Service Academy’s Post

Learning about a new Report: Vermont Vision for Youth Success https://lnkd.in/e-2RjRBM Lots of connections to competency-based education, work-based learning, community schools. Great dialogue about what it really means to listen to youth deeply, providing youth the skills to participate, and partner in ways that value what they can bring. It is a shift in culture and mindset.

Apologies for the radio silence lately, I'm a few hours a day short of being able to maintain a social life! You know, just the typical running a nonprofit, two toddlers, and teenager hustle. All jokes aside, I've been completely immersed in our work with Start-Up. Some of you might recall that last year we launched a pilot program called Camp CommUnity in the rural community of Wimberley, Texas and after so many remarkable successes, our board opted to prioritize the advancement of this program, so we've been busy building. We recently launched our website and strategic vision for CU and I couldn't be more excited to share. Here's an excerpt about why we're putting CU first: "Camp CommUnity wasn’t just a pilot; it was a powerful evolution of where we were-- and where we were going, aligning perfectly with our vision for our children, their education, and the future they deserve. While this new program wasn’t based on entrepreneurship, it was fostering a sense of belonging, community, and empowerment in our children. It was equipping them with the skills and resilience they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. It was bigger than Start-Up Kids Club---and it's bigger than Wimberley." To read our full strategic plan, click below. Just like us, it's not traditional and I absolutely love that. Please feel free to share any feedback. And- I'll try to check in more, but please know I'm always a call, text, or email away.

For schools in the UK, this week marks half term. 🏫 We’ve taken the opportunity to compile two boredom-busting games to keep the children in your life entertained while at home. Both adaptations of activities used on our programmes, they’re the perfect way to keep young people engaged all whilst developing vital communication and critical thinking skills…. 1️⃣ Sales Game - This game is all about persuasive speaking. Next time your children complain of being bored, give the family 1 minute to find a random object from anywhere in the house. Next, reveal to them that they will now take it in turns to sell their object to the rest of the family in a Dragons’ Den style pitch. Emphasise that this is not about the value of the object itself but the way in which they pitch it. 2️⃣ I Couldn’t Disagree More - This activity works great around the dinner table. Go around the group, and challenge each family member to give an unpopular opinion with a one-line justification. Then the group should take it in turns to respond 'I couldn't disagree more' with a new justification. After that's been exhausted, move on to the next unpopular opinion! Our signature debate-led methodology is transformative for children and adults alike.  Profits from our corporate training are used to help promote social mobility through our charity, Debate Mate Schools, who run weekly debate clubs in areas of high child poverty across the UK and around the world.  💡 Want to make a difference all whilst upskilling yourself and your team? Click on the link below to find out more about our social impact programmes. https://lnkd.in/e8-yyVEn

Exciting Journey of 2023: Youth Organization Overview of Memories The heart of 2023, what an incredible journey we've embarked on together as a youth organization. Our memories from this year are a tapestry of inspiration, growth, and impactful moments that define the essence of our collective pursuit. Celebrating Diversity and Unity: One of the hallmarks of our journey has been the celebration of diversity. In 2023, our organization proudly brought together young minds from various backgrounds, fostering an environment where unique perspectives thrive. It's through this diversity that we've unlocked innovation and creativity. Empowering Change Makers: Our commitment to empowering the next generation of change-makers has been unwavering. Through workshops, Captivating Eyez -JaMez Aloha Burton self-motivation program, and collaborative initiatives, we've equipped our youth with the skills and confidence to tackle challenges head-on. Together, we are architects of change, shaping a better future for our families. 📚 Knowledge Exchange: Learning has been at the forefront of our endeavors. Our commitment to knowledge exchange has resulted in a vibrant community of curious minds. Memorable Moments: From the laughter-filled team sessions to the heartwarming community projects, 2023 has gifted us with unforgettable moments. These memories serve as the fuel that powers our passion, reminding us of the collective strength we possess when united in purpose. Gratitude: As we look back, gratitude fills our hearts. Gratitude for the support of our sponsors, the dedication of our members, and the enthusiasm of our partners. It's the synergy of these elements that has elevated our organization to new heights. Looking Ahead: The journey doesn't end here. With a vision set on the future, we're excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. Our commitment to empowering, inspiring, and uniting the youth remains steadfast, and we invite you to join us on this exhilarating ride. Let's continue to make waves and create a legacy that creates the next generation of leaders. Here's to the memories we've made and the ones yet to come! Review our End of the Year Newsletter https://lnkd.in/g5uaW2zE #YouthEmpowerment #2023Journey #ChangeMakers #Empowerup

