Akimel O’odham/Pee-Posh Youth...

FY2013

Michael Preston

Youth Council Coordinator

FY2013

Akimel O’odham/Pee-Posh Youth Council

“Our mission is to provide youth the opportunity to contribute individual perspectives and insight into the ongoing activities of the Gila River Indian Community”

– Mission Statement

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Youth Council Report FY13

2012-2013 Youth Council Members

Executive Officers Kyle Flores – President Kayla Williams – Vice-President Sache Foster – Secretary Shayne Madrid – Treasurer

District Representatives Charisma Quiroz – District One Darius Jackson – District One Ivan Castillo – District Two Alex Pablo – District Two Learall Jackson – District Three Alyssa Juan – District Four Kayla Williams – District Four Richard Stone – District Five Elizabeth Francisco – District Six Cheyenne Jackson – District Six Robyn Soriano – District Seven

At Large Representative Tyler Owens – District 5 Anissa Garcia – District 3 Ashley Pasqual – District 3 Travis Pablo Jr. – District 3

Honorary Members Kristen Dosela –NCAI Youth Commission Lisa Hendricks – Miss Gila River

Youth Council Advisory Board Merlena Calabaza – President Corrina Pino – Secretary Pamela Pratt-Morago Carrie Stansberry Daryl Lynn Jay Chandra Narcia Antonio Davis Mikhail Sundust Youth Council Staff

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Michael Preston – Coordinator Gwen Morago – Secretary III The Beginning Over 25 years ago a group of young community members hosted the first Akimel O’odham Youth Conference at the Gila River Career Center in Sacaton. Several months after the conference a group of youth (AOPPYC Founders) promoted the establishment of the Akimel O’odham/Pee-Posh Youth Council. In 1988, the founders gained enough support and votes from the Gila River Tribal Council to have an operational budget. Since 1987, the Akimel O’odham/Pee-Posh Youth Council has provided a voice for the young members of Gila River. It has allowed young people to be involved in the process of improving their community. It has provided them tools to not only understand how their tribal government operates but the ability to be part of the process. It has not only helped those members who were elected to the council, but those who have participated in its annual events, such as the Gila River Youth Conference, Close Up, dances, tournaments, and more.

From the moment youth council members join the organization, they are challenged to grow and develop. Youth Council curriculum provides small challenges to new members, which allows them to enjoy success and build their self-esteem. Once the foundation of confidence is built, the program encourages them to seek new challenges and goals. The members are safely pushed outside their comfort zone so they can become familiar with newness. When young people have committed to the program and become actively involved, they feel empowered and this empowerment is carried with them in all aspects of their life. The Akimel O’odham/Pee-Posh Youth Council is viewed as one of the premier youth leadership organizations through not only Indian Country, but across the nation. They have received highest honors from Harvard Honoring Nations Program as well as accolades from national and state organizations. With the continued support of tribal leadership, the Akimel O’odham/Pee-Posh Youth Council can continue to support emerging community leaders. What sets AOPPYC apart from most other youth programs is that the members have the opportunity to choose which programs, events, and volunteering they want to participate in. The office staff is there to facilitate their events and train them during their term so they can

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accomplish their goals and develop at the same time. The Akimel O’odham/Pee-Posh Youth Council is also known as the Gila River Youth Council as well as AOPPYC. The young community members on the council are referred to as: members, youth council, youth council members, students, and AOPPYC members. Regular Youth Council Meetings The Akimel O’odham/Pee-Posh Youth Council has 2 scheduled regular monthly meetings. The meetings are held on the 2nd and 4 th Saturday of every month. The first meeting is held at the O’odham Ha Ke (old Tribal Council Chambers), which is the chambers that is shared with the Council of Elders. The second meeting of each month is rotated throughout the districts. The meetings are held using parliamentary procedure. The young members learn Robert’s Rules of Order so they can conduct their meetings as well as understand how tribal council conducts

their meetings. Throughout the year the advisor conducts training in several areas which include but are not limited to: tribal government, communication (public, interpersonal, small group), self-esteem, project management, personal finance, networking, teambuilding, leadership, culture, community history, parliamentary procedure, and goal setting. Different speakers or presenters from tribal departments, state & national organizations, and community members also provide presentations for youth

council members at monthly meetings. Scheduled meeting sometimes coincide with community events or holidays and are rescheduled or canceled.

