More than 300, Directors, Program Managers, Teachers, Counselors, and Graduates attended the three events that constituted the YouthBuild Transformation Institute, October 2007 in San Antonio, TX.
The event was made possible by the generous support of:
The events were as follows:
Southern Midwest Gathering
October 22, 2007
Good things happen when YouthBuild program staff come together to learn from one another. In October, staff from all over the South and Midwest gathered to share best practices and problem-solve around common challenges. In facilitated conversations, like staff met together (construction staff with construction staff; teachers with teachers, etc.) to share successes, commiserate, laugh and learn. At the end of the day, each group reported out on the highlights of their conversations to the full group. Though much was learned, as always, one of the most important outcomes of the gathering was the bonds that were developed that will continue despite time and space.
MSG facilitators Caroline Hopkins and Beatrice Sweet
Participants enjoy the Transformation Institute
Academy for Transformation
October 23-25, 2007
208 directors and staff of YouthBuild programs around the country rode their horses, pulled their wagons and generally hightailed it to San Antonio, Texas for the second (and last) YouthBuild Transformation Institute of 2007. Amon Rashidi graced us with his presence providing us with an incredible keynote speech, a fantastic 2 day course on understanding gangs and street culture and a truly musical evening reception with the Griot Music Revolution band.
It was truly a memorable experience. The Academy is very pleased to hear that the Transformation Topics and the Courses were rated higher than we’ve ever seen on our evaluations. Thanks again to everyone for engaging in positive youth development and taking what was learned to help increase outcomes for young people around the country.
Participants in the Academy were able to choose one of the following Transformation Topics:
- Training Games and Experiential Activities
- Substance Abuse Roundtable
- Green Building Primer
- Green Industries Career Development
- Campaign for Excellence- Raising Outcomes
- YouthBuild as Social Change
- What is Adultism?
AND one of the following 2-day courses:
- Attendance, Retention and Success
- Building a Strong Graduate Services Program
- Making Partnership Work
- Integrated Career Development Approach
- Group Counseling Methods
- Leadership Development in Youth Work
- Education for Liberation
- NCCER Construction Certification Training
- Substance Abuse: Inner and Outer Change
- Understanding Gangs and Street Culture
- Youth Track: How to Work with Adults!
Academy To Go: bring any courses to your program! Contact Kiarash Afcari at kafcari@youthbuild.org
Amon Rashidi with Young Leaders Council President Mikey Caban
YouthBuild t-shirt swap at reception
Youth only course “Who to Work with Adult” led by Beatrice Sweet and Gomah Wonleh of the YouthBuild USA Graduate Facilitator Group
Academy facilitators from left: Caroline Hopkins, Daryl Wright, Kiarash Afcari, Bea Sweet, and Antonio Ramirez
ALUMNIXCHANGE VI
October 26-28, 2007
Eighty YouthBuild Graduates came to participate in the sixth annual gathering themed “Keep the Flame Lit; We Must Pass the Torch!” Alumni from across the country, representing many different programs, many different years of graduation, and many different visions, but all sharing a commitment to leadership in their communities. For two and half days, graduates learned together, laughed together and inspired each other to greater things.
We kicked off the conference on Friday evening with a high energy, thought provoking presentation by Amon Rashidi, nationally known poet, speaker and musician. Saturday, keynote speaker Johnny Rivera, graduate from the original YouthBuild program in New York City, began our day by describing his courageous foray into local politics. Participants then chose 2 out of 3 powerhouse workshops; Starting Your Own Business; Identity and Diversity; and Running for Political Office.
Sunday morning, participants had the opportunity to discuss and create skits on hot topics of interest and ways to take local action. Creativity and great ideas abounded. Dorothy Stoneman, President and Founder of YouthBuild, skillfully engaged participants in discussion about the big picture.
An important part of every Xchange are the elections for National Alumni Council, the elected leadership body for the Alumni Association. We are pleased to announce three new members have been voted onto the NAC: Sharon Reyes, Verhonda Henry and Anthony Turner. The conference wrapped up with powerful speeches by the President and Vice-President of the National Alumni Council.
Thinking has already begun for Xchange 2008. As soon as dates are established, we will notify all programs so you can begin planning to send your graduate leaders to this important event.
Dorothy Stoneman, President of YouthBuild USA with Johnny Rivera, keynote speaker and graduate
National Alumni Council Executive team from left: Mike Dean, Vice President; Jamie Tuner, Secretary; and Antonio Ramirez, President
Katrina Rebuilding YouthBuild graduates
Hall of Fame awardee and member of the National Alumni Council, Calvin Westbrook
Annette Goodrich and Alicia McKinney, YouthBuild USA Graduate and Youth Opportunities staff
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