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2003 Conference
Invitation - Sponsors
- Presenters - Sunday - Monday - Tuesday - Registration
Sunday, October 12, 2003
“Character Building and Self Esteem”
Institute A, 1:15 PM to 5:00 PM
 Presenter:
Rick Gould is the Associate Executive Director of the Central Branch YMCA
in Wilmington DE. During his career with the YMCA, he has worked with teens
for
over 12 years, has been recognized for developing creative approaches to substance
abuse prevention and has also served as the Director for the YMCA of the USA's
East Field Teen Leadership Training School. With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology
and a Master's Degree in Public Administration, Rick also has experience in
inpatient adolescent drug treatment. Rick has facilitated trainings in
conflict resolution,
youth development, and youth substance abuse prevention. He is a faculty trainer
for the YMCA of the USA's Principles of Youth Work Training Modules. Rick currently
lives in Wilmington, Delaware with his wife, Kerri and his 18-month-old son,
Wesley.
Workshop Description:
This course was designed to help participants learn ways to establish character
development and to encourage self-esteem development in teen programs and
services. During the past 20 years however, research conducted by the Search
Institute
into "developmental assets" has breathed new life into teen programs
and has given us all new tools to use when developing and implementing youth
programs that make a difference in our community. Through this interactive
workshop, participants will be challenged to recommit themselves to accepting
and developing
positive values and positive assets in our youth. (There is a $15 certification
fee for YMCA employees or volunteers who would like to take this course as
credit toward YMCA Youth Worker certification. You do not have to be a YMCA
employee
or volunteer to take this course.)
Learning Objectives:
- To learn the philosophy behind the YMCA character development
movement.
- To learn what "positive assets" are and why they are important.
- To learn how to build "positive assets" in youth, with an
emphasis on self-esteem.
“Working with Youth Ages 10-14”
Institute B, 1:15PM to 5:00 PM
Presenter:
Ayanna Traylor is the Achievers Director of the YMCA of Philadelphia
in Philadelphia PA. Ayanna is a Philadelphia Native, and is a graduate
of Temple University.
She has worked for 8 years as a Program Director with the YMCA of Philadelphia
and vicinity, having worked at both inner city and suburban branches since
1996. She is involved in many areas of YMCA work and serves as the Association’s
Technical Expert for the Youth Development Cabinet. She is also a trainer for
YMCA of the USA and is the Assistant Director of the YMCA Teen Leadership Training
School serving teens in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland and Washington,
D.C.
Workshop Description:
This workshop will cover the developmental stages of early adolescence
focusing on physical, cognitive, emotional and social development.
Learning
Objectives:
- Participants will understand the developmental stages
of early adolescence.
- An analysis of the basic needs of teens will be explored.
- Participants will learn a variety of age-appropriate activities
to use with this age group.
“ Acting Out: Using Theater Improv to Empower Youth”
Workshop Session One, #1, 1:15 PM to 3:00 PM
 Presenters:
Dayna Scott is the Coordinator of See Why-Connecting Youth (www.seewhy.info)
of Shelburne, VT. See-Why is a community-based organization in dedicated to
creating a safe and healthy environment where young people can thrive. The
See Why Improv Troupe has performed extensively throughout Vermont, most recently
at the Vermont state-wide "Our Voices Exposed: Anti-Tobacco Conference" Burlington.
Last year, the troupe traveled to Albuquerque, New Mexico to lead a workshop
at the ACME Media Literacy Conference. Keegan Allen, Chrissy Bedard, Paulla
Flash, Suzzy Guevara and Kate Wheeler are all students of Champlain Valley
Union High School in Hinesburg,
VT. The
See Why Improv Troupe is comprised of 22 high school students who seek to
educate, empower, and inspire people to become leaders for positive
change. Using theater
improve games, they raise awareness about issues effecting youth such as:
substance abuse, violence, media influences, and stress.
Workshop Description:
Learn how to use theater improvisation as a tool for empowering youth.
This highly interactive workshop will educate, empower, and inspire
people to
become leaders for positive change. Using theater improve games, (like the
television
show “Whose Line Is It Anyway”), the troupe raises awareness
about important issues affecting youth. This workshop will be interactive
and fun
and more importantly, it will provide participants with specific tools to
spread a youth empowerment message in their own communities.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify three important issues that matter to youth today.
- Facilitate at least three theater improvisation games
that address these issues.
- Demonstrate how to use theater improvisation to promote
asset-building in their own communities.
“
Project ASK – Integrating the Assets”
Workshop Session One, #2, 1:15 PM to 3:00 PM
Presenters:
Michelee Curtze is the Coordinator of Project ASK in Edinboro, PA.
Michelee is presently working in the area of prevention for the North
West Tri-County
Intermediate Unit #5 and was previously the Assistant Principal at Strong Vincent
Middle/High School in Erie, PA before retiring in 1999 to pursue a new career
in the area of Conflict Resolution.  Michelle helped develop the Peer Mediation
and Conflict Resolution programs for the City of Erie Schools as well as several
county schools for the past ten years. She has presented many training workshops
at the local, state, and national level.
Bill Dunbar is the Manager of Human Resources for General Electric Transportation
based in Erie, PA. Bill has been with G.E. Transportation since 1990 and was
previously the Management Negotiator/Consultant for a division of the Pennsylvania
State Department of Education. Bill joined the Corporate Human Resource Staff
of Hammermill Paper Company in 1983 and in 1987 became Manager of Training
and Compensation for International Paper Company. He joined General Electric
Transportation Systems in 1990.
Workshop Description:
Project ASK is a collaborative learning experience conducted by the
Erie School District, G.E. Transportation Systems, and the Erie Community.
We believe that
schools will be more effective developing students to their fullest potential
when working in collaboration with families, business, and the community. The
purpose of this program is to enable students with unrecognized ability and
underdeveloped potential to begin to view themselves as capable, motivated,
resilient learners. This is a teambuilding process to enhance the individual.
We want youth to believe the world is a positive place, that they can accomplish
what they want, and that they can gain satisfaction from life.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will learn how to become a great mentor and
get actively involved with youth in their community.
- Participants will learn how to increase the asset building
efforts that already exist in schools and community.
