SMPS Boston’s Post

/Youth Voice/ “Youth voice is powerful. Magic happens in programmatic environments with exponential societal benefits where we are empowered to brainstorm, question, propose solutions, and lead based on our lived experiences as Gen Zers and Gen Alpha.” - Isabella Green Thank you, Nichelle Harris, for inviting me to speak at the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s virtual “Student Voice, Choice, and Leadership Design Lab” on February 2, 2024. 💡What I loved about the session… Youth voice was front and center —our input (2 other students presented) - along with best practices offered by Keem Anderson, Associate Director of Ignite Afterschool (a Minneapolis-based nonprofit whose mission is to strengthen afterschool programs in Minnesota), informed session outcomes in real-time, certain to enhance afterschool and out-of-school programs throughout Ohio. 💡Key takeaways from the wisdom Keem Anderson shared: 1. “Young people grow up in communities, not in programs.” 2. “Young people are assets to be nurtured, not problems to be solved.” Capturing and cultivating youth voices is essential! Well done, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, and partners Ten Speed Consulting, LLC, and Ohio Afterschool Network. #genz #genalpha #youthdevelopment #youthempowerment #youthleadership #youthadvocacy #afterschoolprograms

Empowering the next generation is critical to shaping our future. Youth empowerment nonprofits are crucial in developing young individuals' leadership skills, self-confidence, and a sense of agency. Recent insights from the “InspireToEmpower” program show that 80% of mentees reported increased self-confidence and leadership skills. Additionally, 90% of participants feel more prepared for future careers and community engagement after our workshops. Private sector partnerships have boosted our program funding by 30% and expanded our reach by 15% in the past year. In what ways can education and the private sector collaborate to empower youth? 💬 Share your thoughts below! Are you interested in joining forces to make a difference? Would you be willing to connect with us to explore collaboration opportunities? Together, we can inspire and support the leaders of tomorrow. #youth #college #donors #philanthropies #education #partnerships #leadership #community #government #nonprofits

Who is this program for? It’s for the Intellectually Curious The Whigham School is ideal for college-aged students who naturally possess high intellectual curiosity. If you are fascinated by others and how others live their lives, make decisions, and find meaning. Follow us to see how #TWS will grow and make a difference. . . . . #NonprofitOrganization #nonprofitlife #nonprofitpartnerships #Leadershiptraining #globalstudyaboard #studyabroadlife #leadershipdevelopment #Studyabroadgoals #whighamschool #LeadersForGood #tws #changemakers #Lifechangers #Togetherwecan

ALAS Education Summit Session Alert: The education nonprofit TNTP leads strategic and innovative partnerships at scale with colleges and universities and school systems. In this session, leaders of the organization will model a strategic plan to partner with school systems at the secondary level with a focus on preparing Latino students to pursue various career pathways. #EdLeadership

So, Why Engage Youth in Community Service? Most of the times, individuals, entities and initiatives ignore the power of involving the young people on matters of serving the community. But in reality, engaging youth in community service not only benefits the community but also nurtures a sense of responsibility and empathy among young people. When these young people volunteer their time and skills, they learn valuable lessons in teamwork, leadership, and civic engagement. Community service projects such as environmental clean-ups, mentoring programs, and food drives provide opportunities for young people to make a tangible impact and contribute positively to society. How can we create more opportunities for youth to engage in meaningful community service? It's time to explore innovative ways to inspire and support young volunteers in making a difference in their communities. Together, we can empower the next generation of compassionate leaders. Photo: Green Generation Initiative #YouthService #Volunteerism #CommunityEngagement #Empowerment #CivicResponsibility

My latest feature in Getting Smart about SEL work for students by connecting with wolves.

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It’s not often you get to use the U-word in brand storytelling.   But Inspiration for All has it in spades.   The genius brainchild of the hugely impressive and inspirational Sarah Caton and Paula Kennedy, Inspiration for All is a leadership programme like no other.   It matches business leaders and school leaders in UNIQUE peer-mentoring partnerships that create fresh perspectives, enhance leadership skills and drive social mobility 👇   https://lnkd.in/eBGfEBnm   Why is this so vital?   Schools are under more pressure than ever. Especially schools in disadvantaged areas. According to Teach First   - 1 in 4 children live in poverty - Children on free school meals are 18 months behind by GCSE - Children excluded from school are 4 times more likely to be from a poor background   These children rely on strong school leaders to inspire and develop teachers, improve school environments, support communication, and build trust.   Evidence shows that a strong school leader can UPLIFT GCSE RESULTS BY TWO GRADES 📈   But recruiting and retaining school leaders in such challenging conditions is tough.     Through peer mentoring with business leaders, Inspiration for All makes space for school leaders to put their challenges in perspective, collaborate on problems and grow in confidence 😌   At the same time, business leaders benefit from first-hand insight into leadership challenges in a school environment 💡   And deliver their Learning and Development and Corporate Social Responsibility goals 🤝   I told you it was a genius idea.   So this #SmallCharityWeek, I wanted to give a massive shout-out to Sarah and Paula, who drew on their own leadership experience in business and schools to make this brilliant small charity a reality 🙌 (And big thanks to Kirsty Marrins for introducing us 😊)   It’s a privilege to help them tell their story. #Schools #Leadership #CorporateSocialResponsibility #LeadershipAndDevelopment #SocialMobility #Children #BrandStorytelling #SmallCharities #NonProfit #Charity

👏 Congratulations to Union League Boys & Girls Clubs for receiving the Midwest Boys & Girls Clubs of America - Operation Collective Impact 💙 National Programs: Our organization is implementing National Programs at all our sites augmented with many other initiatives through partnerships with local universities, law enforcement and other government agencies. Teens: Programming for teens centers on Leadership Development like Keystone Clubs, YOY, Academic support, scholarships, and social-emotional learning through Restorative Justice Practices. Life & Workforce Readiness: Training and educating the future workforce is our most important commitment. We partner with over 10 high schools to support the development of 21st Century Skills in high school students. Trauma-Informed Care: Following BGCA's Trauma-Informed Care goals and objectives, and in partnership with other foundations and corporations, our organization is becoming an Urban Youth and Community Healing training center. #OperationCollectiveImpact

🚨 #Funding #Opportunity Alert - Youth Focused #Leadership Work Our friends at the Paul G. Allen Family #Foundation have the following opportunity for funding available: *********************************** The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation Announces $5M in Funding for Programs Empowering Young People in Washington State. “Mobilizing Young Leaders Across Washington State,” will award multi-year grants in the amount of up to $500K, with a total funding of approximately $5 million to new and existing programs. The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation supports youth in acting on the issues they care about. Research shows that when youth are activated around their interests and passions, they gain the confidence and tools needed to engage with each other and the world.            In Washington, more than 22% of the state’s population is under the age of 19 years old (according to the 2022 Census). And their influence cannot be understated. Analysts predict Gen Z could be the most influential generational cohort in history – with their influence shaping economics, the environment, and society.     The objective of the RFP is to support new and existing programs in Washington state that develop youth engagement and build youth power through leadership training, civic engagement, and/or youth organizing. To Learn More: https://lnkd.in/g-WrfMy3