I can't believe it's already October! With the beginning of this new month I am pleased to share the following updates and opportunities:

* The Youth Initiative is proud to announce the hiring of Susan Gunther-Mohr as the After School Activities Coordinator at Leland & Gray Middle School. The Windham Central Supervisory Union has taken on this position with funding provided through the Youth Initiative in an effort to provide more opportunities for youth in the after school hours.

* FREE bumper stickers are now available - log on to our web site to see what they look like and find out how to get one.

* The Windham County Youth Council (WCYC) and Youth Initiated Grants will be having their first meetings this week. Young people from around the county are a part of each group and are working to empower local youth to have a positive impact on their communities. I will be sending out an RFP for youth initiated projects next month and will keep you updated on WCYC's plans for the 2006 Youth Summit.


What About Teens? dialogue night (this Thursday!)
Have you ever been in one of those meetings where people talk and talk, but there's no action? You put all this energy into raising the issues, but can't see how it is going to help change anything.

This upcoming dialogue night, What About Teens?, is not one of those meetings. The goal of this meeting, and others like it taking place around the state, is to hear from youth and adults about issues facing teens in Vermont communities to inform statewide policy changes. Therefore your voice will be heard and your ideas will be presented to our state legislators to impact positive change for young people.

When: Thursday October 6th from 7-9 pm
Where: Marlboro Technology Center, 28 Vermont Street, Brattleboro

Youth/Adult Partnership Training
Partners are members of a team working together toward a common goal. In a partnership there is give and take, not just the provision of services and the expectation that the receiver will comply. In a partnership people have to truly listen to one another and base actions on what has been heard. So how does one apply these concepts of partnership to a group of youth and adults working together?

You might be addressing an issue in the community, planning an event, doing service projects, or overseeing a program. No matter what your goal is as a group, there can be challenges to youth and adults working as partners.

The Brattleboro Area Prevention Coalition (BAPC) is hosting a Youth/Adult Partnership Training on Thursday October 20th conducted by Green Mountain Peer Project. Teams of 1 adult and 2 youth are invited to attend this day long, hands-on training to learn new ways to work as true partners.

There is a limit of 35 people total for the training, so contact BAPC today to reserve a spot.

Beth Shrader
257-2175
bapc@sover.net

Att: After School Activity Providers
Power of Choice Curriculum Introduction for After-School Programs

After-school programs throughout Vermont are eligible to receive a free introduction to the USDA Power of Choice curriculum. A trained instructor will provide a one-hour nutrition and fitness lesson. Sites will receive a free copy of the curriculum and a chance to win $100. For more information and to locate an instructor near you, call Lisa Ford at (802) 254-7792 or e-mail her at think_lisa@hotmail.com. This opportunity is provided by the Vermont Department of Education and the Center for Health & Learning.

If you have an upcoming event, log onto HelpEmpowerYouth.com and put it on our calendar!


Thank you for your time and attention.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or comments.

Enjoy your day.
Julia Hampton*