- Learn how to re-create and adapt this program for your
community
“Assets 101: An Introduction to the 40 Developmental Assets”
Workshop Session One, #3, 1:15 PM to 3:00 PM
Presenter:
Katie Claussen is a student at Indiana University, Bloomington, IN.
Katie has been involved in community activities throughout her high
school and college
careers. With a passion for youth advocacy and empowerment, she found her niche
in Teen.TAPS: Teenagers Taking Action to Power Solutions, which she co-founded
in October 2000. Under her leadership, Teen.TAPS has led a campaign to change
a Pennsylvania state law to allow young people to serve as full members of
non-profit organizational boards. She is enjoying pursuing her other interests
at college: Ultimate Frisbee and Latino culture. When not at school in the
Midwest, Katie resides in Bethlehem, PA
Workshop Description:
This workshop is a primer about Search Institute’s 40 Developmental
Assets and the ways that communities around the country are embracing
the framework.
Participants will understand how the 40 Assets movement enhances existing positive
youth development programs and initiatives. Attendees will engage in fun, yet
informative, activities to gain an understanding of the context in which the
40 Assets are applied and their positive impact on young people. In addition,
this interactive workshop will offer participants the opportunity to apply
the 40 Assets to their own lives.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will be able to demonstrate an understanding
of the concept of developmental assets.
- Participants will be able to delineate how the assets
approach can be used to foster the mission of their organization,
school or family.
- Participants will be able to place the assets movement
in context with other positive youth development trends, programs,
and practices.
“ Creating a Statewide Asset Building Network”
Workshop Session One, #4, 1:15 PM to 3:00 PM
Facilitator: Carol Staubauch is the Coordinator of
the Rose Tree Healthy Communities Initiative in Media, PA. Her focus
as the coordinator is to support
the development of
community infrastructure, launch and maintain a preventive collaborative to
promote healthy youth development and create a community environment that promotes
health and well being of all residents. Prior to co-founding Comstock Consulting
Group, Carol was Director of Health Services for Consolidated Rail Corporation,
a Class I freight railroad serving the northeast and Midwest United States.
She developed and managed the integrated delivery of disability management,
vocational rehabilitation, employee assistance services, and health promotion
through field-based health services teams. Carol served as project manager
for the redesign of Conrail’s Personal
Injury Risk Management Program. This innovative cross-functional effort to
control economic and humanistic costs associated with occupational injuries
in the railroad led to a major reduction in lost time injuries, lost time
days, and total claims costs, as well as improved care of employees.
Carol received
her BA degree in Sociology and American Studies from Bowling Green State
University. She has dual certifications in Rehabilitation Counseling
and Case Management.
Workshop Description: This workshop will specifically be for people throughout Pennsylvania
interested in working together to plan more strategically how to
build a state-wide
network of “asset builders”. The Pennsylvania Assets Network
has been in existence since 1999 and has been meeting on a quarterly basis.
This meeting
will focus on creating a plan for the next year to move to the next level.
Plans include discussion of future meeting formats, conducting a needs assessment
for the training needs, and the creation of a state wide advocacy group.
First timers are welcome.
Learning Objectives:
- Create a plan of action for the next year for the Pennsylvania
Assets Network.
- Make connections with other “like-minded” individuals throughout
the state.
- Share ideas and resources with other people involved in
asset building initiatives throughout the state.
“
Tag,You’re It! 50 Easy Ways to Connect with Young People”
Workshop Session Two, # 5, 3:15 PM to 5:00 PM
 Presenter: Kathleen Kimball-Baker is the Director of Publishing for Search Institute
in Minneapolis, MN. Kathleen is the author of Tag, You’re It!
50 Easy Ways to Connect with Young People. Search Institute is a nonprofit
organization
whose mission is to provide leadership, knowledge and resources to promote
healthy children, youth and communities. Kathleen has been a reporter, editor
and publisher in newspaper, magazine, and book publishing for more than 26
years. She has served on the steering committee of her Neighborhood Revitalization
Program initiative advocating for youth issues.
Workshop Description:
It is through relationships with many caring, principled adults (not
just parents) that young people build the strengths, skills and resiliencies
they need to
succeed. Yet far too few young people and adults connect at all, let alone
connect in meaningful ways. This session will show how to bridge the gap, why
it is so important, how easy it really is, how rewarding youth-adult relationships
are – and how critical these connections are to thriving communities.
Learning Objectives:
- To realize how important it is in healthy communities
for adults to connect with young people.
- To learn how easy it is to build connections (even for
introverts!).
- To understand how rewarding it is to build connections
for both adults and teens.
“
How Do You Know if You Are in Love?”
Workshop Session Two, #6, 3:15 PM to 5:00 PM
Presenter:
Paddy Wells is an author and psychologist based in Horseheads, NY.
Workshop Description:
This session will focus on gaining a working definition of what love
really is and what it requires of us to make it lasts. It will
help you get in touch
with your personal love-story and give you tools for improving your relationships
with significant others.
“ Building Community through Video Production with Youth”
Workshop Session Two, #7, 3:15PM to 5:00 PM
 Presenter: John Venner is the President of Pennridge Community Communications,
Inc., based in Perkasie, PA. John is currently a teacher at Palisades
High School and has
founded Pennridge Community Communications, a non-profit organization aimed
at bringing community and youth together through multimedia productions. John
has taught high school for the last ten years. He has previously worked in
the business sector with an eight-year industry background in engineering,
marketing and management. John was key player in the development of the Palisades
High School Academy and continues to use multimedia technology in that program
to deliver academic, teamwork, problem solving and interpersonal skills. He
holds an engineering degree from Lafayette College and a Masters of Education
from Cabrini College. John is a resident of Perkasie, PA.
