Western States Youth Services Network
Regional Learning Resource Team for Community Youth Development
Background
The WSYSN LRT functions as a learning community. As part of that community we are involved in both learning about and creating CYD. As members of the LRT we return to our communities to share what we know, to propose new ways of approaching our work with youth, and to further refine what it means to engage in CYD.
During this process we have learned a lot about CYD and about how to get the word out. We now understand that:
CYD is a process - not a package. Incorporating this new way of working with and thinking about youth is not something we can simply tell people how to do. It is a process of mutual exploration and learning.
CYD must be incorporated into all levels of our work. It is not sufficient for the Executive Director or the direct service staff to be enthused and excited about this work. The new thinking must take place on all levels. Ideas about how to actualize CYD within an agency must be generated by those in different roles (including Board members).
Youth must be involved in the conversations. If we are to make a difference in the way youth services operate, we must involve youth throughout our process. By living the models we promote, we lend integrity to our idea.
Regional Learning Resource Team for CYD
The Western States Network has developed a regional learning resource team (LRT). This group has met since September 1997. The regional LRT is composed of youth and adult teams of diverse groups representing member organizations in the Network. We currently have 12 teams of 1 youth and l adult from members in Arizona, California and Nevada. We intend to expand the group to include teams from other member agencies as well as other parts of the region. For the purposes of this application youth are considered to be between the ages of 13 and 19.
At meetings we will review and assess the progress of CYD within the region, jointly plan activities for the coming year and work with the CYD national curriculum. Each training/meeting is planned by a design team composed of youth and adults. Agendas include introducing new skills, sharing and reviewing action plans and having fun. We also use a shared leadership approach and involve youth and adults in specific roles at each meeting/training.
Who Should Attend?
The regional LRT will be composed of a mix of youth/adult teams (as outlined above). We expect that the youth and adults will apply as a team and will be supported and sponsored by their agency/organization. In the case of youth under 18, the adult must be able to assume responsibility for the young person. Since the work of the LRT members must be supported by their agency, it is essential that those participating work in member agencies who are committed to promoting the values and approaches of CYD. Since the work of the LRT will be the expansion and promotion of CYD in their own communities and states, participants should have some experience in training and in working with groups of people.
Because youth and adults must partner in this effort, it is important that youth participate fully and equally in the LRT.
Selection Criteria
Those wishing to participate should consider what staff or volunteers are "true believers" of CYD and select them to represent the organization. Youth and adults already working together as a team are very appropriate. A letter from the Executive Director, supporting the CYD team must accompany the application.
The Executive Director of WSYSN will review all applications and make the selection of LRT participants.
Benefits and Costs
Participation in the LRT will provide agencies a vehicle for increased learnings and opportunities for the application of CYD concepts, tools and processes. It will enhance individual participants' knowledge and skills as well as serve as a catalyst for leadership development.
WSYSN will cover lodging and meal costs. Participating agencies will be expected to cover travel costs to and from the hotel site and incidentals.
For our weekend meetings, we usually begin on Friday afternoon and end after lunch on Sunday. This should allow participants enough travel time to be able to fully participate.