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Training & Travel Training is provided for the youth council members throughout their term. They can receive their training in the form of a youth council meeting, a workshop, or attending training at the conference which they attend. Most youth conferences provide a pre-conference training for attendees. When the young members travel it also becomes a great opportunity for them to practice some of their newly acquired skills such as networking, public speaking, active listening, among others. For some of the youth it will be their first time traveling out of state and/or on an airplane and it is quite an experience for them. Youth Council Orientation – O’odham Ha Ke: The Youth Council Members must attend a mandatory training to review their constitution & bylaws. They also will review the policies & procedures and ask questions about their roles. It is also a time

for parents & guardians to learn about the program and meet the staff. Annual Youth Meeting – O’odham Ha Ke: An annual meeting for the youth of the community. The Youth Council provides a copy of the annual report and holds elections for Youth Council Executive Officers: President, Vice-President, Secretary, & Treasurer. Youth Council Inauguration – Governance Center: All elected and new at-large members take part in the swearing in ceremony. The ceremony was held at the Governance Center in the Tribal Chambers. This was an opportunity for youth council members to see where their current leadership sits and convenes its meetings. Following the ceremony, there was a group photo taken and food served for all those who attended. National Indian Education Association Conference – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: The delegation was able to see how tribal nations come together to promote education within their communities. They also learned about how tribal nations are leveraging their resources and new solutions to problems related to education in Indian Country.

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National Congress of American Indian – Sacramento, California: The delegation attended several of the sessions and participated in the youth commission events and meetings as well. They learned

the purpose of NCAI as well as the process of resolutions at the convention. The youth commission provided teambuilding activities, fitness events, networking, and also speaking opportunities for attendees. The delegation also had the opportunity to visit with their tribal leadership at the convention. Kristen Dosela was elected to serve on the National Congress of American Indians Youth Commission. 57 th Presidential Inauguration Ceremony, Washington, D.C.: The Youth Council President was able to attend the prestigious event with the community delegation which consisted of Elders, Tribal Council Representatives, and Lt. Governor Stephen Lewis.

American Indian Science and Engineering Society – Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona: The attendees enjoyed several days of networking, mentoring, research presentations, nationally recognized speakers, leadership skills development, and cultural activities. Youth Council Work Session – Uhs Kehk Multipurpose Building: The youth council

members had attended the three-day training at the Uhs Kehk Multipurpose Building. The participants experienced training in the following areas: public speaking, tribal government, goal setting, project management, teambuilding, tribal government, leadership, physical wellness, self-esteem, and communication. Most sessions were interactive and provided the students the opportunity to engage the material with their own ideas and experience. Native Nations Institute provided an informative presentation on

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successful tribal nations and helped define the role of Tribal Leader. UNITY Mid-Year Meeting – Arlington, Virginia: The youth council delegation

attended the meeting in Arlington, VA. The meeting consisted of speakers from the staff of the United States Senate, House of Representatives, and the White House. The delegation worked on planning for the upcoming annual UNITY conference and worked on improving the bylaws and function of the organization. One day was give for the participants to meet with their representatives and voice their concerns, this was also a great opportunity for the young people to visit the monuments and learn about Washington, D.C. Nation Building for Native Youth – Scottsdale, Arizona: This is a youth empowerment program for age 15-19 and adult advisors. Funded by the UPS Foundation and others, it combines

historically accurate and culturally relevant content with leadership, peer mentoring and experiential learning. The program integrates powerful and proven 21st century educational strategies associated with building confident, responsible and empowered youth. It also incorporates Harvard University's Nation Building framework and cutting-edge leadership, communications, life skills, and service learning. Kids Voting – District Voting Sites: The Youth Council set up Kids Voting polls at several sites within the community. It was a great turnout of youth. The total vote count was 180 young members who voted throughout the community. United National Indian Tribal Youth Conference – Woodland Hills, California: The annual conference was held in Woodlands, California. The six-day youth conference featured several keynote speakers, information exhibitors, and interactive workshops. Two youth council members campaigned and one was elected to the National Executive Committee. Both campaigns were great. Jiimaan Journey – Traverse City, Michigan: The Youth Council was invited to attend and participate in the 7 th Annual Jiimaan Journey. The week-long event

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consisted of paddling canoes for several hours a day and setting up camp. There were also traditional speakers and presenters as well as inter-active leadership workshops provided for the youth.

