ydn 2007 annual report full

2007 Annual Report

Cover photo: Youth interns 2007.

Youth Development Network2007 Annual Report

“All too often we are giving young people cut flowers when we should be teaching them to grow their own plants.”— John W. Gardner

Table of Contents

Who We Are . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Co-Executive Directors’ Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Training. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Youth Leadership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Policy Change. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Thank You. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Who We AreThis region’s leading resource on the youth development approach.

52007 Annual Report

History

The Youth Development Network (YDN) collaborates with individuals, organizations, families and communities throughout the Sacramento region who are committed to promoting positive development of children and youth. Started in 2000 as the Youth Service Providers Network, we provide training and networking activities to support organizations that work with youth. We are forever grateful to the Sierra Health Foundation and Sutter Health for their significant investment in YDN over the past seven years. We are also deeply appreciative of the support from the United Way, the City and County of Sacramento, the Sacramento County Office of Education and the Sacramento Employment and Training Agency who were also instrumental in helping launch our work in 2000 and who have remained committed to this work through 2007.

Vision and Mission

VisionCommunities filled with young people who can achieve personal and academic success, be connected to adults and their community, have a positive vision of their future and grow up to be healthy, productive and civic-minded adults who are supported by families, schools, and communities working together.

MissionTo create communities where all youth participate, thrive and give back. To achieve this goal, YDN equips communities and organizations to create life changing experiences that result in youth success. YDN does this through its training efforts, networking and policy work.

Co-Executive Directors’ ReportThe year in review.

72007 Annual Report

It’s been said that if an organization wants to succeed it must always be open to examining its vision, mission and processes. In 2007, YDN did just that! Quite obviously, we now have a new name and look that we think more accurately represents the services we provide for youth providers within the Sacramento region. While our new name is the most visible change in 2008, we’ve also been working very hard to solidify our mission, vision and core values. The result? The Youth Development Network is now an official nonprofit, with a Board of Directors who is committed to the sustainability of our work. Even though 2007 brought change, the Youth Development Network continues to offer the same amazing services we always have, under the same all-star staff. We continue our commitment to partner with like-minded organizations that have an interest in promoting the youth development approach.

Here are some of our major accomplishments in 2007:

We now have five organizations throughout the region • that can deliver our successful four-day youth development institute training in their spheres of influence.

An entire school district (Black Oak Mine) has embraced • the youth development model and received the “100 Best Communities” Award from America’s Promise as a youth centered community.

City of Sacramento Parks and Recreation Department • now uses the youth development lens as their foundation for delivering programs and training staff. We created the Human Development Institute for City Staff to help build an organizational culture that supports youth development.

Seven Sierra Health Foundation funded community coalitions • (REACH) from the region, supported by YDN, have set the stage to advance youth development in their communities by embracing youth as active resources in the change process.

8 Youth Development Network

Co-Executive Directors’ Report — The Year in Review

Countless youth practitioners from dozens of communities • are using the five supports and opportunities as pillars for their youth programs.

We supported development of the Capitol Region Ready by 21 • Coalition (RBy21), who in partnership with the City Office of Youth Development, County Office of Education and Children’s Coalition, created a regional “compact” for children and youth. In spring 2008, the compact was signed by 220 community stakeholders.

In partnership with Rby21, El Dorado Youth Commission and • Center for Civic Participation, we developed and delivered a two day training for 35 youth on how to get involved in policy work.

We were invited to partner with the Forum For Youth • Investment and the Georgetown Divide Ready by 21 Coalition to promote a regional “Quality Counts” effort that includes training, program assessment and creation of a regional strategy to support professional development.

Through support of Sutter Health Foundation, we created • the Youth Engagement Learning Community that trained and coached 12 agencies and their youth to improve youth leadership opportunities. Five YDN high school interns co-facilitated the trainings with YDN staff.

Sierra Health Foundation invited YDN to develop the first • REACH Youth Leadership Camp. YDN helped organize a very successful experience at Grizzly Creek for 100 youth from seven coalitions, representing a wide range of communities and cultures.

