Matthew Stagner, executive director, Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago

The event is free. We will post a recording of the event on our websites for those who cannot attend.

To join the webcast, you need a computer with a high-speed Internet connection. The audio for the webcast is available over the Internet only (no telephone connections).

Register to attend in person.

Register for the webcast.

Review Grant Applications and Earn $50 Stipend

2008-12-03T10:47:00.003-06:00

Reviewers Needed!

Sign up to review 21st Century Community Learning Center grant applications and receive a $50 stipend for completing the work. (If you choose to waive the stipend, you can count the hours as Promise Fellow work). This is also an opportunity for Fellows to gain more knowledge of grants and effective grant-writing by reviewing applications from around the state - so make sure to include the experience in your Personal Growth Plan.

21st CCLC Cohort 4 grant applications will be reviewed and scored by peer reviewers that reflect the diversity of Minnesota’s communities and will include youth. Individuals interested in reviewing grants can sign-up at the following web address:

http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB228E9XEFG2Z

If you have additional questions, contact Ellen Bracken:
651-582-8213
ellen.bracken@state.mn.us

Visit with Idelle

2008-11-27T22:26:00.005-06:00

This is where Idelle's Office is located. Yeah I got an hours worth of parking for a quarter! This would never happen in the cities, at the U its 12 mins. for a quarter. I met with Idelle on my way out of Duluth, she didn't have much to share about her program and kids because she had just recently started meeting with them. If I remember correctly she is going to be at two different sights in the Duluth area, which might be part of the growing city of Duluth. Idelle gave me a mini-tour of the old Central High School.

This is part of the old Central High School in Duluth and currently is being used as school board meeting area.

This is the outside of the Old Central High School. Inside is an alternative school with school district offices. This also includes our Sarah's office. It was a great time.

Turn On Your Radio

2008-11-24T15:15:00.002-06:00

hey gang.

i know i have mentioned this in the past to a few of you in passing, but i thought i should finally put it on the ol' blog.

the site that i work at (the northfield union of youth at the key) has a radio show every saturday morning on 1080AM, from 9:00 until 10:00 a.m. most weekends, i co-host with a few of the kids from my site.

some of you maybe out of the listening range of the station, and some of you may just not get up early enough on saturday to hear the show. if that's the case, then you my friend are in luck.

like most of america, you probably have an iTunes account, or at least use iTunes to organize your music files. believe it or not-- our humble radio show is available in a Podcast form.

just click on this magic link, and your computer will take you to the magic land where you can subscribe to our FREE Podcast.

happy listening.

Survey...

2008-11-19T11:14:00.003-06:00

Hi friends! So, I am trying to get this survey figured out, and I could use some help! This will go out on some sort of survey monket, so not to worry about having to collect the responses.
Here are the goals for the survey:

1. To chart change in SCP/SPN partnership over months
2. Identify how SCP's see the partnership
3. Specific needs of SCP (resources)
4. Ranking of how strong the partnership is.
5. Find out of this partnership is helpful.

Rough draft of Questions:
1. How many times has your SPN contacted you this month? (will circle the correct number from list)
2. What resources would be useful for your SCP to share with you? (will circle all that apply)
3. What is the usual topic of conversation between you and your SCP? (free response)
4. Was your connection with your SCP this month useful? How? (free response)
5. What is one resource your SCP shared with you this month? (free response)
6. Please rank the strength of the partnership on a scale from 1-5.
7. What is one thing your contact or other SCP has learned from you this month?

What are your thoughts? Will this be helpful? Not at all? Just what you are looking for?

MNYAC ATTACK!

