Talking Points: Youth as Partners in Civic Leadership (YPCL) n Coming together is a beginning…. n Keeping together is progress… n Working together is a success…

Overall Goal n More young people in Wisconsin will be successful partners in civic leadership

Purpose of YPCL n Networking across the state n Sharing resources and ideas n Training youth with skills to make them more effective in their communities n Opportunity to redefine your community goals

Beliefs n When youth voice is heard at a local, state or national level, they feel: n “…like we have the power to really make a difference, not only with those around them but with people across the world.” – Mark, Seneca, WI n “…there is nothing to hold them back. All doors are open and you can do anything, with your full force and ambition.” - anonymous

Beliefs n When adults work with and engage young people in decision making, I feel: n “…challenged, but excited and energized. I know that the outcomes of the efforts will be significantly more powerful than if I did it alone.” Sadie Schniztler – Wisconsin Promise Statewide Youth Leadership Council n “…excited, motivated and encouraged. When I see their confidence and maturity blossom through the responsibilities they take on, I am reminded of why I do the work I do.” Stephanie Bass-Faust, Wisconsin Regional Teen Institute

Beliefs Young people and adults are already successful partners in many decision-making groups: n Green Bay has youth representation on the Mayor’s Advisory Council n Jackson County Extension Committee includes county commissioners and youth n Alliance for Wisconsin Youth has 2 youth council members

Goals of the YPCL n Connect community and statewide efforts n Enhance and strengthen existing local youth-adult partnerships n Foster the development of new efforts

Strategies of YPCL n Developing a support network of active youth, adults and organizations n Providing resources, training and technical assistance to local communities

Strategies of YPCL n Blending resources and building statewide collaboration of active partners for youth voice n Building community awareness

Stages of Involvement: the choice is yours n Level One: Time and Resources –Participation of youth and adult(s) from your organization for nine months: Monthly telephone calls Quarterly face-to-face meetings Participation in conference planning, participation and follow- up

Stages of Involvement: the choice is yours n Level Two: Participation –Recruit, support and maintain a team of youth and adult(s) to attend the events offered by YPCL –Assist with event evaluation –Keep us updated on your groups progress

Stages of Involvement: the choice is yours n Level Three: General Support –Support vision of YPCL –Discuss YPCL at meetings/events you attend –Distribute information on the YPCL movement

Current Level One Partners: n Alliance for Wisconsin Youth n Milwaukee Youth Commission n Project Forward n UW-Extension 4-H Youth Development n Waupaca County Youth Development n Wisconsin Promise Statewide Youth Leadership Council n Wisconsin Regional Teen Institute

Questions? For more information contact: Matt Calvert, 4-H Youth Development Specialist, Melinda Pollen, Coordinator Alliance for Wisconsin Youth Sadie Schnitzler, Coordinator Wisconsin Promise Statewide Youth Leadership Council