While 2007’s successes left us with a great sense of accomplishment, in 2008 we are focusing on working with more schools, other communities in the region, the faith community and after school programs to ensure all sectors embrace a common language and

92007 Annual Report

Co-Executive Directors’ Report — The Year in Review

instill youth development practices in their work. Our ultimate goal is for all children and youth to have opportunities to participate, thrive, contribute and effectively transition to adulthood. In 2008, we continue to build systems to support this work. By the time 2008 closes we will have created the mainframe for a truly dynamic youth development trainer’s network, and deepened our partnerships with REACH sites, Health Professions High School, Area Congregations Together, and State Funded After School and Service Learning Programs throughout the region. We will have strengthened our network of youth providers by upgrading our web page, electronic updates and networking strategies as well as formalizing YDN’s policy agenda. On behalf of the Board of Directors and YDN staff, we thank you for your support and encouragement to the youth development field. We hope that after reading our 2007 Annual Report you will want to share your gifts and talents with an organization that puts youth at the center of everything it does!

— Executive Directors Bina Lefkovitz & Adrian Ruiz

TrainingHands-on professional training and technical support.

112007 Annual Report

Youth Development Institute (YDI) and Other Youth Worker Trainings

In 2007, YDN used various workshops and their flagship YDI trainings to reach over 1200 individuals, a third of which were youth. In addition, YDN worked with almost 50 organizations, programs and agencies which in turn serve thousands of youth. During these trainings, participants receive professional development through various skill-based trainings as well as customized technical assistance to create quality programs based on youth development principles and strategies. For a summary of YDN trainings, visit the YDN web site at www.ydnetwork.org. YDN also partnered with the Center for Civic Education and brought in a trainer to lead court and community school staff on service learning and policy development.

Human Development Institute—Train the Trainers

In 2004, the YDN, in partnership with Sacramento Parks and Recreation Department, developed a Human Development Institute (HDI). This four day training applies YDN core youth development principles to how organizations treat and support staff; creating caring, engaging and supportive environments for staff. The HDI focuses on four primary pathways—safety, relationship building, engagement, and personal development. In 2007, YDN developed the HDI Train the Trainers program, in which 12 staff from the Parks Department were trained on facilitation techniques and mastery of the four pathways. Before the year ended, this group of trainers facilitated a four day HDI to 30 of their peers.

Youth Engagement Learning Community (YE LC)

From June to December 2007, the Youth Engagement Learning Community (YE LC), funded by Sutter Health, convened teams of youth and adults from nine regional agencies (page 29) to participate in intensive youth engagement training. Following the


Training

training, each organization received up to 10 hours of customized coaching. The Youth Development Network employed five youth interns to co-facilitate the training and assist in coaching, while serving as a model of youth engagement in action. The project aimed to result in more high-level youth engagement in programs and communities, thereby leading to more youth developing the critical skills they need to navigate their adolescence, making healthy choices, and succeeding as adults. Lea Rathbun, of the Folsom Cordova Unified School District, took her staff team through the YE LC training and said the training has made a strong impact on the school district’s practices:

“The effects of the YE LC training and coaching have significantly assisted the FCUSD YE team in modeling high end youth engagement practices through our district’s transition committee. In spring, the youth shared information about youth engagement and introduced the youth development model to the school board. Many adults in school leadership roles later contacted the team to share how impressed they were with the youth that presented and wanted the team to share information in other district meetings. The presentation has served as a catalyst to other positive opportunities to increase youth engagement through the school district. Adults are beginning to really listen and see just how resourceful and dynamic young people are.”

Sierra Health Partnering /REACH – Customized Technical Assistance

In 2007, YDN was honored to be asked by the Sierra Health Foundation (in collaboration with two other community partners) to provide technical assistance around the youth development approach to support all of the seven REACH Coalitions. A complete list of the seven REACH coalitions can be found on page 29. YDN also provided various levels of support to REACH by means of trainings/workshops, coaching, and resources. The


Training

trainings/workshops have included topics such as: Youth Voice in Forum/Conference Planning, Action Planning – Diversity Workshop, Facilitation and Youth Adult Partnerships. The training workshops were attended by 40-50 youth and adults on average. The intent of the training/workshops was to align with the coalitions work as well as strengthen the skills and the knowledge of the youth and adults so that they could then be empowered to implement changes in their communities to expand the quantity and quality of developmental supports and opportunities for youth ages 10-15. YDN also provided training and coaching to three community based organizations including:

Assisting Soil Born Farms in teaching their young people how • to lead focus groups.