2008-11-19T08:35:00.014-06:00

so the purpose of this entry is to share with you all a little bit about the first minnesota youth advisory council (MNYAC) retreat, which occurred this past saturday, november 15th.

the retreat was held in bayport, mn at the sagata girl scout lodge. i was lucky enough to be joined by eighteen youth and adults, including 3 promise fellows! : nell (wilder foundation), faaria (augsburg fairview academy), and andrew (nobles county integration collaborative), who are all serving as adult sponsors for youth from their sites.

here's some sweet eye candy featuring the americorps contingent at the retreat....
sorry andrew -- we couldn't find you for this photo op!

the mnyac'ers did some fun activities at the retreat, including the local favorite, "beatboxing" (!) we also worked on a history wall together, an activity which charts our local, national, and world histories. the history wall is a great way to get youth and adults working together to try to construct an accurate, cohesive chart of the past. a lot of insightful thoughts were shared about the nature of memory and collectivity. my favorite part of this activity was when people shared more details about some of the local events that were particular to their home communities. it was especially moving to hear andrew talk about the federal ICE raids in worthington a few years ago that resulted in the arrest and deportation of over 400 illegal immigrants. jeff and melodie shared a story about "lilac way," a beautiful open space that was destroyed by the construction of highway 100, and was eventually reclaimed by youth organizing in the community. other successes were shared as well, including the founding of the leadership initative at wilder and the formation of mnyac in 2006.

these are some pictures of the finished history wall, which was undoubtedly more impressive in person. we talked about how interesting that gap there in the middle is... apparently absolutely nothing happened locally or nationally from 1950 until when faaria was born in 1985.

we also discussed the issues we want to tackle in mnyac this year, including developing and administering a survey to solicit youth voice in local communities, as well as planning youth rally day activities. both of these initatives will influence & guide the work of the minnesota alliance with youth.

this is a sweet action shot during the planning stages of the survey.

we closed with another fave activity of mine, "head, heart, feet." basically you draw a big person on a sheet of flipchart paper and give everyone post-it notes. each person writes down one thing they learned (head), one thing they felt (heart), and one thing they plan to go do (feet), and then they place their post-it notes by the corresponding body part. it's a little touchy-feely, but who doesn't like the warm fuzzies, really?

our head, heart...... & feet.

Fergus Falls 11.19.2008

2008-11-17T15:03:00.001-06:00

Fergus Falls Site Visit
11.19.2008
10:30am – 2:15pm
Host PF: Katie Gard & Sarah Shol
Guest PF: Katlin Brown, Mason Fong, Mike Messinger, & Lindsey Carlson
SPN Sites Represented: Search Institute, National Youth Leadership Council,
Youth Community Connections, & Mentoring Partnership of MN
Site Visiting:
Eisenhower Middle School
805 E. Channing Fergus Falls, MN 56537
Fergus Falls High School
502 Friberg Ave Fergus Falls, MN 56537

6:45am – 7:30 – Pick up & Arrival times for SPNs

7:30– 10:30 – Drive and arrive at Fergus Falls

10:45 – 11:15 – Eisenhower Middle School (Katie Gard)

11:25 – 12:05pm – Meet with Make a Difference S-L Group

Introduction to NYLC’s definition to S-L
Help brainstorm ideas for projects and ways to get funding

12:10 – 12:30 – Debrief with Katie about projects and future with cohort

12:30 – 1:00 – Fergus Falls HS (Sarah Shol)

Tutoring Center

1:00 – 2:15 – Lunch with all PFs and Mary Matteson Fergus Falls PF Supervisor

2:30 – 6:00 – Drive and arrive back to Twin Cities

Register today for MCN's Children's Briefing taking place December 4

2008-11-17T13:44:00.002-06:00

Join the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits at our annual Children's Briefing on Thursday, December 4 where we will explore issues relevant to Minnesota’s smallest residents and the organizations who work on their behalf. Speakers include legislative leaders and nonprofit advocates who work on a variety of children's issues including education, health care, and child care.

Speakers include:
-A representative from the MN Obama presidential campaign describing what President-elect Obama’s platform will mean for children
-Mark Kimball, Children’s Defense Fund – MN, on federal budget
-Carole Specktor, Children’s Defense Fund – MN, on state budget
-Speaker of the House Margaret Anderson Kelliher (invited)
-Legislative leaders from the Early Childhood Caucus
-Rep. Mindy Greiling on the New Minnesota Miracle
-Chris Ganzlin from the McKnight Foundation on the Early Childhood Business Plan

Nonprofit advocates including:
-Karen Kingsley, Ready 4 K
-Candace Kragthorpe, MN Assoc. for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health
-Laura Lacroix-Dalluhn, Youth Community Connections
-Susie Brown, Childcare WORKS

The Children's Briefing is free, but online registration is required. Visit MCN's Web site for more information, or register online now.

