I know who I am and what I believe: Using theory to prepare youth workers

"Our theoretically-grounded curriculum and approach grows from our belief that youth are thoughtful, creative people who deserve opportunities to practice leadership with supportive, professional adults by their side. Through a commitment to social justice, a deliberate practice of care, and a vision of learning in community, we prepare quality youth workers who are ready to lead with youth to make a better world."

This quote really spoke to me when reading the paper. It is saying how

the ideology of positive youth development sees the youth as smart and it states that is we support and lead with the youth they can really make a difference. I strongly believe that youth need practice in leadership with our help as this skill requires mentors like myself and other youth workers. If we lead with the youth, they have a greater support to become very successful in the world and make changes that are needed. This does a great job explaining my mindset on how I view our youth and my thoughts on leadership within youth development. We should always leave room for the youth to become leaders as we once did. I believe that each and every one of them, with the support of myself and other youth workers have the power to make a much needed change in the world.

"This approach resonates with many of our students because of the ways it disrupts dominant school discourses that position young people as part of the problem, rather than part of a solution."

This quote is saying that the ideology of positive youth development eliminates the mindset people may have which is that youth are "part of the problem". This really reminded me of some teachers I had throughout grade school. They would not flat out say that we were a problem to society but they would mention things in a negative way saying that "oh this is this way because of your generation". Some teachers would say "you guys can be the change" but what is that going to do if they do not help us by leading with? I did not agree with this at all and it really downgrades youth. If we help the youth become leaders and involved in the bigger problem, they can really be part of the solution. If we do not have an open mind to our youth, we could be missing out on some very intelligent people who can help us in leadership and many other areas. They can help us understand their thoughts and can contribute to our own ideas. I believe that every youth have their own strength and by putting them together they can make amazing accomplishments.

“The kids are playing games -- they are leading games, and they are laughing and learning.  Everyone knows each other’s names.  And I saw one coach pull a kid aside and ask how his grandmother was feeling now that she is out of the hospital."

This quote really reminded me of the ideology of positive youth development. It states that youth workers who have this ideology are aware of the youth's "assets" which consist of family, school, resources, safety, and many more. The fact that the coach asked how one of the athletes grandparents was doing really makes it known that the coach cares. In doing this the student most likely feels like someone is thinking about them and also is interested to hear from them. I can relate to this as a lot of times working with kids at gymnastics I know their siblings and some of their family members. I usually ask them "how is so and so" and we have conversations about family members. It helps the child feel like you are more than a coach in a sense that you are more of a friend. As mentioned it shows that I care but also that I am not just there to coach and make money. I enjoy creating relationships with my athletes and their families. It makes the atmosphere so much better and more positive.