Gila River Youth Conference – Chandler, Arizona: The theme for the conference was “Let Our Voice Be Heard”. As this was the 25 th annual event, it was giving tribute to the theme of the first conference. The first day of the conference provided training for the youth facilitators. They received training in working with small groups, public speaking, professionalism, and customer service. There were approximately 430 participants during the next two days of the conference. Most of the youth who attended are Gila River Members, the rest were from Ak-Chin, Salt River, Tohono O’odham, Jemez Pueblo, Hopi, and other visiting tribes.

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Volunteer & Participate Youth council members volunteer their time to something they are passionate about, gain personal empowerment, social connection, and a sense of community at an early stage in their life. They realize the one can make a difference. By donating

their time to an organization, they can have a powerful impact on an individual and/or community level. They also learn to become active in their communities. Miss Gila River Pageant – Wild Horse Pass Hotel,

Chandler, Arizona: Youth Council was asked to assist with the pageant. Four Tribes Quarterly Meetings: The Akimel O’odham/Pee-Posh Youth Council members attend the quarterly meeting to learn the issues and concerns of the tribal

leaders from Ak-Chin, Gila River, Salt River, and Tohono O’odham. The youth councils

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of all four tribes are also given the opportunity to give quarterly reports and provide input on issues which the tribes are discussion. This provides an opportunity for members to practice their public speaking and presentation skills. It is also a great time for networking and learning what their counterparts are doing on other youth councils. The presence of the Four Tribes youth councils is strong at whichever event they attend. GRIC Youth Roundtable: The Executive Office, Governor Mendoza & Lieutenant Governor Lewis, had requested a meeting be set up with the youth of the community to speak with current tribal leaders. The Youth Council Office was assigned to set up the meeting location, agenda, & format. The participants spoke about the issues in their respective districts as well as solutions they had to address the issues. Then they presented both issues and solutions/ideas to the entire group. Culture & Language: The youth council members gathered many times throughout the year to learn traditional O’odham songs and dance so they could share with others. Gila River Christmas Light Parade – Sacaton, Arizona: The students decorated a float and participated in the event. They had fun while learning about teamwork.

Youth Council Christmas Dinner – Governance Center, Sacaton: The event is hosted within the Governance Center lobby. The families of the students brought food and also gifts for exchange with other members. Mulchutha Parade: Youth Council members worked hard to design and build

a float to be part of the parade. Five Tribes Treaty of Peace: Youth Council assist with the event. Anti-Bully Presentation: District 3 Youth Council Representative, Sache Foster, hosted a 1 day event at Sacaton Elementary School. She provided the inter-active presentation with assistance from the Gila River Prevention Coalition and other Youth Council Members. The 45 minute sessions were held for the entire school. The information included skits,

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definition of bullying, and what to do if you’re bullied. Culture Day Vechij Himdag Alternative School – Sacaton: Students attended culture day at the local high school to share information about Youth Council and inspire the youth at VHM to attend college and pursue their dreams. Teambuilding: Members spent time

together before and after events. This was important for them to create healthy working relationships. Employee Picnic – District 4 Service Center: Students were asked to serve snow cones at the employee event. Law & Order Commission: The youth council interviewed young people in the community to find out their thoughts relating to the justice system within the community.

Youth Council District Events & Meetings This is the third year the youth council members were challenged to host an event within their respective districts. The focus of each event should be different from each other district and provide not only an activity for community members, but also a learning experience. The young students were first put through project/event management training. The members were asked to utilize resources in their community; such as people, businesses, buildings, etc. They had to be part of the planning, implementation, and hosting of the events. The youth council office was there to assist when needed. District 1 Volleyball Tournament: The representatives from U’us Kehk worked with the district recreation coordinator to plan and host a volleyball tournament. The event was held at the multipurpose building. District 2 Culture Night: The youth representatives from Hashan Kehk hosted a camping event. Participants spent the night at the park which included presentations from community elders and physical activities. The participants also watched movies and played other teambuilding activities. Thank you to Pete

