Introduction to Positive Youth Development

A-Z relay race

Workshop Objectives1. Define resiliency

2. Provide a basic definition of Positive Youth Development

3. Explain at least two things that make the Deficit Model different from the Positive Youth Development Approach

4. List the three protective factors associated with resiliency and PYD: 1. Relationships 2. Expectations and 3. Opportunities.

5. Give three examples of how they DO or CAN use a PYD strategy in their programs.

DHS Outcomes• Improve Life Skills

• Improve Relationships

• Increased Engagement in Learning

• Increased Engagement in School

•Aspires to Academic Excellence

• Prepared for College and Career

What is PYD & Where Does it Come From?

A Working Definition of PYDPositive Youth Development (PYD) is an intentional strategy or framework for helping young people meet their basic developmental needs (moral, social, cognitive, emotional & physical) by focusing on the whole child, not just a single problem that needs to be ‘fixed’. It builds off of young people’s strengths (assets) and is age/developmentally appropriate. PYD is grounded in the desire to help young people be/become resilient and views three key things as protective factors to help build resiliency:

1. Positive relationships 2. Clear, fair & high expectations and 3. Opportunities to connect, navigate and be productive.

The Deficit Model of the 1980s

Resiliency Research of the 1990s

The research showed that kids were able to ‘bounce back’ from adversity if they have three protective factors:

1. Caring relationships with adults & peers

2. Clear, fair and high expectations

3. Opportunities to connect, navigate & be productive

The Shift in the 1990’s

PYD Model•Good for ALL kids•Build resiliency

•Draws from STRENGTHS (Assets)•Focuses on WHOLE child (S, M, C, P, & E) development)•Age/developmentally appropriate•An approach/strategy that can be used in almost any setting

Deficit Model•Divides kids into groups (‘at risk’)•Tries to fix a single problem (teen pregnancy)•Doesn’t address the WHOLE child•Often relies on resources/systems outside the community

Glass half full or half empty?

Deficit Model

Positive Youth Development

Where are We Today?

The Bottom Line

Pause/Check-in

Reflecting on Resiliency: Relationships, Expectations & Opportunities

• Think of a time when you were between 11-15 and an adult had high expectations of you. What was that like?

• (How) did they set you up for success?

• Think of a time when you were between 11-15 and the types of opportunities you had to CONNECT with others, NAVIGATE new experiences and be PRODUCTIVE (CONTRIBUTE)

• Think back to a time between the ages of 11-15.• What relationships were important to you? • Which ADULT relationships were important to you?

PYD Action News

Elements of Your News Cast1. Define PYD

2. Explain the 3 protective factors that develop/support resiliency

3. Examples of what the camera crew sees as evidence of PYD in action

4. Tips for how programs can implement PYD in their programs and help build resiliency in participants

5. How a positive youth development approach helps to meet at least ONE DHS Outcome

Planning

Debrief & Wrap Up

ReferencesCommunity Network for Youth Development Guide (2001)

Different Kind of Child Development Institution: The History of After-School Programs for Low-Income youth, Robert Halpern (2002)

40 Developmental Asset Video overviewhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jk6ius0qLv4&index=1&list=PLBBA7B129078E873D

Peter Benson TedTalk about Sparks & Assets:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqzUHcW58Us