The adage of “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is not really true – Words can hurt, but they can also heal. Please join us for the Words Matter series where we engage in open and authentic discussions about the impact of common terminology used in child serving systems with those that are directly affected. Our goal is to illuminate how the terms we use can influence perception, approach, and practice, as well as explore alternative language as a means of intentionally shifting how we view and interact with youth, families, and each other. … [Read more...] about Words Matter Discussion Series – Tolerance vs Acceptance
Positive Youth Development
Youth Development Through Engagement Model
Effective youth engagement can benefit youth by providing pathways to learn life skills, self-esteem, and connectiveness, highlighting how youth engagement is the central principle of youth development. In this session we will identify and understand the youth perspective in a way that is practical. You will also learn how to build, maintain, and retain meaningful relationships with youth and young adults. Finally, you will learn how to use these skills to empower youth and connect them to leadership opportunities. … [Read more...] about Youth Development Through Engagement Model
Lightning Talk: High-Achieving Schools Connote Risks for Adolescents
High-Achieving Schools Connote Risks for Adolescents: Directions for Intervention Supplemented by My Mental Health Journey: First, audience members will learn about the common mental health experiences faced by high school students in high-achieving, competitive, and MH stigma-filled school environments. Second, they will learn about the importance of youth voice in promoting resilience in said environments. Lastly, they will learn about evidence-based interventions to support systems of care in school communities. These interventions are supported by extensive literature reviews and will focus on tier 1 supports that address entire student bodies. … [Read more...] about Lightning Talk: High-Achieving Schools Connote Risks for Adolescents
Living on the Intersections – The Impact of Intimate Partner Violence on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People of Color
Studies show that the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) across the lifetimes of LGBTQ+ people is often higher than that of their straight counterparts. This problem is compounded when LGBTQ+ people struggle to find adequate support and services because of the unique societal barriers associated with their identities. In the case of LGBTQ+ youth of color, whose intersecting identities mean that they experience marginalization because of both their racial and queer identities, IPV is not only an issue: it has been shown that it is experienced at a rate that is at least double that of their non-LGBTQ+ white peers. Join clinical psychologist Dr. Amorie Robinson (also known as Dr. Kofi Afua Adoma) to learn how service providers, parents, and others can recognize, understand, and address the impact of IPV on the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth of color. She will be joined by Youth MOVE National Youth Program Specialist Te Jay McGrath, who will co-present and facilitate this … [Read more...] about Living on the Intersections – The Impact of Intimate Partner Violence on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People of Color
Shifting from Locking Youth Up to Lifting Youth Up – Why Community is the Answer to Empower Young People
Justice-involved youth can be powerful agents of change. Join us for a five-part community of practice focused on promoting the leadership of system-impacted young people. This strengths-based series will address racial trauma and racial disparities in juvenile justice systems across the nation. Designed for leaders in the system of care, the series will help participants engage justice-involved youth in advocacy work, prioritize culturally responsive care for BIPOC youth, deepen their knowledge of community-based solutions, and implement effective peer support programs. In this session, Jason Clark, Zaheed Lynch, Karemma Williams, and Tawaina Reed discuss alternatives to incarceration and innovative ways to help justice-impacted youth heal. The session will emphasize communities' powerful role within systems of care and how to implement more community-based services. Facilitated by Evelyn Clark. … [Read more...] about Shifting from Locking Youth Up to Lifting Youth Up – Why Community is the Answer to Empower Young People