Details: Thursday, December 48:30 - 11:30 a.m. (registration opens at 8 a.m.)Neighborhood House, 179 Robie St E, St Paul, MN 55107

Directions: Google Map

Free, but preregistration is required.

More Quick Facts from Warba

2008-11-14T12:06:00.005-06:00

I also traveled Warba this past week and wanted to supplement Mason's posts with a few facts the staff at Northern Lights Community School (NLCS) offered us:

NLCS is a tuition free public school for students in grades 6-12.
Maximum student enrollment is 105 students, ensuring a high staff to student ratio.
Hands-on, project-based learning is the core. Students earn credits by completing several high-quality projects, participating in recreation and reading, and small group seminars. Mathematics is taught in small groups based on skill levels.
Teachers and coaches are co-learners as they help students create multidisciplinary projects.
Learning takes place outside the school as well as inside. Parents and community members are active participants.
Some of the additional "vision" components of the school include the use of multiple intelligence theory, personal learning plans, a caring community, emphasizing real-world learning, high expectations, parents as active partners, and regular exhibitions and displays of art and performances.

I thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Warba, Minnesota, and I hope to get the chance to visit more SCP sites and learn about Fellows' work as the year goes on. Thanks to Warba and Duluth Fellows for their hospitality.

-Ellen Bracken, Promise Fellow @ Minnesota Department of Education

Uffda! Denfeld High School

2008-11-13T20:01:00.004-06:00

In my long 24 years of life, Duluth Denfeld High School is one of my favorite public school facilities. Although I did not explore too much, the building and history is just amazing! I asked Dan if the building was once a church because it had the old school church feel to it but he said no it was built to be a school. My ears must have perked when he said that because sometimes in today's society we not appreciate amazing older architecture as much as we should. Not only is the building amazing but the auditorium as you can see above is a world class facility with an orchestra pit and all. Supposedly it is one of the only schools that can host an all school assembly in the auditorium, all 800 and some. Yes it did been a facelift that costed over a million dollars but it will forever be a historical landmark in MN.

Dan and I had a chat about what he did and he has many different roles at Denfeld. I wish I could remember all that he said but I do not remember. I do know it that he keeps very busy and has great intensions. I was lucky enough to be able to attend one of his "programs" which is where he takes about 7 - 8 high school students to Lincoln Park Middle School to tutor.

On our way to Lincoln Park, it was great to be able to chat with a few of his students whom were juniors and a sophomore. They are part of a Service-Learning class which I think it pretty cool, yes I have been brainwashed jk. These girls were very bright and polite, it was a pleasure. Once we arrived at the school it seemed a little crazy but once the room was opened and the kids settled down and be began to work. The students that Dan's students were working with seemed like bright kids but just needed a little more encouragement. They had the kids being tutored in a different room, so I poked my head in both rooms and witnessed some interesting things. At one point there was an arm wrestling match then I walked into the other room where I met Brittney David Booty, Bobby Latex, and Adrian Peterson. It was great! Sometimes I feel like I am a fifth grader the way I act.

Reflecting on what I saw and heard, I do not know what to think. It was report card day at Lincoln Park. The tutors got to see the report cards with their students......... The tone of the room suddenly changed. One of the students said, " I think I got only one F," the tutor responded one F thats not good. They found out that he actually got three Fs, one in which he received in gym. I asked the kid why do you think you got a F and he said, "... Because the teacher sucks." This is many SCP's reality! After everyone received their report cards, there seemed to be comment after comment about not being able to make it to the porch or even the hallway when they got home. Other comments that I heard were I can't let me step dad see this or why do I need to know this. Reality and memories kicked me in the butt and I still do not know how to respond.

It was a great time in Duluth!!!