Workshop Description:
Through several years of experience John Venner has experienced first
hand the power of multimedia based community projects. Community
based video projects
specifically require strong reading, writing, social, technical, creative,
communication, organization and interpersonal skills. Youth involved in creating
these projects are not only exposed to the concept of community responsibility,
each individual on the project team also builds an understanding of their own
personal strengths and weaknesses, the power of self-confidence and the importance
of teamwork. In addition to the above, topics covered will include choosing
the right medium, developing effective communication products, video pre-production,
production and post-production processes, technical issues and necessary equipment.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the Multimedia Communication Process
- Understand the steps involved in Video Production
- Be able to identify the skills involved in the Video Production
process
“Leadership: The Reward is the Journey”
Workshop Session Two, #8, 3:15 PM to 5:00 PM
 Presenters: Dan Horgan is the Founder and Executive Director
of Allegheny County’s
Promise in Pittsburgh, PA. At the age of 19, Daniel Horgan founded Allegheny
County’s Promise and now serves as the youngest member of the National
Board of Directors for America’s Promise, which was established under
the leadership of Retired General Colin Powell. Daniel has worked with the
Content of Our Character Project at Duke University and Pennsylvania’s
Communities that Care and published The Ethics Toolbox, a community resource
for teachers, service providers, and parents on ethical decision-making. He
has worked in the public and private sector and has a fundraising portfolio
of more than $1 million. President George W. Bush and Secretary of State Colin
Powell recognized Daniel at the White House in 2002 for his leadership with
America’s Promise movement. Daniel holds a bachelor degree in corporate
communications form Robert Morris University where he graduated summa cum laude.
Laura Dujmovich is a 17 year-old High School Promise Fellow and a senior at
Moon Area High School, near Pittsburgh, PA. Laura is involved in many activities
in school including Student Council, Peer Helpers, French Club, and the Newspaper
Staff. Laura also writes for a local newspaper, The Moon Record. She wants
to attend the University of Michigan and major in journalism and psychology.
Her hobbies include writing, dancing, and listening to music. She is also determined
to make a difference in her school and community. She is currently working
on revising her student council’s constitution and thoroughly enjoys
volunteering for those in need.
Workshop Description:
From Superman to Spiderman, each of us has a hero. But what would happen
if you stopped watching and started living the journey? By harnessing
your power
in the pursuit of success, your heroic character will vanquish your villains
and ultimately save the day. In the end you will prevail and discover that
the reward was in the journey.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will determine the qualities that a super
leadership hero would possess and in turn, reflect on their own personal
leadership style.
- Participants will cope with change through a series of
interactive learning experiences.
- Participants will take risks, develop a personal action
plan, and begin their journey.
“The Game of Life: Rules of Engagement”
Keynote Address, 6:30 PM to 7:15 PM
Presenter: Dan Horgan is the Founder and Executive Director of Allegheny County’s
Promise in Pittsburgh, PA. At the age of 19, Daniel Horgan founded Allegheny
County’s Promise and now serves as the youngest member of the National
Board of Directors for America’s Promise, which was established under
the leadership of Retired General Colin Powell. Daniel has worked with the
Content of Our Character Project at Duke University and Pennsylvania’s
Communities that Care and published The Ethics Toolbox, a community resource
for teachers, service providers, and parents on ethical decision-making. He
has worked in the public and private sector and has a fundraising portfolio
of more than $1 million. President George W. Bush and Secretary of State Colin
Powell recognized Daniel at the White House in 2002 for his leadership with
America’s Promise movement. Daniel holds a bachelor degree in corporate
communications form Robert Morris University where he graduated summa cum laude.
Keynote Description:
In this game called life, we are the players…. the community
is our field. The rules of engagement challenge us to unleash our power,
stepping beyond
our limits and seizing the moment. Once discovering and championing our passion,
nothing can stop us from achieving our potential.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will reflect their role in life as it relates
to mobilizing people in communities.
- Participants will seize the moment and define their strategy
for achieving success.
- Participants will champion their passion.
“ Evening Entertainment: Hot Stuff: Salsa Dancing”
Entertainers: The Hispanic-American League of Artists (HALA), Allentown,
PA
Presenters: The Hispanic-American League of Artists (HALA)
based in Allentown, PA was founded by Norberto Dominguez. Norberto founded
HALA in 1994 as
part of his life long
dream of becoming a writer and performer. HALA is comprised of actors, dancers,
singers, writers, media artists, visual artists and musicians. He is the first
and only Latino to hold a position as a board member of Allentown's Art Commission
and is also a Panelist for the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Preserving
Diverse Cultures Division. Currently, Norberto is working on a Latino oriented
screenplay after attending WBC, an industry school for screenwriters and filmmakers
in New York. His dream is to become one of the first Dominican screenwriters
and filmmakers.
This evening’s entertainment will introduce everyone to the HALA organization
as they provide an exciting, audience participation dance performance. HALA's
mission is to educate, develop, present, and refer Latino artists as well as
to educate the greater community about our culture preserving our heritage.
The award winning versatile Dance Division of HALA, known for its hot Salsa & Merengue
dance pieces also performs traditional folkloric dances from the Caribbean
Islands and South America as well as Hip Hop and Breakdance. When not on tour,
HALA dancers train for international and national Salsa competitions as well
as helping new kids joining HALA's Dance Division learn more about Latino dance
and history.(Immediately following this evening’s entertainment there
will be a dessert reception for all conference attendees.)
Monday, October 13, 2003
“Media, Manipulation and Me”
Keynote Address, 8:15 AM to 9:30 AM
Presenter: Peter DeBenedittis is the President of Media Literacy for Prevention
based in Santa Fe, NM. He is one the most engaging presenters in
the country today to
speak to mixed audiences of young people and adults alike. Peter has consulted
with many organizations including the White House Office on Drug Control Policy,
the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. He has
developed media literacy curriculum for the New Mexico Highway Traffic Safety
Bureau and co-authored two other prevention oriented CD-ROMs published by the
New Mexico Media Literacy Project. He has spent 10 years living in the Pacific
on the American colony of Guam, where he ran an advertising agency and taught
for the University of Maryland—Asian Division. He is the President of Media
Literacy for Prevention and living in Santa Fe, NM.
Keynote Description:
This highly visual and interactive presentation will help teach people
to become critical thinkers and wise consumers of the many forms
of programming and advertising
that come across the airwaves. Media literacy education helps children understand
the motivations and production techniques of media and will result in viewers
who are less likely to adopt some of the destructive attitudes and behaviors
that are depicted as desirable.
Learning Objectives:
- Be familiar with the marketing techniques for addictive
substances that target children.
