REACH Youth Media Project to premiere documentaries
by bel Reyes and Kindra Montgomery
UC Davis Center for Community School Partnerships
A Pepsi can and a Coke can — imagine both of these side by side and what thought comes to mind? In August 2008, a group of youth from one of the REACH Community Action coalitions used a digital image of Pepsi and Coke cans side by side to capture a visual interpretation of “choice.” This was one of the first activities that the REACH Youth Media Project teams did as part of their participation in a hands-on experience that allowed them to express themselves within a real-world context.
The REACH Youth Media Project has served as a vital part of the REACH coalitions’ work in that it has created a venue for youth to engage in meaningful studies that are important to them and their communities. The Youth Media Project enlisted diverse youth and adult teams comprised of three to five members representing four of the seven initial REACH Community Action coalitions: Galt Area Youth Coalition, Sacramento ACT Meadowview Partnership, South Sacramento Coalition for Future Leaders and Woodland Coalition for Youth in partnership with KOLORS, a youth-driven peer education program in Woodland. Through multiple literacies, participating youth captured their voices and the voices of other youth surrounding a topic of personal interest and relevance in documentaries led, produced and directed by youth.
Guided by the belief that DATA + STORIES = CHANGE, the REACH Youth Media Project is focused on:
• Teaching documentary video as a means to develop the artistic, critical thinking, literacy and career skills of young people, while nurturing their idealism and commitment to social change
• Forging stronger partnerships between youth and adults
• Creating more avenues for nontraditional youth involvement
• Supporting youth-led research
• Helping youth to develop a broad base of knowledge and/or problem solving and analytical skills to support academic success
On May 22, the REACH Youth Media Project teams will showcase their youth-produced documentaries at an invitation-only red carpet event at the Guild Theater. Documentary titles are: “Lack of Role Models” by the ACT Meadowview Partnership, “Education Depletion” by the South Sacramento Coalition for Future Leaders, “Small City, Big Problem: What Would You Do About It?” by the Galt Area Youth Coalition, and “Open Your Eyes: Teen Pregnancy” by the Woodland Coalition for Youth in partnership with KOLORS.
Learn more about the REACH Youth Media Project on the REACH Web site. For information about the May 22 event, e-mail bel Reyes or Kindra Montgomery.
The REACH Youth Media Project is funded by Sierra Health Foundation.
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Youth "Changing the View" at Meadowview Conference
by Isaiah Saucier and Sebastian Harton
Meadowview Partnership members
Our 2nd Annual Meadowview Youth Leadership Conference was about getting youth to have voices in the community and make change. We felt that we could start with the youth because adults could see what is going on with us, see that we are trying to make positive changes and then adults will follow our lead. We wanted to reach out to a broader population of youth because we know we are not the only ones trying to stop negative things that happen in each others’ communities.
The conference was a great success and we had a blast. We were able to get the crowd hyped and everybody having fun. We did an activity called “The Dream Activity,” where they would answer the question, “What steps would it take to become the dream,” and then tape the answers to the wall. Some youth said they wanted to become a leader and wanted to do what we are doing. Now that we have their responses it will help us make change for them so they are able to achieve their dream. We did another activity called “Principles of Leadership” and participants came up with chants and skits to go along with their principles. We got good feedback from the youth, and some of them want to help plan the conference for next year.
This was our first experience to ever MC anything like that and we had a lot of fun with all the youth and everything we did, such as the workshops, food, talent show, dancing and everything. We are looking forward to doing it again next year.
The ACT Meadowview Partnership is a REACH Community Action coalition.
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Vision Coalition aids local organizations
by Jessica Pratt
Teen News Team member,
Vision Coalition of El Dorado Hills
During a time when America’s current financial and economic problems are constantly splashed across news headlines, it is rare to find a story where money is not an issue. One organization that has managed to fall into the latter category is the Vision Coalition of El Dorado Hills, which is a program of El Dorado Hills Community Vision, Inc. On April 21, the group awarded $149,000 in grants to various youth development programs in the community.
During the fall of 2008, organizations aimed at providing preteens and teenagers with safe, healthy and drug-free activities submitted applications to the Vision Coalition in order to be eligible for the mini-grants. The applications were then reviewed by teens and adults in the community, and the Vision Coalition determined how much money to award. After many review sessions, the group finally came to a decision and was able to present the grants during last Tuesday’s celebration.
