Actions Create Opportunities

Hello Everyone,

I missed yesterday because I picked up my daughter from the airport. She was returning home from Japan after 4 months. It was her last semester of college. She had the wonderful opportunity of studying and seeing Japan because she took action. The most important action she took was to apply for 3 scholarships last year for the trip. She received all of them and was able to take the semester in Japan.

Today I took action and flew to Raleigh, NC to see my first grandchild who is 9 days old. I had the opportunity to hold her for the first time.

It seems obvious that actions are necessary for opportunities. But actually I have always had a problem with procrastination. I put things off usually because I am indecisive, fearful, unsure, or just too tired. For example, I started a novel a year ago and have written 5 chapters. I have not written anything for months. There will be no opportunity for my dream to come true, unless I actually write.

How many opportunities have we missed because we didn't take the actions? What actions do we need to take in our own lives to make our dreams come true? What actions do we need to take to provide opportunities for the youth we serve?

One thing is for sure. You have all taken action to become Americorps members and in doing so, you have the wonderful opportunity of service. You have many opportunities this year.

Way to go!!!

LA

Information is Nourishment

Hello Everyone,

Well, our SEN value today is Information is Nourishment.

Reminds me of the old movie Short Circuit about a robot from an assembly line that got zapped and became alive. He constantly said, "Input. Input" and was starving for information and knowledge. He couldn't get enough.

This is the Age of Information. We can look up anything and everything on the web. A friend of mine told his son that he would give him $100 if he could find a name of something that wasn't a domain name....meaning that it wasn't a web address. Try it! The son couldn't find one.

I love being able to look up everything and anything instantly. One of the best things we can do for our youth is help them be internet-savy. And show them how to access computers for free in their local libraries.

As for ourselves, information feeds us too. We can look up youth development skills on line and other youth centers and information about mental disorders and medications and anything!!

You can even google yourself! I looked up my house on zillow.com and there was a photo of it...with my son't girlfriend's car in front of it!

I love learning and information. To instill a hunger for information in our youth is a great goal. And then teaching them how to find that knowledge...trips to libraries and museums, true life movies, how-to books, there is an endless supply.

Be excited about knowledge and it will be contagious.

Let me know what works!

LA

Flexibility Begets Creativity

Hello All,

Hope you had a good holiday weekend. Our server at work has yet to be replaced.

Anyway, what does this value of SEN's mean?

Let's look at flexibilty first. Whenever I interview a volunteer, intern or staff member for work with teens in our emergency shelter in our crisis services program, I make sure that they know flexibility is a must. Things are not going to go according to schedule a lot of the time. So what does flexibilty really mean?

Responsive to change; adaptable Okay, so we need to change to meet the needs or situations around us. Working with people is not like mathematics. There are no given answers as to what will help a troubled youth even if something specific that you did helped a youth yesterday. Ours is not an exact science. We have to be able to bend and try new things.

And thus the creativity part. If we are open to doing things differently, we will. We will think of ideas that might work. We will be open to picking up signals from the youth. We will listen. We will research new ways to lead group or explain rules or resolve conflict.

It takes courage to be flexible and creative. We don't know what the results will be. But we will be less stressed out!

An example....a few years ago, we had a social work undergrad intern in the shelter who was an older student. She had been a helicopter mechanic in the army. Well if there is a career that is very exact and rigid, it would be mechanics. And if I were the pilot of a helicopter, I would not want my mechanic to be flexible (hmmmm, maybe I could substitute this part instead...) or creative (let's see if this thing can fly without that part). See what I mean?

So she had a very hard time with her learning plan. This is the plan from her school with her goals on it. Social work learning plans are very vague. For example...."Use the ecological perspective in your work with families". She struggled and struggled. And then she decided to rewrite her plan in terms she could understand. She was a lot happier after that.

So be flexible and creative! It is more fun, too. (Of course don't do that with the rules, policies or procedures!!!)