- Know basic research findings documenting the preventive
effect of media literacy education.
- Understand how to apply media literacy tools of analysis.
“Character Building and Self Esteem” (Continuation of
Institute A)
Institute C, 9:45 AM to 2:45 PM
Presenter: Rick Gould is the Associate Executive Director of the Central Branch
YMCA in Wilmington DE. During his career with the YMCA, he has worked
with teens for
over 12 years, has been recognized for developing creative approaches to substance
abuse prevention and has also served as the Director for the YMCA of the USA's
East Field Teen Leadership Training School. With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology
and a Master's Degree in Public Administration, Rick also has experience in
inpatient adolescent drug treatment. Rick has facilitated trainings in conflict
resolution, youth development, and youth substance abuse prevention. He is
a faculty trainer for the YMCA of the USA's Principles of Youth Work Training
Modules. Rick currently lives in Wilmington, Delaware with his wife, Kerri
and his 18-month-old son, Wesley.
Workshop Description:
This course was designed to help participants learn ways to establish
character development and to encourage self-esteem development in
teen programs and services.
During the past 20 years however, research conducted by the Search Institute
into "developmental assets" has breathed new life into teen programs
and has given us all new tools to use when developing and implementing youth
programs that make a difference in our community. Through this interactive
workshop, participants will be challenged to recommit themselves to accepting
and developing positive values and positive assets in our youth. (There is
a $15 certification fee for YMCA employees or volunteers who would like to
take this course as credit toward YMCA Youth Worker certification. You do not
have to be a YMCA employee or volunteer to take this course.)
Learning Objectives:
- To learn the philosophy behind the YMCA character development
movement.
- To learn what "positive assets" are and why they are important.
- To learn how to build "positive assets" in youth, with an
emphasis on self-esteem.Notes:
“ Media Seduction for Drugs: Prevention Teens Love to Learn”
Institute D, 9:45AM to 2:45PM
 Presenter:
Peter DeBenedittis is the President of Media Literacy for Prevention
based in Santa Fe, NM. He is one the most engaging presenters in
the country today
to speak to mixed audiences of young people and adults alike. Peter has consulted
with many organizations including the White House Office on Drug Control Policy,
the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. He
has developed media literacy curriculum for the New Mexico Highway Traffic
Safety Bureau and co-authored two other prevention oriented CD-ROMs published
by the New Mexico Media Literacy Project. He has spent 10 years living in the
Pacific on the American colony of Guam, where he ran an advertising agency
and taught for the University of Maryland—Asian Division. He is the President
of Media Literacy for Prevention and living in Santa Fe, NM.
Workshop Description:
Get ready to laugh and learn as take a tour of mass media that will
change the way you view normal! Understand how the cycle of self-hate
and addiction
is marketed, and the scientific research showing how media literacy prevention
strategies are effective.
Learning Objectives:
- Be familiar with the marketing techniques for addictive
substances that target children.
- Know basic research findings documenting the preventive
effect of media literacy education.
- Understand how to apply media literacy tools of analysis.
“Activities That Teach Lifeskills”
Workshop Session Three, #9, 9:45 AM to 11:30 AM
 Presenter: Tom Jackson is the President of the Active Learning Center and Foundation
based in Cedar City, UT. He is a highly sought after speaker because
to experience
one of his talks, one can quickly see how his style epitomizes the old axiom
that people learn best by “doing” and being involved in their own
learning. A former high school teacher and prevention specialist, Tom has served
on the Governor of Utah’s Substance Abuse and Anti-Violence Coordinating
Council and has published a number of articles in the Student Assistance Journal
and the Colorado School Healthy News. He has authored five books: Activities
That Teach, More Activities That Teach, Activities That Teach Family Values,
Still More Activities That Teach and Conducting Group Discussions with
Kids.
Workshop Description:
Kids learn best by doing! Those that work with children and youth want
to have a significant impact on their students’ knowledge or
skills. Active learning is a hands-on teaching strategy that allows
students to be involved in their
own learning process. The teaching strategy has been successful with elementary
and secondary students and in inner city, suburban and rural settings. During
this fast-paced, down-to-earth session, participants will experience practical,
user-friendly activities applicable for classrooms, after-school programs or
counseling groups. This innovative and fun workshop will highlight activities
you can use to teach important life skills such as communication, goal setting,
decision-making, responsibility, stress management, peer pressure resistance,
substance abuse information, etc. Come ready to participate.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will be able to incorporate a number of activities
in their programs.
- Participants will understand the four processing questions
that make a discussion work.
- Experience that learning can be fun.
“Tag-You’re It: 50 Easy Ways to Connect with Young
People”
(Repeat of #5)
Workshop Session Three, #10, 9:45 AM to 11:30 AM
Presenter: Kathleen Kimball-Baker is the Director of Publishing for Search Institute
in Minneapolis, MN. Kathleen is the author of Tag, You’re It!
50 Easy Ways to Connect with Young People. Search Institute is a nonprofit
organization
whose mission is to provide leadership, knowledge and resources to promote
healthy children, youth and communities. Kathleen has been a reporter, editor
and publisher in newspaper, magazine, and book publishing for more than 26
years. She has served on the steering committee of her Neighborhood Revitalization
Program initiative advocating for youth issues.
Workshop Description:
It is through relationships with many caring, principled adults (not
just parents) that young people build the strengths, skills and resiliencies
they need to
succeed. Yet far too few young people and adults connect at all, let alone
connect in meaningful ways. This session will show how to bridge the gap, why
it is so important, how easy it really is, how rewarding youth-adult relationships
are – and how critical these connections are to thriving communities.
Learning Objectives:
- To realize how important it is in healthy communities
for adults to connect with young people.
- To learn how easy it is to build connections (even for
introverts!).
- To understand how rewarding it is to build connections
for both adults and teens
“ Civic Engagement”
Workshop Session Three, #11, 9:45 AM to 11:30 AM
Presenters:
Miles Magbie is the Adolescent Services Director for the Abington YMCA
in Abington, PA.
