Conferences

Tuesday, January 15, 2008
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Breakout Sessions - choose one to attend
Program Track - choose between 2 topics Session 1 Topic: Youth Action Crews – Community Resource Mapping Session 2 Topic: Experiential Education and Youth Engagement	Research Track Session 1 Topic: Research Panel Improving Youth engagement work: Where is the ‘good’ research and how can I use it? Part 2 Session 2 Topic: Program Leader Panel Nuts and Bolts: Research and Evaluation as the foundation to your program Part 2	Workforce Track - choose between 2 topics Session 1 Topic: Assets for Educators Session 2 Topic: Girls in Action™ with Dr. Verna Price
Session 1: Beki Saito The Youth Action Crew Project was developed to better understand whether Minneapolis youth attend after-school and what barriers to participation existed, the “youth resource mapping” strategy - that is the documentation of youth supports, opportunities and services in a community. Youth, in partnership with adults, engaged in the mapping the formal and informal community resources, conducted surveys of other youth about program participation, and, in several locations, took steps to mobilize youth and adults to address community issues. Beki Saito was instrumental in the development and creation of the Youth Action Crew. In the session, Beki will share her experiences as the innovator of this very organic, youth and adult driven project.	Session 1: “Improving Youth engagement work: Where is the ‘good’ research and how can I use it? Part 2 A continuation from the first breakout discussion on what current research says about the usefulness of good research and how research is vital to program improvement. This presentation will allow time for dialogue between presenters and participants to discuss the challenges, barriers and successes of identifying and effectively using research. Researcher Panel Presenters: Peter Rode, Minnesota Department of Health Jodi Dworkin, Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Social Science, Minnesota Extension Nicole LaVoi, Associate Director of the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport Richard Chase, Consulting Scientist, Wilder Research	Session 1: Nathan Eklund Education Liaison, Search Institute Applying the 40 Developmental Assets® framework to professional development and staff climate is the key piece in a new initiative being developed by Search Institute called Great Places to Teach. This model provides educators and administrators with practical tools and suggestions for using assets in creating and fostering asset building between teachers, administrators, and the broader community. You will learn the importance of peer-to-peer asset building, practical means of developing assets within a school staff and the results of initial research being done by Search Institute.
Session 2: Eric Billiet *Session information: (NOTE: This is a 2 part session – conference attendees should plan to attend both sessions at 1:45 and at 3:00 p.m.)* THE GARAGE is a community center / music venue operated by the City of Burnsville. It is a safe environment where teenagers can excel! It strives to be a place where young people can just be themselves and have access to the resources and tools they need to accomplish their goals. Young people want to do extraordinary things, but for kids with interests in creative arts, music and dance, the world often leaves them without a place to excel; a place where they can get the encouragement and support they need to do the great things we know they are capable of. Eric will be discussing how THE GARAGE implements research on Experiential Education and Youth Engagement into policy, procedures, and programming. The discussion will focus on how to move research into practice, both the struggles and rewards.	Session 2: A continuation from the first breakout discussion on research that has been used by program leaders as an integral part of their program improvement plans. This presentation will provide the opportunity for a more in depth discussion between panelists and participants to discuss the successes, challenges and barriers to program evaluation. Program Panel Presenters: Wendy Wheeler, President and a founder of the Innovation Center for Community and Youth Development Al Ickler, Manager of Community Education Programs for Minneapolis Schools. Delroy Calhoun, Center Director for Loring Nicollet Bethlehem Community Centers Inc. Jenny Wright, Director of the Minneapolis Beacons Network	Session 2: Girls in Action™ with Dr. Verna Price Girls in Action™ is a weekly project that extends throughout the school year and is integrated into the regular school day. The project is an innovative four tiered program that strives to decrease and prevent violence among urban high school girls while positively reengaging them in academics and leadership. Hear from the members of Girls in Action about the four components of the project, the outcomes they have experienced, and ways youth and adults can work together to build a community where all can thrive.