Ignite Afterschool’s Post

View organization page for Ignite Afterschool, graphic

112 followers

THRIVING STRATEGY TWO: BOUNDARIES. Ignite Afterschool just launched Be It, an expansion pack for Believe It. Build It., Minnesota's Guide to Effective Afterschool Practices. Be It includes six thriving strategies that elevate your youth work to new heights. Stay tuned for the next Thriving Strategy! WHAT IT MEANS: Your relationship with young people is both authentic and professional, with appropriate limits on your role in a young person’s life. You stay within healthy and respectful boundaries, and recognize there is a power imbalance because of your role as a youth worker. WHY IT MATTERS: Youth workers tend to have a great deal of passion for helping young people and compassion for the challenges they face. This emotional connection can serve as a powerful spark for fostering relationships. (In fact, building positive, trusting relationships with young people is an afterschool effective practice!) But we’re still professionals, so we must maintain professional boundaries that protect youths’ physical and psychological safety. Where exactly that line is drawn often varies from one situation to the next, so it’s important to have regular reflections and discussions with your supervisor and coworkers. Then, turn those conversations into opportunities to continuously clarify policies that identify appropriate boundaries. MANAGER ACTION ITEM: Do your organization’s policies and training address appropriate boundaries? Do This: Review your policies with staff. Discuss various scenarios and identify any questions about appropriate boundaries that are not addressed in your current policies. See Building Block 6 on page 27 for inspiration. To Learn More & Download the Guide, Please Visit Our Website: https://lnkd.in/g-FxfRwC

Daisy Lor

Program Assistant at Better Way Foundation

4mo

Lianna Sanders so great to hear how you’re modeling safe and healthy boundaries for and with young people. Thanks for sharing!

To view or add a comment, sign in

Explore topics