Face to face connect will never be out matched by any technology nor will just a classroom education be more valuable than hands on youth work experience.

Have you been to Warba?

2008-11-13T19:24:00.005-06:00

This was my first experience in Warba, MN and a great one for that matter. We made great time on the way up and once we arrived we were welcomed with open arms. Although I had an activity planned, I decided to not do it because I remembered what one of my professors once said, "As an educator you must be fluid," as he poured water into his hand. We had few minutes than we had hoped so we just went with it. We started off by introducing ourselves and our sites and offered an overwhelming amount of resources. After we introduced ourselves, we asked what did they do a year or two after college and how they end up in Warba.

At this point in time I was overwhelmed by the amount of extraordinary people teaching at Northern Light Community School. Let me say they were all extraordinary but the few that suck in my head are; professional minor league hockey player with a record of most penalty box minutes, a person who help design MJ and Maria Carey's houses, a professional potter who taught at a community college, a jazz artist who started the schools first band, a director who played for the Oakland A's, a college stats teacher who also coached collegiate soccer, and many more wonderful people who are just like us in many ways.

Northern Light Community School is a project based school, which has its positives and negatives. Project Based Learning is a great way to learn but when it comes to standardize testing, it probably is not the best way to prepare a child for a paper test. One positive thing about project based learning is that it might not prepare our children for paper test but it does contributes to positive lifelong skills.

The story of the building and the school are just also amazing stories. Warba once upon a time had a elementary school but was such down quite sometime ago and was bought by an antique shop and was so for several year. Along came the director of the school, a vision of a charter school, and they decided to purchase the building with the help of a building company. I forget the complete ownership of the building story but it was pretty interesting. They have been are continuing to build and add as we speak. If my opinion means anything, this charter school will go far.

Thanks to the Warba Staff, Lori, Chris, Ellen, Katlin, and Rachael

Cleveland Jr. High

2008-11-13T16:25:00.002-06:00

Its been an eventful week my service learning afterschool program appeared to die after the second straight day of one student showing up. The groups were only 6 to begin with. However that same week I did hear from student council wanting to do a homelessness/hunger project leading into the winter dance. So I am presenting along with a vista from peacejam, that I met at Nate's service event at Como, to launch peacejam. If you don't know about peacejam you need to it is done locally through youthrive and it is centered around the nobel laurettes. So it was the best of times it was the worst of times.

Also without a supervisor on site the teachers don't really have a grasp what I do or where I fit. So getting headway with them has been difficult but most like service learning as an idea. So I threw service learning coordinator on the end of my job title and offered to facilitate service learning projects in their classrooms. So I will be having class presentations then inniating projects after break.

I have moved my office to the cafeteria and placed candy in my office to increase my interaction with students. Even that little pull of food is enough to get students to come and listen. I will slowly start removing the incentive of candy.

My tutors from Johnson High School have been tremendous. Two of them are optimist club winners. I set up an assembly where they are going to talk to students about over coming adversity and seeing college as a possibility.

Here is my rambling for the week

Woodland Middle School

2008-11-13T13:16:00.004-06:00

I have been here for about an hour and I am amazed on how well Nikki works with kids. She is very clam and collective with the kids. Although she does not have a teaching degree she seems as if she has a natural talent for this. I think this is one of the first sites that I have been to that has a "center" where kids can come for help during school and there are several volunteers from area colleges and retired teachers who help out.

Also it is nice to see a service-learning project continued and Nikki has done a great job including the whole school. Nikki also introduced me to her supervisor who is the principle and I was able to sit in on a brief meeting. Overall this has been a good experience!

Have a Great Story?

2008-11-13T11:17:00.003-06:00

We would love to hear about a great story, a positive moment, or an uplifting idea from your site! Please share your work that you do on the blog. The Alliance loves to hear from our Promise Fellows!

"No Decision About Us Without Us!" -- October 28, 2008

2008-10-01T12:06:00.002-05:00

hey friends --

i went to a training put on by the innovation center this past weekend and heard about the work of the minneapolis youth coordinating board & minneapolis youth congress. their next big event is a youth-led convention on october 28 -- here is some info about the whole shebang!

