Context
The youth-led initiative was created to foster a sense of individual responsibility amongst young people to change their community in a positive direction, specifically around issues that directly affect their demographic. Our group came together as members of the same after-school program. The group was established to collectively reach solutions for community issues. Our group seeks to establish healthy eating habits among young people, and improve overall wellness and health. Some of the participants in this group are residents of the community we seek to serve, while others are from different backgrounds. The majority of the young people are high school age as well. These factors are important as we seek to implement an initiative that connects with various people.
Youth Characteristics and Recruitment
Our young people mostly come from lower-middle class economic backgrounds and are members of the Milo-Grogan Boys & Girls Club Teen Center. Most have attended the Club for at least two years, and are active in both Club and other extracurricular activities. For youth to be involved, you must be a Club member aged 13 to 18 years old. Additionally, you must engage and provide positive feedback whenever able. If you are a member of the Milo-Grogan Teen Center, then you are encouraged to participate. Club members can also invite their peers to engage and participate in the initiative. Our young people are motivated by the idea of positively impacting their community and changing the culture around healthy eating and wellness among young people.
Collective Participation
There are 5-10 young people involved in the initiative. The group meets bi-weekly. ? Each meeting lasts for 30-45 minutes. On average, 5-10 young people attend each meeting. The group has been involved for almost two months. As Club members, attendance is tracked on a daily basis. Those who attend the Club on group session days are encouraged to participate.
Adult Involvement
Who is the adult leader(s) for this group? Nyiala Harris, Greg Long and Jac’quese Hargrove
Each adult leader has worked with the Boys & Girls Club, specifically with teens, for a period of at least six months or longer on programs such as Keystone and Youth of the Year. Each leader has also worked with other local youth and youth organizations in various capacities. Adult Leaders supervise the sessions, ensuring that respectful and open dialogue takes place; they also assist with organizing timelines, acquiring materials as necessary, and encouraging the engagement of all participants. Parents are responsible for providing access to the Club and making sure that their youth are present for the planning and execution of the youth-led initiative. As the community-based agency, the Boys & Girls Club provides the space for planning, resources and technology to execute initiatives, and a framework for regular meetings and discussion.
Group Structures
What incentives are offered to encourage the ongoing participation of youth (e.g. course credits, monetary rewards, food, etc)? As ongoing participants, youth receive short term rewards such as snacks and special recognition. Long term, participants will see the fruition of their initiative and can participate in out of Club experiences related to health and wellness.
How are group decisions made? Group decisions are made by the youth and collectively voted on as a whole body. Adult leaders help facilitate conversation and mediate any differences so that a consensus is reached.
What relationship does the youth group have with adult groups? Please describe how these relationships were established and in what ways members of the adult groups interact with the youth. At this time, there is no established relationship with an adult group. However, plans are being discussed to involve local community partners, such as Whole Foods and Franklin County Economic Development and Planning, for more outreach and perspective.
What role do young people have in the group? Please be specific about any leadership responsibilities youth may have. Young people are responsible for creating the plan of execution, as well as identifying their needs and the specific supports that would allow them to successfully implement their plan. Additionally, they are responsible for being engaged and regularly involved with the initiative from start to finish.
What resources and support are available to the group? The Boys & Girls Club will provide adequate space for the execution of their plan. BGC will also obtain any materials needed for the group to lead their initiative.
What other structures are in place that guide or support the work of the youth group? The Boys & Girls Club offers a variety of developmental programming that supports the common theme of leadership and responsibility. Even when the group is not planning their initiative, as Club members, they are still engaged in programming that encourages community service and social advocacy.