Barry Martin is the Executive Director of the State YMCA of Pennsylvania
based in Harrisburg, PA.  He has served as Executive Director for Teen
Services at
the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati from 1997-2001 creating innovative programs
such as YMCA City Voice, Teen Scholars Board, and Club Art at Studio 18. He
is a YMCA Civic Engagement Fellow and a National Trainer for the following
YMCA courses: Teen Leadership Director, After School Middle School Director,
Leaders Club Training, Hi-Y Club Training, Working with 10-14 Year-Olds, and
Working with 15-18 Year-Olds.
Workshop Description:
Learn about the YMCA Civic Engagement Initiative and how your organization
can partner with the YMCA to develop a person’s capacity to work with
others to affect common interests, to see oneself as a stakeholder in public
life, to value the mechanisms for democratic decision-making, and to believe
that individuals have a responsibility to contribute to their communities
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will learn the elements of “civic engagement”
- Participants will understand the importance of civic engagement
to young people.
- How you can join with local civic engagement initiatives
“ TeenWorks: Labor and the United Way Working to Empower Youth”
Workshop Session Three, #12, 9:45 AM to 11:30 AM
Presenter: Ron Achey is the AFL-CIO Community Service Liaison for the United Way
of the Greater Lehigh Valley in Bethlehem, PA.
Workshop Description:
This workshop will describe the TeenWorks program. TeenWorks provides
small grants to help design and carry out community service projects.
Teens gain
experience in leadership, board governance, planning, programmatic and fiscal
decision making, proposal writing and team work. They gain new perspectives
in local policy making as well a voice in governing and funding. Come and learn
how “real” youth empowerment occurs- when real financial decisions
are being made by young people.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will learn the basic roles of what is required
for board memberships.
- Participants will learn how to write a proposal including
a budget.
- Emphasis on leering how to make a presentation of a project
proposal.Notes:
“Activities That Teach Lifeskills” (Repeat of #9)
Workshop Session Four, #13, 1:00 PM to 2:45 PM
Presenter: Tom Jackson is the President of the Active Learning Center and Foundation
based in Cedar City, UT. He is a highly sought after speaker because
to experience
one of his talks, one can quickly see how his style epitomizes the old axiom
that people learn best by “doing” and being involved in their own
learning. A former high school teacher and prevention specialist, Tom has served
on the Governor of Utah’s Substance Abuse and Anti-Violence Coordinating
Council and has published a number of articles in the Student Assistance Journal
and the Colorado School Healthy News. He has authored five books: Activities
That Teach, More Activities That Teach, Activities That Teach Family Values,
Still More Activities That Teach and Conducting Group Discussions with
Kids.
Workshop Description: Kids learn best by doing! Those that
work with children and youth want to have a significant impact on their
students’ knowledge or skills. Active learning
is a hands-on teaching strategy that allows students to be involved in their
own learning process. The teaching strategy has been successful with elementary
and secondary students and in inner city, suburban and rural settings. During
this fast-paced, down-to-earth session, participants will experience practical,
user-friendly activities applicable for classrooms, after-school programs
or counseling groups. This innovative and fun workshop will highlight
activities
you can use to teach important life skills such as communication, goal setting,
decision-making, responsibility, stress management, peer pressure resistance,
substance abuse information, etc. Come ready to participate.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will be able to incorporate a number of activities
in their programs.
- Participants will understand the four processing questions
that make a discussion work.
- Experience that learning can be fun.
“ The Power of Youth: Creative Citizens Connected by Community”
Workshop Session Four, #14, 1:00 PM to 2:45 PM
Presenter: Katie Claussen is a student at Indiana University in Bloomington, IN.
Katie has been involved in community activities throughout her high
school and college
careers. With a passion for youth advocacy and empowerment, she found her niche
in Teen.TAPS: Teenagers Taking Action to Power Solutions, which she co-founded
in October 2000. Under her leadership, Teen.TAPS has led a campaign to change
a Pennsylvania state law to allow young people to serve as full members of
non-profit organizational boards. She is enjoying pursuing her other interests
at college: Ultimate Frisbee and Latino culture. When not at school in the
Midwest, Katie resides in Bethlehem,
Workshop Description: This workshop will offer a smorgasbord of civic engagement hurdles,
strategies and solutions that participants will brainstorm and share
under the guidance
of the facilitator. Hear how young people across the nation are motivating
their peers to become energized citizens. These youth are active in volunteer
service with a passion for community mobilization. Come learn how the 40 Developmental
Assets are exemplified in certain youth initiatives as they prepare our global
community for the challenges of tomorrow!
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will become more aware about and more immersed
in youth civic service.
- Participants will apply strategies to their current youth
engagement initiatives to better incorporate the 40 Assets.
- Participants will be energized, share with one another,
and have fun.
“Youth Tobacco Use: Facts, Current Trends and Proposed Solutions”
Workshop Session Four, #15, 1:00 PM to 2:45 PM
 Presenter:
Jennifer Kozak is the Adolescent Tobacco Cessation Coordinator for
the Caron Foundation, a not-for-profit chemical addictions treatment
facility located
in Wernersville, PA. Caron Foundation provides an 8-session program (E.N.D. – Ending
Nicotine Dependency) for students in middle and high schools who are interested
in quitting tobacco use now or in the future. Jennifer received a Bachelor
of Science degree in Education from Lock Haven University and has seven years
of experience working with students ranging in age from Kindergarten to twelfth
grades.
Workshop Description: Each day, nearly 4,800 adolescents (aged 11-17) smoke their first cigarette.
Of these teenagers, about 2,000 of them will become regular smokers, amounting
to 730,000 annually. It is estimated that at least 4.5 million adolescents
are currently cigarette smokers. Tobacco use typically begins by age sixteen,
with almost all first use occurrences taking place before high school graduation.
Use in adolescence has been determined to produce significant health problems
among these young people and is associated with a wide range of health compromising
behaviors including increased us of alcohol and other drugs. If current tobacco
use patterns persist, an estimated 6.4 million young people will eventually
die from a smoking related disease.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize current trends in adolescent tobacco use.
- Develop an awareness of risk factors associated with adolescent
tobacco use.
- Discuss the importance of preventing tobacco use among
teens as well as the importance of intervention.