See ya,

LA

Learning is a life-long process

Hello Everyone!

I still have another photo, but our server is down and I can't access it right now. If you are like me, you are at work today. I drove into the parking lot and there were no cars at all! This is at the admin building. All our shelter staff are here too.

Today we are talking about:

Learning is a life-long process.

I believe this one is about us. Are we committed to learning? I love to learn. I am always reading. I am always asking questions. I can not imagine not discovering new things.

It is sad that often our education system does not instill that love of learning into our youth. It is often about students doing whatever the teacher wants to get good grades. It is often about memorizing facts that have no relevence to life. Anyway, I hope that you love to learn. (Especially since I will be doing our training in June!)

Learning can be about more than our work, though. I love to learn the names of the birds, trees, flowers, etc. I love to learn about people. I especially love to learn about other countries and places.(There are things I don't like learning though. I am not interested in mechanical manuals...like how to operate a computer, camera, etc. I am not interested in learning how to fix my own car, etc.)

I encourage you to explore what you love and to commit to learning more about it. Once I read the book, The Long Gray Line which is about the West Point class of 1966. This is the class that had the most lieutenants sent to Vietnam. After reading it, I started reading other books about the Vietnam War inlcuding one written by a soldier who got cancer from the agent orange that his father okayed using on the countryside there.

If we are learning, we can't help but share that with others. We can help our youth learn on the internet, but also through books. Remember in our assets talk, that reading for pleasure was the lowest of all activities done by youth today. (The Harry Potter books are great ones to get youth interested in reading for pleasure.)

As for us, reading about youth development and working with youth is a great way to increase our knowledge in what we do. I will get a list of suggested books from the staff here next week and share them with you.

Hope you have a great holiday weekend!

LA

Leaders are Everywhere

Hello All!

Here is another photo.

Today we are looking at the SEN Belief:

Leaders are Everywhere

Do you believe that? I think it calls us to look for leadership opportunities for all our youth. And what are some of those? At our shelter we have a team leader. Residents get to facilitate the chore assignments and help with disagreements. Those might seem small, but that is where we need to start with our youth who have never considered themselves able to lead.

I think we can find small ways...baby steps...for all our teens to try out leadership.

But what is leadership? This definition says it is the ability to guide, direct or influence. So even when we give our opinions, if it guides another or the group...well, that is leadership.

Leaders have a vision and are able to communicate that vision to others in such a way that the group wants to make it happen. To me, managers are better at making things happen and supervising, etc. Leaders have the vision. And our youth are often idealistic at this age, so we can build on that.Remember in the Assets Development lessons, we found that one of the highest assets that youth have, is the belief in a postive future.

We are leaders as well. We have a vision for the youth we serve. As it says so well in our Oasis philosophy:

Nurture visions that make the impossible, possible. Yes! That is what you do!

LA

Photos!!

Hi!

Thanks to Jesse, who you have met, we have more photos. I will put one on each day. The CD of photos is at SEN. Hopefully that will get uploaded soon.

Last night my home computer crashed. My son said it has the "blue screen of death". Oops. It feels like I have lost a friend.

Okay today we will look at the next SEN value:

We do with--not to--others.

So what does that mean? Aren't we helping youth?
Well, of course we are. But we are working WITH them. Unlike the medical field, we aren't fixing them. We aren't doing things to them. They are not passive receipients of our help and resources. They are not on the operating table with us poised with scalpels to carve into them and give them a new heart or head.

We respect them enough to ask them what they think and why they think it. We work with youth to help them develop the skills and identity they need to be successful. We don't tell them what they should do or think. We ask questions and encourage problem-solving and decision making skills. It is like the motto of teaching people to fish instead of just feeding them fish. Of course like Maslow's hierarchy of needs, we need to feed youth if they are hungry. But in our shelter, the youth cook the meals for each other. Many of them are learning to cook for the first time.