Providing leadership development training for The El Dorado • County Youth Commission.

Providing technical assistance to Esparto RISE around • developing strong relationships with young people, as well as engaging young people as resources.

“Early in my career with the City of Sacramento I began to hear phrases like ‘youth leadership,’ ‘youth development’ and ‘youth voice.’ I knew that these words meant something so I began to model my program in a way that reflected them. Although I had created a leadership group I wasn’t entirely sure what they should lead and as I worked with a high risk population I struggled to break down their barriers between each other and staff members. YDN gave me the tools and overall vision I needed to truly connect with the program participants and give them a chance to connect with each other. The participants benefited tremendously because of my YDN training. The leadership group had gained a sense of purpose. The participants all became friends and many shared with me that the program had changed their lives and their futures. Thank you YDN.”

—Christina DeMoss-Giffin, Youth Resource Coordinator, City of Sacramento

NetworkingPromoting best practices and connecting resources.


YDI Alumni Meetings

YDN’s ongoing networking and support opportunities for training alumni are a way to give organizations the necessary training they need to continue providing exemplary youth programs. In 2007, YDN hosted five alumni events covering a variety of topics, including two exclusive sessions for Executive Directors of YDI Alumni agencies.

Conferences/Convenings

YDN hosts convenings of youth providers to create networking and learning opportunities. In 2007, YDN helped coordinate three conferences/convenings—“Service Learning” in partnership with Region 3, a conference with UC Davis Community and Youth Development Departments, and Sierra Health’s REACH Youth Development Conference. At the REACH Conference, which had 300 attendees, YDN facilitated several workshops.

Communications

YDN also connects with the youth provider community through print and web vehicles. Organizations have complete access to the YDN web site, containing regional training opportunities relevant to youth development; grant and funding opportunities; job, internship and volunteer listings; up-to-date “in the field” research; reports on trends and developments in the youth development field; and a monthly downloadable “ice breaker” tip to use with youth programs. YDN currently maintains a database of 4,600 contacts including individuals and organizations.

Trainer’s Network

YDN successfully implemented its “Train the Trainers” program with staff from Black Oak Mine School District, Sacramento Parks and Recreation Department, Oak Park Multi-Services Center and the El Dorado Hills Coalition. YDN trained 18 staff from these four organizations, and they in turn delivered YDI’s to their organizations and communities. As a result, the Sacramento region benefited from additional YDI’s.

Youth LeadershipEngaging youth in leadership and service.


Although YDN’s main focus is supporting adults to create more effective environments for youth, our organization is increasingly being asked to provide youth leadership training directly with youth. The following describes our youth leadership work. In 2007, Sierra Health Foundation invited YDN to develop the REACH youth leadership camp. This memorable four day camp experience for 65 youths and 14 adult chaperones was overwhelmingly successful across all seven coalitions. The camp was a supportive and collaborative experience within the REACH community. The relationships built during this week were particularly obvious during the last campfire when many tears were shed, sounds of laughter echoed throughout the amphitheater and the imaginary borders that segregated campers in their coalitions on day one were no longer visible. YDN also coordinates the Sacramento Youth Leadership Program Camp, originally started by class VI of the American Leadership Forum. The YDN takes 25 youth from urban and rural communities and teaches leadership skills. Each year, returning youth play an increasingly greater role in developing and leading the camp. Training youth to co-train and co-facilitate alongside our staff is another way that YDN promotes youth leadership. In 2007, five youth spent the year with YDN staff as part of our intern program, developing their skills, and learning to co-facilitate and co-train YDN activities. Their main responsibility was to deliver the YE LC training which supports organizations in engaging youth in leadership and service. This was the second year that YDN had interns as our staff.


Youth Leadership

YDN Youth Interns

Jasmine

A senior at Rosemont High School, Jasmine enjoys playing soccer, hanging out with friends, and going to the movies. She considers one of her achievements to be that she constantly strives to keep good grades in school.