“Bridging the Generations: Intergenerational Programming”
Workshop Session Four, #16, 1:00 PM to 2:45 PM
Presenters: Denise Continenza is the Family Living
Agent with the Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lehigh County, PA.
She conducts community education programs on
topics related to families across the life cycle such as parenting, money management,
life skills, and aging. She is also a panelist on the Family Project, the weekly
parenting column appearing in the Morning Call. Denise also contributes to
the East Penn Publishing as well as to the cooperative extension publication
Toddler Topics. Prior to this she worked for Community Service for Children,
Inc. as a parent educator and program coordinator.
Matthew S. Kaplan is an Associate Professor on Intergenerational Programs
and Aging in the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education
at Pennsylvania
State University. He is co-founder of statewide intergenerational networks
in New York and Hawaii and has published several books including one for teachers
and community activists entitle, “Side-by-Side: Exploring Your Neighborhood
through Intergenerational Activities.” He has a Ph.D. in Environmental
Psychology from the City University of New York Graduate Center.
Workshop Description: Many youth no longer live near grandparents or elder family members
who can share their wealth of wisdom and experience with them. Likewise,
older people
often do not have a close relationship with any young people in their community
because of families living far away or a lack of community connections to youth.
As a result, a chasm has developed between generations. Concepts of what youth
and aging are all about have shifted to making guesses about each generation,
thus, widening the gap. In this interactive and fun-filled workshop participants
will engage in activities that build bridges between people of different age
groups. By debunking myths and looking at the facts, engaging in conversation
about issues that affect both young and old, and the sharing of stories – “sag-ing”-
participants will feel more comfortable and appreciative of what each generation
has to offer them.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will be able to recognize and identify stereotypes
they have about people who belong to different age groups
- Participants will be able to distinguish between the myths
and realities about people who belong to different age groups.
- Participants will develop skills for engaging in conversations
and relationships with people in other age groups as a means of
sharing history, wisdom, culture, and ideas.
Notes:“Moving from Preaching to Teaching”
Keynote Address, 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Presenter: Tom Jackson is the President of the Active Learning Center and Foundation
based in Cedar City, UT. He is a highly sought after speaker because
to experience one of his talks, one can quickly see how his style epitomizes
the old axiom
that people learn best by “doing” and being involved in their
own learning. A former high school teacher and prevention specialist,
Tom has served
on the Governor of Utah’s Substance Abuse and Anti-Violence Coordinating
Council and has published a number of articles in the Student Assistance
Journal and the Colorado School Healthy News. He has authored five books:
Activities
That Teach, More Activities That Teach, Activities That Teach Family
Values, Still More Activities That Teach and Conducting Group Discussions
With Kids.
Keynote Description:
Active learning is a teaching strategy that reaches out to visual,
auditory and kinesthetic learners. This approach increases the retention
rate
of information; changes attitudes of learners and helps people acquire
life
skills such as
communication, goal setting, resisting peer pressure and cooperative
decision making. Experience a way to teach these necessary skills that
is fun, interactive,
user-friendly and effective.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will understand the theory behind active
learning.
- Understand why life skills are necessary in today’s changing
world.
- Understand the application of using activities to teach
concepts.
Tuesday, October 14, 2003
“Change of Heart: Creating a More Caring School Climate”
Keynote Address, 8:15 AM to 9:15 AM
Presenter:
Marilyn Peplau is a Senior Trainer for Search Institute (Vision Training
Associates) specializing in the area of school communities and asset
development. She is
a former teacher and counselor who has “lived the message” of asset
building throughout her career. One of her greatest assets is her depth of hands-on
experiences in bringing to life a strength-based approach in a school system.
Marilyn was the chairperson for her local coalition which allowed her to work
with multiple community sectors in developing healthier communities. She has
contributed to Great Places to Learn, Pass It On and Get Things Going and presently
works with graduate education students which allows her to support others in
the intentional use of developmental assets within their schools. She presently
resides in New Richmond, WI
Keynote Description:
Learn how to take the philosophy of asset building to the next level
and truly create a more caring climate. For many schools throughout
the country, this invigorating
approach has revitalized their learning communities to a point that goes beyond
mere jargon. Using the developmental asset framework as a guide, participants
will learn concrete examples of ways to make a difference back home.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will learn how to build strong and positive
relationships among youth and adults in a school community.
- Promote a supportive school community.
- Build developmental assets intentionally and consciously.
“ Working with Youth Ages 15-18”
Institute E, 9:45 AM to 2:45 PM
Presenter: Ayanna Traylor is the Achievers Director of the YMCA of Philadelphia
in Philadelphia, PA. Ayanna is a Philadelphia Native, and is a graduate
of Temple University.
She has worked for 8 years as a Program Director with the YMCA of Philadelphia
and vicinity, having worked at both inner city and suburban branches since
1996. She is involved in many areas of YMCA work. She serves as the Association’s
Technical Expert for the Youth Development Cabinet and she is also a trainer
for YMCA of the USA and is the Assistant Director of the YMCA Teen Leadership
Training School serving teens in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland
and Washington, D.C. Ayanna is currently the Director of the YMCA Achievers
program, a career development and mentoring experience for teens of color in
and around Philadelphia
“Deepening Asset Building in Schools and Communities”
Institute F, 9:45 AM to 2:45 PM
 Presenter:
Marilyn Peplau is a Senior Trainer for Search Institute (Vision Training
Associates) specializing in the area of school communities and asset
development. She is
a former teacher and counselor who has “lived the message” of asset
building throughout her career. One of her greatest assets is her depth of
hands-on experiences in bringing to life a strength-based approach in a school
system. Marilyn was the chairperson for her local coalition which allowed her
to work with multiple community sectors in developing healthier communities.
She has contributed to Great Places to Learn, Pass It On and Get Things Going
and presently works with graduate education students which allows her to support
others in the intentional use of developmental assets within their schools.
She presently resides in New Richmond, WI
Workshop Description:
Search Institute’s developmental asset framework will be an anchor
for this voyage into the deep! Participants will bring a working knowledge
of asset
building to the session as they renew personal commitment to positive youth
development within their school community. Prepare to go beyond personal commitment
to strategies that engage an entire school in asset-building efforts.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will be able to renew their commitment to
the importance of personal transformations as it relates to developmental
assets.