NO DECISION ABOUT US WITHOUT US
Minneapolis Youth Convention
October 28, 2008 --- 4:30 to 7:30 PM
@ Minneapolis Convention Center

for more info, check out:
www.ycb.org

YCC Bi-Annual Meeting: The Afterschool Formula - Bringing It All Together

2008-09-25T12:04:00.002-05:00

The Afterschool Formula: Bringing It All Together

Sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Education

November 13, 2008

Ramada Inn Northwest (Directions)
6900 Lakeland Avenue
Brooklyn Park, MN
55428

10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

There is NO REGISTRATION FEE and space is limited. Register On-line Today!

The After School Formula incorporates the essential elements of an after school system. When brought together, these elements can be combined to deliver high quality learning opportunities to children and youth beyond the classroom.

The Elements of an After School Formula include:
• Finding and Nurturing the Spark within Every Child and Youth;
• Champions for Youth and After School Learning Opportunities;
• Data for continuous improvement efforts;
• Quality programming;
• Resources, human and financial, for programming; and
• Youth engagement strategies.

Learning Goals
• Identify ways to nurture the spark within every child through afterschool programming
• Engage in cross sector discussions about how to increase resources to support afterschool learning opportunities
• Identify strategies for engaging businesses in afterschool learning opportunities
• Understand the costs of providing afterschool programs in communities across the state
• Identify the afterschool learning opportunities that are available in communities across the state
• Engage in discussions about engaging young people in their own learning
• Identify quality elements of afterschool learning opportunities and understand how programs can work to improve their own quality

Agenda

10:00 AM Welcome

10:15 AM Keynote: Nurturing the Spark in Every Child – The Opportunity for Afterschool and Youth ProgramsPeter Benson, Search Institute

11:15 AM Q & A

11:30 AM Advocating for Afterschool Learning Opportunities - Laura LaCroix-Dalluhn, Youth Community Connections

12:00 PM Lunch & Networking

1:00 PM Breakout Sessions:

a. Building Business Community Support for Afterschool Corporate Voices for Working Families**

b. Afterschool Cost Study - Youth Community Connections

c. The Supply and Demand of Afterschool Opportunities in Minnesota - Center for Youth Development, University of Minnesota Extension Services

d. Advocacy Training – How to Promote Afterschool Opportunities - TBA

e. Tapping into the Power of Youth - Youth Engagement Strategies - Center for Youth Development, University of Minnesota Extension Services

f. Promoting Quality Programming in Afterschool - Center for Youth Development, University of Minnesota Extension Service

3:00 PM Adjourn
** Building Business Community Support will adjourn at 4 pm**

Ramada Inn Northwest (Directions)
6900 Lakeland Avenue
Brooklyn Park, MN
55428
Phone: 763-566-8855 Fax:763-561-0572

There are a limited number of rooms reserved for discounted price of $79/night.Register On-line!

2008-09-25T09:19:00.003-05:00

This article was passed along on Search Institute's Healthy Communities Healthy Youth (HCHY) Listserv. It's worth a read if you're at all interested in education, youth, or extracurricular activities.

Seventeen Reasons Why Football is Better Than High School
(football can be substituted for a variety of other activities)

If you would like to subscribe to the HCHY Listerv, click here

Coalition for Responsible Sex Ed October 21 Event

2008-09-18T09:10:00.003-05:00

I got an email this morning about this event and thought I'd pass it on in case anyone is interested:

October 21, 2008
Leading the Way: Sex Ed Policy Across Minnesota
9:00-10:30 a.m.Open Book1011 Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis

Join us for this fall event to learn about important projects across the state that make Minnesota a leader in sex education. There's a whole lot happening...and it's not just at the Capitol! Come and learn how you can be part of it! Together we can continue to move responsible sex education forward.

This event is free. Please RSVP by Thursday, October 16th. If you have questions about the event, contact Lorie Alveshere at 651-644-1447 x12 or lorie@moappp.org. Not a member of the Coalition yet? Visit Coalition for Responsible Sex Ed and sign up today.