Today is World Youth Skills Day - an annual initiative to recognize the significance of equipping young people with skills for employment, entrepreneurship, and personal development. This day is also a call to action. It is urgent to invest in our youth now. A major contributor to youth development is access to quality education, specifically primary education. Primary education is the foundation of a child's journey and the bedrock of their development. The foundational skills they learn in primary school prepares them for life, work, and active citizenship. If you believe every child should have access to a quality primary education, we hope you will consider supporting us. Brighter Children finds and funds schools in some of the most impoverished communities in the world to provide quality primary education to vulnerable children who would otherwise not have access. https://lnkd.in/gS8ujFSP #brighterchildren #worldyouthskillsday #calltoaction #investnow #futureleaders #educationforall

🌱📚 In the heart of the Mississippi Delta, a transformative idea is taking root. We're not waiting for industry to save us; we're cultivating our future through education and a network of microschools. Here's why this matters: 🧩 Personalized Learning: Each child's unique potential is nurtured. 💼 Job Readiness: Tailored skills for tomorrow's workforce. 🏥 Healthier Lives: Educated communities make healthier choices. 💡 Brighter Futures: Breaking the cycle of poverty through knowledge. This isn't just an educational shift; it's a community revolution. 🔄 🤔 What's one change you wish you had in your education that could have transformed your life? Let's discuss below! #EducationRevolution #Microschools #MississippiDelta #CommunityEmpowerment #FutureOfWork #LifelongLearning #InnovationInEducation #BreakingTheCycle

While the demand isn't new, Universities are facing an increased and urgent need to demonstrate the worthiness of their public funding. To donors, the community, and often their own government representatives. "Are you REALLY offering varied and worthwhile programming to make our communities a better place...", or as one University Marketer shared with me, "... are you just installing costly rock walls!?" Ouch. When you view your public-facing Campus Calendar, what impression does it give? Does it make prospective students and alumni experience a bit of FOMO? Does it allow current students/staff/faculty to proudly share it with their friends and family as they plan a visit? I would love to share how a few forward-thinking clients are working to implement approaches to share their GOOD and WORTHY work. #Outreach #Impact #APLUIEP #Community #HIEDMarketing #Emchat

Nonprofits are always asked "why now?" or "why is this urgent?" When the reality is that our nonprofits are always forward thinking and are trying to lead our communities to a better, stronger place. World Savvy is 22 years old - the work was needed 22 years ago and today and tomorrow. Watch the video.

Day 3: First Day at my Placement School. The first day meeting my tiny giants was dramatic in many ways including - the huge language barrier I was faced with, the uncertainty the children had whether to feel safe or not, the horrible classroom environment and the rain!😂 Listen to bits and pieces of the gist in the video attached but bear in mind that these three big lessons hold true for me after that first day’s experience: 1. Resilience in Adversity: Overcoming challenges like classroom conditions and unexpected rainstorms taught me resilience in no small measures. 2. Community Engagement: Living within the community and engaging with local leaders helped foster support for subsequent educational initiatives in our school. 3. Flexibility and Adaptability: Managing limited resources and cultural barriers emphasized the importance of flexibility in career pursuit. P.S - I had so much fun having this moment of reflection with my children. As a matter of fact, they mentioned things I didn’t even remember. So good! #glocaleducator #4impact247 #TeachForNigeria #TFNImpactStories #TFNLeaders #TFN2022Fellows #TFNSchoolLeaders #TFN2024Graduation #TFN2024GraduationCountdown