- Identify elements of and steps in the creation of asset-building
movements in school communities.
- Identify organizational strategies for strengthening asset
building by emphasizing relationships, environment, and educational
programs and practices.
“Parenting: Using All of the Love and Logic You Can Muster”
Workshop Session Five, #17, 9:45 AM to 11:30 AM
 Presenter:
Diane Vella is the President of Diana’s Council based in Jeffersonville,
PA. She holds a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology and has extensive experience
working with troubled youth and their parents or foster parents as a trainer,
behavior specialist and therapist. Diane has led women’s retreats and
has also been involved in creating meaningful rites of passage for young people.
Workshop Description:
This workshop will discuss a parenting program called “Love and
Logic”.
Love and Logic is a way to communicate with kids that provides loving support
from adults while, at the same time, holding kids accountable in a special
way that causes the child to see the adult as the "good guy" and
the child’s decision as the "bad guy". When done on a regular
basis, kids develop an internal voice that is capable of standing up to peer
pressure.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will learn how to avoid anger, threats, warnings
and lectures with children.
- Participants will learn how to take care of themselves
in their parenting role.
- Participants will learn how to understand a child’s misbehavior
as an opportunity for gaining wisdom.
“Busting Images: Pennsylvania’s Teen Tobacco Advocacy
Initiative”
Workshop Session Five, #18, 9:45 AM to 11:30 AM
Presenter:
Lori Blondell is the coordinator of the Lehigh Valley youth group called
BUSTED! Lori is employed by the Coalition for a Smoke Free Valley,
Allentown, PA.
 Workshop Description:
This interactive presentation will include a thirty minute presentation
on BUSTED!, Pennsylvania’s youth advocacy movement on tobacco
cessation. The presentation depicts “big tobacco's” way
of marketing to our youth population and what youth can do to stop
this. In 2001, 400 high school
students began Pennsylvania’s official youth anti-tobacco movement called
BUSTED! BUSTED! is not anti-smoker. BUSTED! is anti-Big Tobacco. BUSTED! works
to expose Big Tobacco’s deceptive advertising and marketing. BUSTED!
is making it known that youth have the power to stop Big Tobacco, and empowering
teens to tell their peers that the tobacco industry views them as replacement
smokers is a primary strategy. BUSTED! teens participate in regional conferences,
stunts within their community and at meetings at schools or community sites.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will learn about big tobacco’s manipulative marketing
practices.
- Everyone will understand the BUSTED! Message.
- Participants will realize the power of youth advocacy.
“
The Integrated Approach: Blending CTC, Assets and America’s Promise”
Workshop Session Five, #19, 9:45 AM to 11:30 AM
Presenter:
John Kriger is the President of Kriger Consulting, Inc., Burlington,
NJ. John has provided consultant services for many agencies including
the Community
Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, the National Guard; the National Parenting
Is Prevention program, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the City of Washington,
DC. John is the former Deputy Director of the NJ Office on Child Abuse Prevention
and the former Deputy Executive Director and Acting Director for the N.J. Governor's
Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. He had been with the Governor’s
Council for 12 years; and was instrumental in the formation of the Municipal
Alliance Program. This program is the largest state run alcohol and drug abuse
prevention program in the United States today involving over 500 of the 566
municipalities in New Jersey. It has received numerous national awards including
the CADCA Outstanding Program award, the International Pride award and recognition
by the National Office on Drug Control Policy as a National model program.
Since 1994 he has been an instructor for the Rutgers Summer School and Advanced
School on Alcohol and Drug Studies, an instructor and Board Member for the
Rowan Summer Institute on Addiction Studies since 1989, and instructor for
the 1997 Tennessee Summer Summit on Addictions at Vanderbilt University in
Nashville, Tenn.
Workshop Description:
This workshop will address ways to maximize the many different approaches
for community empowerment. By using cognitive shift activities to
effectively integrate
current models this institute will help facilitate your thinking into a common
sense approach. Ways to accommodate various models such as Communities That
Care, Asset Development and America’s Promise will be explored.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will identify six strategies in developing
prevention programs
- Will describe two strategies for preparing a community
for change process.
- Outline three primary steps for initiating the integrated
process of prevention
“Involving the Faith Community in Coalitions”
Workshop Session 5, #20, 9:45 AM to 11:30 AM
 Presenter:
Reverend John C. Weatherhogg has been an Associate Pastor at the Doylestown
Presbyterian Church since 1991. John has been a founding Board Member of the
Central Bucks Healthier Community Team since 1996. He is also a Board Member
of the Doylestown Hospital Foundation, the Princeton Institute for Youth Ministry
and continues to enjoy every day! He received his Masters of Divinity from
Princeton Theological Seminary in 1988 and his Bachelors of the Arts from the
University of Wisconsin – Madison in 1984. He and his wife Tracy (also
an ordained Presbyterian minister) share raising their beautiful twin daughters
Kyle and Emma who are 8 years old and loving second grade.
Workshop Description:
Come and learn how to develop a lasting partnership with the faith
community. Hear from a Presbyterian minister who has been on the
ground level in developing
a 40 Assets-based community initiative and how the Developmental Assets integrate
into a faith framework. Explore ways to create an inter-faith component to
your community outreach. Know that your ideas are never too outlandish, and
are expected! Be prepared to have fun, share with each other your own stories,
and grow together!
Learning Objectives:
- To foster a better understanding of the faith community
as a natural asset building community.
- To learn how to engage the faith community in becoming
intentional asset builders.
- To equip local asset organizations with the language and
knowledge of how to develop powerful relationships with local faith
communities that will enrich
their programs locally
“What Does an Asset Rich School Look Like?”
Workshop Session Six, #21, 1:00 PM to 2:45 PM
Presenter:
Dennis Tulli is an Assistant Professor of Education, Lebanon Valley
College, Lebanon, PA. He is the former Superintendent of Lebanon
School District. He
began his career in education as a teacher of Social Studies in the Annville-Cleona
School District. He served as school counselor from 1976 to 1983 in Cornwall-Lebanon
School District. Dennis then moved into the administrative ranks, first as
an Assistant Principal and Principal, then as the Assistant to the Superintendent
in the Lebanon School District. He became Superintendent of Lebanon School
District in 1999. In addition to his work in education, Dennis is an active
member of his community, serving as Chairman of the Community Health Council
of Lebanon County, and as a member of Board of Directors of the United Way
of Lebanon County. He has also served as a Board Member of the YMCA, Good Samaritan
Hospital and the Lebanon Valley College. Dennis is a vocal proponent of infusing
the Asset Development philosophy into all aspects of school and community life.