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Sanchez and Carol French for your assistance. District 3 Kids Olympics: A full day of

physical activities provided by the District 3 Youth Representatives. They had fun games and healthy snacks. The guest speaker encouraged young people to exercise daily and eat well. Thank you to the Wellness Center and Sacaton Boys & Girls Club. District 4: The district youth representatives from Stotonic hosted the event at the park. They shared information about healthy relationships and also provided a live band for entertainment and dancing. The youth representatives would like to thank Gila River Healthcare Corporation, District 4 Recreation, District 5 T-Ball Tournament: The district youth representatives from Va’ah Ki hosted the event at the District 5 Ball Field. The

youth representatives would like to thank District 5 Recreation for donations and assistance. District 6 Water Day: The District Youth Representatives from Komatke hosted the water day event at the Komatke Boys & Girls Club. They promoted healthy lifestyles through activity and wise food choices. The youth would like to thank the staff of the Komatke Boys & Girls Club. District Meetings: Youth Council Members are required to attend at least one monthly district meeting. They report on activities the youth council are planning and events they will be attending. They also receive valuable information on what is going on their respective districts. This is a good opportunity for them to practice their listening & speaking skills. It is also good for them to practice their critical thinking skills, as they are asked questions from audience.

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Youth Council Advisory Board The advisory board is comprised of volunteers who assist the Youth Council Members. The coordinator reports the activities and issues of the Youth Council to the board on a monthly basis. The board makes suggestions or recommendations to the advisor and Youth Council Members. The members of the board also serve as chaperones and sit in as advisor for meetings/events that the coordinator is not able to attend. The members of the board commit their time, money, and personal resources to the members of AOPPYC. They also teach the members of the council traditional songs, dance, & more. They are greatly appreciated by the Youth Council and advisor. Youth Council Staff Activity The responsibility of the coordinator is to assist the Youth Council Members with their events & progress as well as provide on-going training for youth representatives. The youth council coordinator and secretary work on assignments and task assigned by their supervisor or the Executive Office as well as other youth related activities/projects.

Youth Council Member Training: Provides interactive sessions for Youth Council Members throughout the year. Training includes but is not limited to: project management, self-esteem, teambuilding, leadership skills, public speaking, small group communication, networking, parliamentary procedure, community history, tribal government, conflict management, time management, campaign and elections, finance, budget, constitution and bylaws, and more. Guest speakers and presenters cover topics: culture, language, physical wellness, sex education, law enforcement, spirituality, healthy eating, diabetes, spirituality, and more. Personal Finance Training: The youth council coordinator was asked by the Workers in Action program to provide a personal finance session for youth attendees in their program. Michael Preston used his personal experience & formal education in business management to share techniques and skills to manage personal finance. The four-hour workshop covered some of the following subjects: budgets, understanding credit, comparing credit cards, understanding loans, savings, and how to use financial tools.

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Gila River Close Up: The 14th Gila River Close Up event was held at the Grace Inn, Ahwatukee. The intensive three-day event was host to over approximately 35 Gila River high school students. The annual event is focused on teaching students about tribal government. Attendees participate in interactive work sessions and also get the opportunity to participate in mock elections, mock tribal council meetings, and a mock teen court trial. This is a great experience for young community members to learn about the tribal democratic process. Several other tribes and youth councils have approached Gila River to ask for assistance in putting together similar programs in their community. Residential Program for Youth Owners Team: The youth council coordinator participated with the owner’s team to ensure the best facility was built for our young community members. They attended meetings throughout the year to plan and approve the facility. The Future The Akimel O’odham/Pee-Posh Youth Council will continue to support young members so they can have a positive impact on the Community.

This will be done by empowering youth within the community. Those youth in turn educate their own family & friends and provide positive influence at the core of what makes our community. The Youth Council Members will also utilize digital resources, such as social networking websites to keep other youth informed and inspired. The Youth Council will also look to partner with national and international youth leadership organizations so they can gain a global perspective on leadership skills and techniques. The members will continue to learn O’odham songs and dance and will also promote more Pee-Posh learning as well. The youth council has been successful for the past 25 years and will continue to build upon that success with the support of tribal leadership and tribal administration. If you have any questions or comments you can contact the youth council office at: (520) 562-1866 or Michael Preston (Youth Council Coordinator/Advisor) at: (520) 610-2964. You can also visit the youth council website at www.gricyouthcouncil.org or our page at www.facebook.com/gricyouthcouncil. We are always open to any ideas, suggestions, and/or concerns.

http://www.gricyouthcouncil.org/

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