Asha

A returning YDN intern from last year, Asha is a senior at Sacramento High School (Law and Public Service). In her spare time, Asha likes playing with her nephews and niece. She is also a student Senator for the 11th grade.

Helen

Helen is a sophomore at Sacramento High School, where she is also in the Student Senate. She likes to read, dance, play basketball, softball and golf, and provides service to others.

Sarah

Sarah is in the ninth grade at Rosemont High School. She enjoys reading, writing, acting, and swimming. She is constantly seeking new adventures and exploits.

Erika

Another returning YDN intern, Erika is a junior at Rosemont High School. She loves to swim and ski. Erika also takes great pride in who she is and where she comes from. (She loves Mexico!) She also wants to credit her grandma for all of the efforts that have helped Erika to be where she is today.

Our five 2007 interns are proudly featured on the cover of this report.


REACH Youth Leadership Camp – Grizzly Creek

Policy ChangeBeing a voice for youth.


Ready by 21

The Capitol Region Ready by 21 Coalition is part of a national effort by the Forum for Youth Investment which is dedicated to increasing public will and changing systems to ensure all youth are ready for college, work and life by the time they’re 21 years old. In 2007, Rby21 had the following successes:

With the generous support of the Sierra Health Foundation, • Rby21 was able to hire a facilitator for the program. YDN served as fiscal agent for the grant.

The coalition developed a parent resource guide spotlighting • local Healthy Kids Survey data and provided links to community resources.

In partnership with the City and School District officials, City • of Sacramento, Sacramento County Children’s Coalition, Sacramento County Office of Education as well as other Rby21 partners, the coalition developed a community compact for children and youth success. Additionally, 50 youth received training in policy/advocacy.

The coalition planned a community convening for gaining • public commitment to the Compact. The convening was held at the Sam Pannell Community Center in 2008 with over 220 attendees signing the compact. For more information, go to www.ydnetwork.org/Ready by 21.

Partnership for College Access & Success (PCAS)

In 2007, YDN was awarded a grant by the Lumina Foundation through the Academy for Educational Development, to evaluate the PCAS project currently operating at Hiram Johnson High School. PCAS is designed to help more students have access to and succeed in college. YDN will be publishing a case study of the model to spotlight its successes, and interest other schools in replicating the work. Additionally, YDN will convene stakeholders to seek ongoing


Policy Change

support from the district for the work at Hiram Johnson and expand college access efforts for all students at other area schools. The work will be completed by Fall 2008.

Quality Counts

Sacramento is part of a national effort by the Forum for Youth Investment, to strengthen the systems which support high quality programs in communities. In 2007, the Forum selected the Ready by 21 coalition of the Georgetown Divide in partnership with YDN, to become part of the national Quality Counts effort. Under Quality Counts, YDN and the Georgetown Divide Ready by 21Coalition will be hosting a series of trainings around program quality improvement, raising awareness around quality programs, supporting agencies in using the quality assessment tools to make program changes, working to develop a plan to support a regional professional development system for youth workers, and strengthening the human services workforce. The workforce strategies include: adoption by the local Workforce Investment Board of the human services sectors as a critical industry, study around creating a youth worker certificate program at the community college level, and creation of high school career pathways to support teens interested in human services as a future career. This work will get underway in 2008.

Community Outreach

YDN continues to serve on various boards to be the voice for the youth development approach where policy is made. These boards include: The Youth Council of the Workforce Investment Act, County of Sacramento Children’s Report Card, United Way Education Impact Council, Region 3 Service Learning Regional Leads and Region 3 After School Programs Advisory Board. YDN has supported the Stand Together campaign by serving on their leadership team and offering our expertise on strategy development.

Thank YouFor your long-standing support.


We extend our thanks to all of our volunteers, funders and collaborative partners for their long-standing support and vision for youth development in our region!