During the event, a few representatives from each funded program prepared a short speech in order to thank the Vision Coalition and explain what they were going to do with the money. Some of the speakers were from groups such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, El Dorado Musical Theater, Faithful Stewards, Hands for Hope and different programs at Oak Ridge High School, Pleasant Grove Middle School and Rolling Hills Middle School. Most of these organizations had received grants from the Vision Coalition in the past, but some new groups were introduced as well. Some of the newly funded organizations include the P.A.R.T.Y Program of Northern California, which educates teens on the dangers of drinking and driving through realistic experiential simulations including partnering with local hospitals. The Vision Coalition also presented funding for a new teen Web site called
www.Teenzhub.com, where teens can read all about the latest news and activities happening in the community.
Most of the mini-grant recipients received funds for up to $5,000, but there were a few organizations that received even more money. The El Dorado Hills Community Services District Teen Center was presented with $20,000 for a five-year period, which adds up to a total of $100,000 in the end. This money will be used to increase the number of teen programs offered and the number of facilities available.
Funding for the grants was provided through Sierra Health Foundation’s REACH program, SAMSHA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), and through business and individual donations. For more information on how to get involved, visit www.edhvisioncoalition.org or call (916) 941-8482.
The Vision Coalition of El Dorado Hills is a REACH Community Action coalition.
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Youth spoken word artists to showcase their skills
Through the Sacramento Area Youth Speaks (SAYS) program, hundreds of high school students throughout the region have had an opportunity this spring to discover and develop their poetry, writing and performance skills. On May 15 and 16, the students will showcase those skills at regional and statewide slams in Davis and Sacramento. The two-day event will also include workshops and a town hall meeting for students and teachers.
The purpose of SAYS is to infuse the Sacramento region with youth voice, and to amplify and sustain the health, well-being, literacy and academic engagement of youth. SAYS is a program of the UC Davis School of Education in partnership with the UC Davis Academic Preparation Program, Sierra Health Foundation, the Twin Rivers Unified School District, Sacramento City Unified School District, the Sacramento Office of Youth Development and Youth Speaks, Inc.
At the center of this partnership is a youth steering committee comprised of local spoken word artists, UC Davis undergraduates and high school students. Young people are leading the way for this initiative and are energized to create opportunities that allow their peers to shine.
For more information about SAYS and the May event, visit the Sacramento Area Youth Speaks Web site, e-mail Dr. Vajra Watson or call (530) 219-1376.
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Sacramento teens to show videos documenting unsung heroes
by Jeanine Rutledge
Media Arts Coordinator,
Center for Multicultural Cooperation
Teens from 16 middle and high schools in Sacramento have spent the past school year creating a series of short films preserving the stories of community leaders and identifying issues in their community. On May 14, the public is invited to a free screening of this video series, part of the California Voices initiative, at the Crest Theatre in Sacramento, where 100 student representatives from participating schools will present a collection of these stories to the public.
The evening event will feature an award ceremony for youth-focused Anti-Tobacco Public Service Announcements. Participants could win up to $1,000 in gift certificate prizes and see their top submission played before feature films at a local Sacramento movie theater.
California Voices is designed to mobilize young people to have a greater share of voice in the digital era, while preserving the legacy of elders who have made significant contributions to culture, community and country. This initiative has provided an opportunity for educators and students throughout the Greater Sacramento metropolitan area to come together in documenting the preservation of our local heritage, as well as identifying issues and solutions that affect student’s lives. Featured stories include:
• Bong Vong Nguyen was born and raised in Saigon, South Vietnam, and served in the South Vietnamese Army. Mr. Nguyen shares his story of being wounded and forced into a North Vietnamese communist re-education camp that was nothing more than a prison in the jungle.
• Manny Hernandez’s parents emigrated from Mexico when he was very young so they could give their children an opportunity to receive a better education. After witnessing the deplorable conditions of his own children’s schools, Manny knew it was time to dedicate his life to education and service.
• An in-depth look at bullying, tobacco use, neighborhood safety and the high school drop-out rate through the creative lens of our students.
The public is invited to attend this free event, co-hosted by the Center for Multicultural Cooperation and the Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center. The California Voices Youth Film Premiere will be held May 14 at 6 p.m. at the Crest Theatre, 1013 K St., Sacramento.
