Opportunity for youth to express their voices
Nov. 22, 2021 – The Education Services Department at Douglas Education Service District is continuing to promote a new project, Youth Design Institute. The leadership opportunity is intended for youth ages 14 -21 to express their voices and create positive changes within our community. Youth will decide what’s important and mentors will provide skill-building and relational support. The project is made possible by a grant from the Oregon Youth Development Division and is operating with youth-serving agencies and organizations throughout the county.
All interested youth are invited to be part of the Youth Advisory Crew. The next hang-out session is happening:
When:
Saturday, Dec. 4, 10:00 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Format:
Virtual (Zoom link to be provided via email upon registration).
For more information and to sign up, visit www.douglasesd.k12.or.us/youth-design-institute
Additional team planning meetings will be scheduled in the future to help design the Youth Advisory Crew.
There will be opportunities for youth to earn $200 for participating in three Youth Design Institute meetings via a series of in-person or virtual planning sessions, as well as referral incentives.
“Youth are leaders,” says Jeneen Hartley, Coordinator of Education Services for the Douglas Education Service District. “So many decisions are made without the input or involvement of youth. It’s the responsibility of adults to listen to what young people say and the Youth Design Institute will be a launch to a promising partnership that bridges generations.”
“Youth are our future. Giving youth tools to be advocates allows our community to grow. This project is an amazing step for our community. Ideally, we’re looking for 20 youth, supported by 10 mentors, to lead this program. The intent of the project is to be a value add to other existing services,” says Melody Rogers, Career Connected Learning Facilitator for the Douglas Education Service District.