Partnership. This value is really about partnership. What does that mean? To me, partners are equal in value. One is not superior to the other. One does not have more power over the other. Both have input. Now we know that as adults we do have some power over youth, but as much as we can stay away from power struggles the better. As we say here, "once you are in a power struggle with a teen, you have lost."

Any relationship that is defined by power over another is a doomed one. It is as we come to each other in respect as equals that we have a chance to touch each other's lives. I have received just as much from youth as I have given. I bet you have too.

LA

SEN Values

Hello Everyone, I think I will talk about the SEN values or guidelines. They are very cool.

So the first one is :

How we do our work is as important as what we do.

So I think that means that the end does not justify the means. That how we do our work is crucial. And the truth is that we can not control the results of what we do, because we are in the people-changing business and no one can make another person change.

There are so many pieces to what we do. And certainly listening and respecting youth as well as provideing resources, skills, help and more are crucial elements to our work. But if we aren't walking the talk, then teens will see right through us. And we will be viewed as hypocrites and insincere.

We have to model what we want youth to do and learn. That is why it is so important to respect young people. They feel and experience respect and then will want to give it to others. And respect our co-workers too.

I remember my mother telling me as a child, "Do as I say, not as I do". Well that doesn't work.

We can know that we have done the very best if we are doing a good job. Even it the youth don't all make positive changes now....how do we know that they won't later? They will be influenced by you and who you are and how you work and your values.

So...how you do your work is as important as what you do.

LA

Americorps Videos

Hello Everyone!

Take a look at the blog entries about service. It is what you are doing and it is so badly needed. You might never be famous like the secret service people I wrote about....hey no one ever guessed all of them. Take a guess!

I just finished a 3 day training with youth workers and it was wonderful to hear the stories. People like you who are helping teens. So often it was giving a teen one more chance that made the difference. Or a teen realizing that someone really cared for them.

Keep up the good work.

Take a look at the videos on the americorps site...you can vote for the best one.

They are very inspiring and they are doing what you do...they are about you!!!

PS I like the Superhero one.

LA

Our Blog

Hey Everyone!

I have sent you all an email wishing you Happy Americorps Week! And a link to the blog. I have only gotten several comments from all ya'll since February.

I will keep on blogging, but I would LOVE to hear from you all. I would especially like to have some topics to discuss that you are interested in.

Today, I think I will mention what a wonderful opportunity you have to be positive role models to young people. Not only are you choosing to spend time with them, but you have dedicated your year to service. As you build that relationship with your youth, they will respect and value you. Service will mean something to them, because you will be the personification of it.

So remember to share with your youth about your membership in Americorps and maybe some day they will choose to join and serve.

You are special people and you have a special message.

LA

Happy Americorps Week

Happy Week to you all!

This is your week to feel REALLY good about yourselves and what you do! To start off the week, take a look at he fun things to do site on the Americorps Web site:

fun things to do

There are videos to watch and you can even create your own. You can get on the website and tell your story, etc. Be proud of what you do and who you are.

If you are wondering about the history of Americorps, etc. you can go back and read the early blogs: February 11th -14th.

So what are you all going to do to celebrate this week? Any plans? Any ideas?

I am writing today, Sunday, for two reasons....it is the beginning of National Americorps Week and I wanted to send you good wishes right away. And tomorrow I will be working 14 hours, so I most likely will not be blogging tomorrow.

Hope to hear from you!

LA

Things You Can Do

Hi!

Today we will look at things you can do during Americorps Week.

1. Give a presentation in your community:
You and some of your fellow members can arrange to speak to local groups about your experience. There is even a free presentation kit to help you.
free kit: (just click on this link)

2. Invite a local official and/or others to shadow you at work...let them be an Americorps member for a day.

3. Have an open house in your shelter to invite potential volunteers, local officials, the media, etc. to see what you do as an Americorps member.