Funders

Sierra Health FoundationSutter Medical Center-SacramentoSacramento Employment and Training Agency (SETA)Department of Human Assistance (DHA)Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)The Sacramento Bee

Collaborative Partners

City of Sacramento-Parks and Recreation DepartmentSacramento County Office of Education (SCOE)Black Oak Mine Unified School District (BOMUSD)San Juan Unified School DistrictREACH Program of Sierra Health FoundationRegion 3 After School TA CenterYolo County Office of Education/Region 3 Service Learning CenterLinking Education and Economic Development (LEED)University of CA Davis El Dorado County Youth Commission

United WaySoil Born FarmsArea Congregations Together (ACT)Health Professions High School

2007 YDN Advisory Committee

Marianne BirdMarty CavanaughJim GastonSteve HeathKathy KossickSuzanne MayesMarilyn McGinnisDorothy MeehanKim MohlerKeri Thomas

YDI Alumni Committee

Daniel CoxJim GastonBeryl JohnsonSharon LambertOlga LockettKenneth LoganScott MautteSuzanne MayesMarilyn McGinnisJoe Tassinari

Appendix


The nine YE LC agencies are:

City of Fairfield Youth Commission•

Cottage Housing-SKYLAB•

Folsom Cordova Unified School District•

Grant High School – GEO•

Hmong Women’s Heritage Association•

Sacramento ACT•

Next Generation Youth Ministry•

West Sacramento Youth Resource Coalition•

Woodland Youth Council•

The seven REACH Coalitions are:

Galt Area Youth Coalition•

Vision Coalition of El Dorado Hills•

Cordova Community Collaborative for Healthy • Children and Families

Area Congregations Together (ACT) Organizing for • Youth Opportunities in Meadowview

South Sacramento Coalition for Future Leaders•

West Sacramento Youth Resources Coalition•

Woodland Coalition for Youth•


Appendix

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 269003 | Sacramento, CA 95826-9003 | Physical Address: 10474 Mather Blvd. | Mather, CA 95655 | Ph: 916.231.5333 | Fax: 916.231.5334

Contracted Technical Assistance

33%

CommunityTrainings

8% Youth InternProgram - YE LC

15%

Fiscal Agency Fee to LEED

7%

Special Projects (SYLP, Rby21, ProjCitz)

4%

Policy 5%

Agency CapacityBuilding

*501(C)3 Incorp. *Legal Fees *Fund Dev. *Marketing

28%

2007 YDN Key Projects (Expense Allocation)

Contracted TechnicalAssistance

38%

Special Projects (SYLP, Rby21, ProjCitz)

9%CommunityTraining

2%

Personal Donations0%

Foundation - Grants51%

2007 YDN Revenue Sources


Appendix

Board Roster (as of April 2008)

Marty Cavanaugh Board PresidentDeputy Superintendent,Sacramento County Office of Education

Suzanne Mayes Board SecretaryIndependent Consultant

Brent McClure Board CFO/TreasurerSenior Vice President,Umpqua Bank

Camille BenvenutiCommunity Volunteer

Susan FrazierIndependent Consultant

Vincene JonesDirector, Neighborhood Services Department

Sotiris KolokotronisOwner, SKK Developments

Dorothy MeehanIndependent Consultant

Kim MohlerRecreation Superintendent,City of Sacramento, Parks & Recreation

Dr. Barbara O’ConnorProfessor, California State University

Maryann O’SullivanCommunity Volunteer

Lily RankinsCommunity Volunteer – Student

Sandra VargasSenior Legislative Advocate,Strategic Advocates

Christine WelschSacramento Works!/SETA,Workforce Development Manager

Participatory Youth Board Members

Sarah Blackwell-SimonYouth – Community Volunteer

Erika RomeroYouth – Community Volunteer

This report was designed by and prepared in consultation with 3Fold Communications, thanks to a generous grant from the Community Benefits program of Sutter Medical Center Sacramento (SMSC). Thank you, Sutter Health and 3Fold, for helping us tell our story.

Mailing Address

P.O. Box 269003Sacramento, CA 95826-9003

Physical Address

10474 Mather Blvd. Mather, CA 95655

Ph: 916.231.5333 Fax: 916.231.5334

www.ydnetwork.org

ydn 2007 annual report full

Documents

youth development approach

youth providers

youth success

youth development model

youth interns

sacramento region

county of sacramento

training efforts