My YDEV Youth Worker Reflection by https://padlet.com/thought2action/dek1fo2vxu9tc17b Leading With Youth To Create Community Care en-us 2023-05-07 20:23:03 UTC 2023-05-07 23:32:42 UTC hello@padlet.com It has become very clear that the inspiration, care and support received during my years in 4-H, church, and civic youth groups fuels who I've become as a Community Leader. (Kristina, Lauren and I at the National History Museum, Washington, DC- circa 1996) thought2action https://padlet.com/thought2action/dek1fo2vxu9tc17b/wish/2581074428 2023-05-07 20:49:58 UTC https://padlet.com/thought2action/dek1fo2vxu9tc17b/wish/2581074428 Being a Youth Leader in 1980s to Mid 1990s opened doors and made connections that gave me privilege that now helps open doors for others. thought2action https://padlet.com/thought2action/dek1fo2vxu9tc17b/wish/2581080179 Sen. Jack Reed and myself in 1996- Washington DC- 4-H National Teen Conference ]]> 2023-05-07 21:03:46 UTC https://padlet.com/thought2action/dek1fo2vxu9tc17b/wish/2581080179 More than one government leader that supported me as a youth- have turned up-showed up, and sometimes even advocated for the youth I work with today. thought2action https://padlet.com/thought2action/dek1fo2vxu9tc17b/wish/2581081243 Sen. Reed supports Junior Achievement of Rhode Island, 2023.]]> 2023-05-07 21:06:25 UTC https://padlet.com/thought2action/dek1fo2vxu9tc17b/wish/2581081243 During my YDEV journey-I've seen and continue to see the erasure of youth spaces, lack of funding for youth spaces- and a glimmer of hope at the creation of thriving shared spaces with some growing pains along the way. thought2action https://padlet.com/thought2action/dek1fo2vxu9tc17b/wish/2581091362 2023-05-07 21:31:36 UTC https://padlet.com/thought2action/dek1fo2vxu9tc17b/wish/2581091362 Continuing to inspire youth as adults-leading-with-youth and community leaders now- I wanted to reconnect how my cohort of 4-H youth felt about their experiences in the Mid 1980s-Mid 1990s. thought2action https://padlet.com/thought2action/dek1fo2vxu9tc17b/wish/2581093121 2023-05-07 21:36:06 UTC https://padlet.com/thought2action/dek1fo2vxu9tc17b/wish/2581093121 Youth have and will continue to build programs that meet their interests and needs when given the chance to lead. (4-H Focus on Sexuality Conference- circa 1993) thought2action https://padlet.com/thought2action/dek1fo2vxu9tc17b/wish/2581097056 2023-05-07 21:46:21 UTC https://padlet.com/thought2action/dek1fo2vxu9tc17b/wish/2581097056 In my work with youth, it has been important to see adults who reflect the community/represent the community in power making and holding space for our PVD area youth. This was more than just a photo op. - what you don't see is the discussion about RI Youth's future, educational and economic- with folks empowered to empower youth. thought2action https://padlet.com/thought2action/dek1fo2vxu9tc17b/wish/2581101184 2023-05-07 21:56:34 UTC https://padlet.com/thought2action/dek1fo2vxu9tc17b/wish/2581101184 Preserving the stories from our youth- curating stories of youth and the leaders that changed their lives is key- remembering where we came from and how we got to where we are is important. We can't let bigots and the far right rewrite the progressive, positive youth development that 4-H exemplified in our youth. thought2action https://padlet.com/thought2action/dek1fo2vxu9tc17b/wish/2581112273 The article below exemplifies why progressive 4-H youth stories need to be preserved. Trigger warning- this article in the text below contains thoughts and opinions NOT supported by this author. This article posted not long after 4-H sent shared this image for Pride Month, is filled with far-right propaganda- and an author who supposes to write on behalf of all the pearl-clutching 4-H alumni who must be aghast at 4-H showing support for their LGBTQA+ members. The reality is, progressive 4-H has existed as long as progressives have been part of 4-H. ]]> 2023-05-07 22:26:56 UTC https://padlet.com/thought2action/dek1fo2vxu9tc17b/wish/2581112273 Misleading titles- but timely subjects. 4-H youth worked with Community Leaders to plan a conference centered around topics close to us. LGBTQA+ Rights, Support for those living with HIV and AIDS and prevention, Advocacy for Pregnant and Parenting Teens- all youth planned and designed. I was on this committee. Circa 1993 thought2action https://padlet.com/thought2action/dek1fo2vxu9tc17b/wish/2581114594 2023-05-07 22:33:12 UTC https://padlet.com/thought2action/dek1fo2vxu9tc17b/wish/2581114594 Both cohorts have inspired me to pivot from an Administration focus in YDEV to a Social Justice Focus- walking the footsteps of the leaders from my youth. thought2action https://padlet.com/thought2action/dek1fo2vxu9tc17b/wish/2581125863 2023-05-07 23:03:52 UTC https://padlet.com/thought2action/dek1fo2vxu9tc17b/wish/2581125863 4-H Youth, Then and Now. Top photo: Rep. Patrick Kennedy, Darryl Marsh, Matt - Front:Kristina Horan, Lauren Nance Case , Sara Hutchings Schwartz, Barbara Lemaire Conners thought2action https://padlet.com/thought2action/dek1fo2vxu9tc17b/wish/2581139686 Middle photos- current 4-H youth at South County Fair, Sara HS, Callie, Shirley Hutchings, 360 Students at JA in a Day at RI State House, Barbara Lemaire Conners- Volunteering with Girl Scouts, Bottom- Darryl Marsh, Nadine Simmons Marsh, Lauren Nance Case (modern day), Connie Nance, Mayor Brett Smiley, Lauren Nance Case, Sara HS, Amy Pennington ]]> 2023-05-07 23:32:42 UTC https://padlet.com/thought2action/dek1fo2vxu9tc17b/wish/2581139686