My favorite quote of Hobson was "The first step to any form of action is awareness", I think this is really important for our society especially in youth's education. Race may not be something many educators would want to talk about in a classroom, but how about taking initiative and making it okay to be talked about it, as well as parents at home. I am sure if this would've been the case for my experience in my childhood years, I would be more comfortable like Hobson with the talk about race. I think the less it's being talked about, the more society will continue to add awkwardness and hide the truth about race in our world today.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Color Blind or Color Brave?
Hobson made me think about visibility in a new way: to not be color blind but color brave. This means changing the way I look at race and begin to change it by talking about it. I agree that race is a very touchy subject, it is something people don't feel comfortable talking about. After hearing Mellody Hobson's argument, I would like to approach race in a different way or at least not feel like I am stepping on egg shells when the topic is brought up. Her persuasive talk mentioned race and particularly about diversity in hiring makes for a better society.
Monday, September 21, 2015
Ideology Inventory
Based on the Inventory quiz, I identified as Critical Youth Development. I agree with the description given in the Ideology Horoscope, as well as some key points stated in the Positive Youth Development description. I learned that I tend to focus on the engagement between youth and the outside world. I do not agree that teens are "legitimate actors" as described in the belief section in the Ideology Horoscope. I would say teens are risk takers whom don't think twice about speaking which then can put them in regretful situations.
My personal values when it comes to Youth Work are Safe Environment, Partnerships, and Positive Relationships as well as a few others like being the voice for young children. These come from my personal experience in my young adulthood years in middle and high school. These values are what my mentors had and made a positive influence in my teen years.
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Blog Post #2
1. The article called "A World Where Youth Hold the Power", by Adeola A. Oredola was to show a different learning approach with youth and the effectiveness of it. Youth In Action started in 1997 by teenagers driven to build stronger communities by engaging their peers in arenas of influence that they are typically excluded from, including school reform, politics, media organizing, and community health. The key elements of Youth In Action are Youth and adults are growing together, to promote a new definition of youth and a space for youth to thrive and create change. I enjoyed reading how affective this approach is with youth in urban communities, like Providence.
2. The YIA approach to learning is very hands on, where they voice their opinions/thoughts about most things regular educators would not discuss with youth. My personal experience does resonate with YIA model by the strong communication they have with their mentors. Growing up in a city like Central Falls, I never felt connected with my teacher's, guidance counselors or administration. I do recall having a great relationship with my two RI Children's Crusade mentors from middle and high school. I think part of the reason was because they gained my trust and I felt a connection that I did not have with any other adults at school. Unlike YIA, their program goal was to have kids on track academically and guide them up until their high school graduations. Although, the program was sort of structured the mentors themselves came from rural school backgrounds and shared with me their education background. I felt a connection because they, like myself came from spanish speaking homes and shared similar backgrounds. Over a decade later today and my relationship with my crusade mentors still remains strong. I know I can call them for personal problems or school related questions if needed. I strongly believe as a youth worker it is up to YOU, to make that connection when working with youth. Establishing a strong relationship with youth can be more rewarding to some, than others.
3. The YIA models the notion of "with, not to.."? with their team tradition of "Plus Delta Hot Seat", where everyone has the opportunity to give and receive feedback on contributions to the team and areas for growth. It is great to hear that the director of youth programs took initiative and was hands on with the youth. More often you hear of missions and goals for programs, but rarely do you directors like Erroll Lomba, whom actually demonstrated and went first for the activity. I am sure with an activity like this, youth gained trust and comfort with the director being first to demonstrate how the activity would go.
2. The YIA approach to learning is very hands on, where they voice their opinions/thoughts about most things regular educators would not discuss with youth. My personal experience does resonate with YIA model by the strong communication they have with their mentors. Growing up in a city like Central Falls, I never felt connected with my teacher's, guidance counselors or administration. I do recall having a great relationship with my two RI Children's Crusade mentors from middle and high school. I think part of the reason was because they gained my trust and I felt a connection that I did not have with any other adults at school. Unlike YIA, their program goal was to have kids on track academically and guide them up until their high school graduations. Although, the program was sort of structured the mentors themselves came from rural school backgrounds and shared with me their education background. I felt a connection because they, like myself came from spanish speaking homes and shared similar backgrounds. Over a decade later today and my relationship with my crusade mentors still remains strong. I know I can call them for personal problems or school related questions if needed. I strongly believe as a youth worker it is up to YOU, to make that connection when working with youth. Establishing a strong relationship with youth can be more rewarding to some, than others.
3. The YIA models the notion of "with, not to.."? with their team tradition of "Plus Delta Hot Seat", where everyone has the opportunity to give and receive feedback on contributions to the team and areas for growth. It is great to hear that the director of youth programs took initiative and was hands on with the youth. More often you hear of missions and goals for programs, but rarely do you directors like Erroll Lomba, whom actually demonstrated and went first for the activity. I am sure with an activity like this, youth gained trust and comfort with the director being first to demonstrate how the activity would go.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Assignment #1
Based on the reading in the article I just read, the following are the 7 characteristics of Youth Work:
- Educational Practice
- Social Practice
- Challenge inequality and work towards social justice
- Where possible, young people choose to be involved
- Seeks to strengthen the voice & influence of young people
- Youth work is a welfare practice
- Works with young people "holistically".
I enjoyed reading this article and agree with most of the characteristics mentioned above. I strongly believe a big part of Youth Work is educational and social practice. For some kids, our positive influence and special moments shared with them will be more valuable than for others. Communication is a huge factor when working with kids. Being aware of what we say and how we say things to youth is also something we must acknowledge.
Words like empowerment, participation and engagement describes, how Youth Work strengthens the voice of young people. I agree that Youth Work seeks to strengthen the voice and influence of young people. I remember my early years in high school, my RI Crusade advisor always had a positive voice for latino's in my community. Years later, I can look back and remember him for always being a positive influence for myself and others. He made a huge difference in my education with letting my mother know of the programs I could join and always willing to help her out with any questions we had.
Monday, September 7, 2015
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