Workshop Description:
Asset building in schools begins with a commitment from leadership
to support this initiative. This “support” should not
be misinterpreted as financial support. While there is some start
up costs to any worthwhile program,
asset-building initiatives are inexpensive. School leaders must understand
the importance of developmental assets to the success of the child. Teachers
are “naturals” as asset builders as they provide support that pays
huge dividends for the total school climate. Many asset-building plans, which
begin with a school program, reach out to families and connect parents and
relatives with schools. In an asset rich school environment everyone feels
that they are a part of a school wide improvement plan. Schools committed to
the asset approach are easily recognizable. The bulletin boards recognize their
accomplishments, they are seen talking to adults, and their eyes are filled
with enthusiasm and their smiles heartwarming. So what is the next step? Where
do we go from here? Becoming an asset rich school is challenging. The journey
must be recognized as just that- a process rather than an overnight transformation.
The outcomes are improved achievement, attendance and behavior.
Learning Objectives:
- Those in attendance will recognize which assets are “school” related.
- Participants will learn of strategies to build assets
in all levels of education.
- Become aware of the power of asset building in the school
environment.
“Assets through the Arts”
Workshop Session Six, #22, 1:00 PM to 2:45 PM
Presenter:
Judy Orlosky is a practicing Psychologist and works with the Hopewell
Valley Municipal Alliance in Pennington, NJ. She specializes in the
treatment of children
and their families and is also a consultant to Millhill Child and Family Centers,
a preschool for neglected and abused children. She has been involved in the
Healthy Community/Healthy Youth initiative in Hopewell Valley as a speaker
and presentation of workshops and intergenerational retreats. She attended
four of the national Search Institute conferences, presenting workshops at
two of them. The proposed workshop was presented at the 2002 Search conference
and was well received.
Jessica Furlong, Alex Seiz and Liz Castoro are all students from Hopewell Valley
Central High School in Hopewell Valley, NJ
Workshop Description:
Since 70% of communication is nonverbal, this intergenerational workshop
will explore ways to build assets and relationships without words.
You will learn
ways to connect with others and grow yourself while having fun with dancing
and creative arts. Strategies for bringing arts to communities with few resources
will be included. No experience or special talents are required for this workshop.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will learn ways to incorporate the arts in
building assets.
- Participants will learn ways to build a sense of community
across generations through the arts.
- Realize your unique contribution to your community.
“ Marking Rites of Passage for Youth through Initiation and
Ritual”
Workshop Session Six, #23, 1:00 PM to 2:45 PM
Presenter:
Diane Vella is the President of Diana’s Council based in Jeffersonville,
PA. She holds a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology and has extensive experience
working with troubled youth and their parents or foster parents as a trainer,
behavior specialist and therapist. Diane has led women’s retreats and
has also been involved in creating meaningful rites of passage for young people.
Workshop Description:
Modern Western culture gives few opportunities for families to mark
rites of passage for children in healthy ways. Because this is a
basic human need, children
make their own rituals, that sometimes can be dangerous, inappropriate or not
reflect parental values. This workshop will give you the opportunity to explore
the how and why of making ritual and initiation a part of your life. This will
teach us to pause amidst the chaotic stream of living to look around, check
where we are, where we are going, and emerge more balanced and refueled.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will gain a greater understanding of the
importance of acknowledging milestones in the lives of children and
youth.
- Participants will learn to “name” their experience through
the art of initiation and ritual.
- Participants will have the opportunity to design a ritual
for themselves.
“Welcoming Diversity in a Not So Welcoming Community”
Workshop Session Six, #24, 1:00 PM to 2:45 PM
 Presenter:
Phyllis Alexander is the Coordinator for the City of Allentown, PA’s
Weed and Seed Program, a community revitalization and safety strategy. Phyllis
facilitates a neighborhood revitalization effort by employing leadership skills
learned through her affiliation with the National Coalition Building Institute
(NCBI) an international leadership training organization. Phyllis believes
all things are possible through healthy, authentic relationships, something
we all want but often have a difficult time achieving and/or sustaining. Phyllis
has spent most of her adult life passionately teaching people how to eliminate
the artificial barriers that keep us apart such as racism, sexism, classism
and anti-Semitism. Removing these artificial barriers allows us to have a relationships,
connections, and community we want and need.
Workshop Description:
This workshop, utilizing the welcoming diversity theory created by
the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI), will teach participants
a new definition
for diversity. How we’re set up to be against and apart from each other.
Participants will learn how to get beyond the set up and become effective advocates
for welcoming diversity.
“Community Building – It’s Personal”
Keynote Address, 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Presenter:
Phyllis Alexander is the Coordinator for the City of Allentown, PA’s
Weed and Seed Program – a community revitalization and safety strategy.
Phyllis facilitates a neighborhood revitalization effort by employing leadership
skills learned through her affiliation with the National Coalition Building
Institute (NCBI) an international leadership training organization. Phyllis
believes all things are possible through healthy, authentic relationships,
something we all want but often have a difficult time achieving and/or sustaining.
Phyllis has spent most of her adult life passionately teaching people how to
eliminate the artificial barriers that keep us apart such as racism, sexism,
classism and anti-Semitism. Removing these artificial barriers allows us to
have a relationships, connections, and community we want and need.
Workshop Description:
Imagine a community where neighbors are a support system for each
other, there is intergenerational relationships, people are drawn
together due to their
common interests, and while pursuing these interests racial, gender, and
socio-economic diversity is present at all times; in other words,
a community that prides
itself on inclusively and healthy relationships. Sound ideal but unlikely?
Well, it is possible, although no small task. This interactive presentation
will allow participants to personally examine and discuss their welcoming
diversity stumbling blocks and their welcoming diversity building
blocks.
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