Learn more about California Voices on the Center for Multicultural Cooperation Web site.
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UC Davis releases Community School Partnerships Toolkit
by Renee Newton, Director
UC Davis Center for Community School Partnerships
It is with great pleasure that I announce the release of the Center for Community School Partnerships’ new resource to cultivate community schools – a Community School Partnerships Toolkit. The Center for Community School Partnerships (CCSP) is located in the School of Education at UC Davis and engages in research, evaluation and technical assistance to connect schools and communities in ways that support student success and youth well-being.
Knowing that not one solution can solely address the various needs of all students and families, community partnership schools, also referred to as “full service,” “extended service” or “Healthy Start” schools, combine rigorous academics with a wide range of services, supports, opportunities and resources for students to develop socially, academically, physically and emotionally. Community school partnerships enable families to thrive and it is our firm belief that when families thrive, so does the whole community!
The purpose of the CCSP Community School Partnerships Toolkit is to present tools to guide any school that wants to improve academic achievement for all students, youth well-being and ties to families and communities. Pulling from the best of the training materials and resources CCSP has used for more than 16 years to help Healthy Start grantees grow and sustain their programs, we have created a user-friendly toolkit with three types of information. First, it provides clear objectives for conducting collaborative discussions. Second, it offers activities for facilitators to use in helping collaborative groups define and achieve their outcomes. Finally, it includes tools that are templates, instructions, assessments and other materials for establishing community school partnerships.
Get additional information and download or order your toolkit online.
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CalendarApril 30
Applications are due for the Sacramento Summer Enrichment Program, a free four-day program to increase student awareness of healthcare management as a career. This program is offered by the University of Southern California’s State Capital Center. Program dates are July 9, 10, 16 and 17. Sessions will take place in the Greater Sacramento region. Get the application on the USC Web site.
May 6-7
Youth Development 101
This introductory course on best practices for working with youth is praised by youth providers, teachers, after-school practitioners, tutors and young people around the region as being one of the best hands-on trainings in the field. Learn about safety techniques, relationship building, youth participation, community involvement and skill building. There will be many opportunities for discussion and youth input. For information on how adults and youth from your organization can attend, visit the YDN Web site.
May 12
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Youth Development Network Reunion Mixer
Join YDN for an evening of mingling with champions of youth development from all over the Greater Sacramento area. Enjoy live music, business card raffle, appetizers and beverages. A $10 donation is appreciated (may be applied toward your new YDN membership). The event will be held at Downey Brand LLP, 621 Capitol Mall in Sacramento. RSVP by May 4 to Cathy at (916) 231-5333 x13 or e-mail cathy@ydnetwork.org.
May 14
6 p.m.
California Youth Voices Film Premiere
Crest Theater, 1013 K St., Sacramento
With the Center for Multicultural Cooperation, Sacramento-area students have produced mini-documentaries chronicling the lives of elders who are unsung heroes in their communities. Students also have developed films and PSAs about issues that affect them. This red-carpet film premiere is open to the public.
May 15-16
Sacramento Area Youth Speaks slams and workshops
UC Davis
Youth Speaks is an innovative education partnership providing opportunities for youth to discover and develop their poetry, writing and performance skills. This two-day event will include workshops for youth and teachers, plus a regional and statewide slam. For information about SAYS and the event, e-mail Dr. Vajra Watson or call (530) 219-1376.
May 20-21
It’s Not Just a Vote: Engaging Youth on Boards and Advisories
Join the Youth Development Network for a two-day learning community about understanding different models of engaging youth voice as part of your organizational culture, exploring best practices of engaging youth in an organization’s decision-making process, assessing your organization’s readiness for youth in positions of power, and supporting youth and adults through this challenging process. Though adult-focused, this training will benefit from the attendance of your leadership youth and/or board members from your organization. Visit the YDN Web site to register.
June 19
Applications are due for the Stewardship Council’s Catalyst and Impact Grants Round 2. The Pacific Forest and Watershed Lands Stewardship Council invites Northern and Central California nonprofit organizations to apply for grants focused on getting youth outside. As part of its Youth Investment Program, the Stewardship Council will grant between $2 million and $2.5 million to parks and programs that connect underserved youth (ages 13 to 18) to the outdoors. Get more information on the Stewardship Council Web site.
E-mail story ideas, funding opportunities, resources and calendar items to us at REACH.
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