4. Contact your local media and do an interview for Americorps Week.

5. Take Americorps pamphlets to libraries or places young people visit.

6. See if you can do some presentations at the schools.

And there are more ideas and how to do them on the site above. It can be as simple as emailing your friends. It is a good time to recruit others and celebrate yourselves.

Let us all know if you are doing anything at your service site to celebrate!

Some states are doing proclamations....don't see any of our states on the list yet. Maybe by next week! (Hey, you could call your state government and get them to do a proclamation!)

Have a great weekend!

LA

Americorps Week

Hi all!

So what is Americorps week?
According to the Americorp website:

AmeriCorps Week is a recruitment and recognition event designed to bring more Americans into service, salute AmeriCorps members and alums for their powerful impact, and thank the community partners who make AmeriCorps possible.

AmeriCorps Week provides an opportunity for AmeriCorps members, alums, grantees, program partners, and friends to shine a spotlight on the work done by members in communities across the country—and to motivate more Americans to join AmeriCorps or volunteer in their communities

So this week is a lot of things.

1. A recruitment event. This is when Americorps gets some attention and perhaps people see and hear about it and want to join.

2. A recognition event for you guys who are serving right now. A salute to you and the work you are doing.

3. Recognition to those who have already been in the Americorps and have served their community and made an impact.

4. A thank you to the community partners who make Americorps possible.

So what is going on during Americorps week?

AmeriCorps Week events are happening across the country. They include statewide AmeriCorps gatherings, award ceremonies, “AmeriCorps for a Day” events with local VIPs, community service projects, recruitment fairs, and more. The week will open with a big event near Denver, and close with a major environmental project near Miami.

Tomorrow we will look at some ideas of things that you can do during Americorps week!

Till then,

LA

May 11-18

Hello Everyone!

Do you know what next week is? It is National Americorps Week. So I will be talking to you about you and Americorps and service again!

There will be a lot in the news about service and help with the devastation in Myannar. They are estimating maybe 100,000 dead?

But we will look at Americorps next week and how to celebrate you.

Till tomorrow,

LA

Sorrow & Gratitude

Hey,

Well we have finished Circle of Courage and the Developmental Assets methods or philosphies.

So today I am taking a break just to talk.

So much sorrow in the world. It is hard to imagine the kind of devastation that has occured in Myanmar. I had never even heard of this country before now. And evidently, they have tried to keep it that way. They had intentionally isolated themselves and now they are all over the news and accepting support and help from around the world even though it is hard to even reach them.

Reminds me of our talks about support and belonging. Life is too hard to do all alone. 22,000 dead and 41,000 missing. My mind can not even take that in.

It is easier for me to mourn the death of the filly in the derby than 22,000 men, women and children. I can not even go there.

When I get past the horror of it all, I can go to gratitude. Gratitude that I am not dealing with the devastation or loss taking place in that country.

I can get so bogged down in my own problems...the price of filling up my gas tank on my car, paying bills, stress at work and home....BUT those are just the "stuff of life" and I can be grateful that I have a life....a home...a car...my family...a job...etc.

I am thankful for all the blessings I have in my life each and every day.

Till tomorrow,

LA

Positive Identity

Hello Everyone,

I hope you had a good weekend. I am so sad about Eight Belles who had to be put to sleep after breaking her front legs at the Kentucky Derby. She was the only filly to run and came in second before falling. Those horses try so hard and run their hearts out. I just hate it that it has to kill one of them. :(

Today we will finish with the 40 Developmental Assets. The last group of the internal assets is the Positive Identity Assets.

I will quote/paraphrase Search Institute here:

Solidifying identity is the primary task of adolescence, according to Erik Erikson...The hope is that the identity will be positive. Youth programs can give messages in multiple ways that reinforce self-esteem and belief in oneself and the ability to affect ones's future. In fact, all of the other asset categories work together to build positive identiites.

And I believe that is true. Relationship building, listening, empowerment, competencies, affirming, supporting, etc. all help a young person feel better about him or herself.

But here are some tips:

Use positive language to influence youth's perceptions of themselves. (For example, we tell youth who call in on our crisis line that they are courageous.)

Look for ways that youth can be successful

Be alert to special talents, aptitudes and passions in youth

Enlarge youth's vision of their future and reinforce optimism

Ensure that you and the other adults around speak positively about themselves and each other

Where possible, celebrate cultural heritages of the youth

Expect young people to experience ups and downs of self-esteem during these years

Avoid comparing young people with other young people

Let teenagers know that you are proud of and excited by their talents, capabilities, and discoveries.

Support teenagers as they struggle with issues and questions of identity

Let teenagers know that you are willing to listen if they want to talk about their sense of purpose in life, including their ideas about how they would like to contribute to the world.

And I would add to use the strengths perspective. Catch youth doing something right. Notice their good points.

And most importantly, accept and affirm who they are, not just what they do. So many youth today have grown up with shame and humiliation. They need to feel they are okay for who they are.

You all have the opportunity to be that person in a youth's life. The one who helps them see themselves in a new positive light.

Till tomorrow
LA

Social Competencies

Happy Friday,

I am off to Memphis this weekend for their music festival.

Today we will talk about social competencies. These are the life skills that youth need to make good personal choices, develop healthy relationships and to contribute to society. We can teach these skills in subtle ways and also in obvious ones.

At Oasis we spend a lot of our afternoon group time on communication skills and life choices. We spend our family sessions on communication. These are big areas. They include: decision making, planning, resisting, conflict resolution skills and more.

Really it is about how we get along with others and keep our self healthy. I know many adults who struggle with that one (me included). When one comes from a home environment that is dysfunctional, these skills are lacking.

Here are some tips:

Watch for opportunities to coach teens in good communication skills and peaceful conflict resolution. (not hard to do that in our shelters is it?)
Help youth recognize and name theri feelings
Help youth have empathy
Brainstorm solutions together with those in conflict
Teach nonverbal communication skills
Teach respectful communication
Help teens interact well together
Teach good decision making
Introduce diversity into your programs with volunteers of different backgrounds, ethnicity, etc.
Teach cultural sensitivity.

This is hard. I think of how teenage boys talk to each other...whew, not real respectful or sensitive!!

I would add, taking teens on field trips to experience new and different settings too.

I would love to know how you all work on these areas!

Have a great weekend!

LA

Positive Values

Hello!

We are up to the Positive Values asset group. Aquiring values is a crucial part of youth development. Values clarification used to be big...in the 80s maybe? But I don't hear much about values today. Asset Development says we can expect youth to behave in ways that are consistent with the values in our programs.

So what are values afterall?

Values are those things that really matter to each of us ... the ideas and beliefs we hold as special. Caring for others, for example, is a value; so is the freedom to express our opinions.

Most of us learned our values - or morals, if you prefer - at home, at church or synagogue, at school. But, where are our children learning their values? Maybe from parents, teachers and religious leaders, but society has changed. Too often young people today are most influenced by what they see and hear on television or on the street.

Here is a value clarification activity.

We use a values activity similar to this when we train volunteers for street outreach. We want to make sure that they don't judge the homeless.

Here are some tips for helping you develop values or at least get the teens to think about them:

Talk about values
Use games and activities to help youth explore their values
Encourage youth to question their values
Be committed to promote positive values & put signs, posters, etc. up
Point out youth's behavior that reflects positive values
Encourage youth to take responsibility for their behavior.
Encourage adults to apologize if they need to
Encourage youth to mentor and help other youth
Use service learning projects to promote the postive values of caring, responsibility and social justice
Teach and role-play skills and decision making.

On the other hand, someone told me once that if you want to see what people really value, look at what they do, not what they say. Ouch! :)

Till tomorrow.

LA