April 09 21stcclc newsletter

Violence, it's the act of purposefully hurting someone or oneself. It's any mean word, look, sign, or act that hurts a person's body, feelings or things and it's a major issue facing today's youth and adults alike.

What causes someone to punch, kick, stab or fire a gun at someone else or even him/herself? There is never a simple answer to that question but we know many of the factors that contribute to violent behavior include: Peer pressure, need for attention or respect, feelings of low self-worth, early childhood abuse or neglect, witnessing violence at home, in the community or in the media and easy access to weapons.

Over the past two weeks we've been inundated with tragic violent events that leave us wondering, why? The Binghamton tragedy, Pittsburgh ambush, suicides in Schenectady, Long Beach murders and the list could go on for miles. Each incident beckons the simple question, why?

One thing's for sure, violence is a systemic problem that can only be eradicated via a systematic process that incorporates the community, the school, the family and the student. Four fundamental elements to prevent/deter violence in schools continue to be:

Define violence. Clearly define what is meant by violence so that there is no room for ambivalence or individual interpretation, especially in student handbooks.
SAVE Legislation. Educate entire staff to SAVE (Schools Against Violence in Education) New York's school violence prevention law and ensure that school safety plans are updated and teams are active and trained.
Make violence prevention everyone's business. Enroll ALL staff including bus drivers, custodial, lunchroom, teacher assistants, secretaries, nurses, teachers, principals, and district personnel.
Make prevention a reality. Promote a school/organization ethos that states that "Violence is NOT okay. We do not tolerate it here!"

There is no one-size-fits-all solution but together WE CAN and WE MUST make our communities, schools and homes safe spaces, safe places.

For the youth,

Felicia's Sign Aug 08

THE AFTER SCHOOL EXPERIENCE (TASE) CONFERENCE

Theme: "Moving Beyond the Status Quo!"

May 26-28, 2009

Effective professional development is vital to the success of your afterschool program. TASE is a statewide, recognized afterschool training conference where the afterschool program provider participates in quality training development. The keynote sessions, intensive expert institutes and workshops by experts in the field provides the participants with the latest trends and research in out-of-school time. This is a great way for you to enhance and build upon your afterschool knowledge and experience.

TASE - Day One, May 26

From the White House to the local level, an Expert National and State Panel will provide 'cutting edge' and 'hot-off-the-press' information pertaining to the afterschool movement. The experts will discuss current, up-to-date issues pertaining to diverse afterschool funding streams such as 21st CCLC, ESD/SVP and Advantage.

Panelists: John Albert, TASC ~ Tara Donohue, Learning Point & Associates ~ Jodi Grant, The Afterschool Alliance ~ Bob James, Student Voices ~ Fred Jones, Integrated Services Center, Sanjiv Rao, NYSAN.

Help legislators 'put a face to the funds' at the Jamboree at the Capitol. Show legislators how ESD/SVP and Advantage afterschool funding is being used. The focus of the Jamboree is 'real time' student engagement which will include showcasing academic enrichment and student performances from the afterschool movement.

TASE - Day Two, May 27

Participate in one of three Intensive Expert Institutes (see descriptions below). Later in the day, join invited NYS Legislators at the Mardi Gras Dinner where heavy networking will take place. Join us for John Soja's official farewell and to welcome Linda Woodward as the official SED 21st CCLC team leader during dinner.

Every afterschool program professional, specifically, ESD/SVP and Advantage, should invite his/her legislator to dinner at TASE. To locate who your New York legislator is, visit New York State Assembly or contact Jenna West at 845-255-8989.

TASE - Day Three, May 28

Participate in Regional Meetings with 21st CCLC Coordinators or join Roundtable Discussions with fellow Advantage and ESD/SVP professionals.

Back by popular demand...

ReadNex Poetry Squad

Meet the ReadNex Poetry Squad, a group of four spoken word poets/emcees that have banded together to uplift urban communities through the power of music. Comprised of four esteemed lyrical "scholars" and a DJ. Decora, Free Flowin, Cuttz, Latin Translator and DJ H2O have managed to blend conscious social commentary with influences from Hip-Hop, Soul, Latin and Caribbean music, to create a unique sound that is already making an impact on not only the music industry, but the world.These young people have been involved in the afterschool arena engaging students in academic enrichment through poetry and music. ReadNex will be joining us at the Jamboree, The Business of Fun Networking, and conducting a workshop.

Keynotes

Dr. Farrah Gray, Celebrity, Self-Made Millionare, Entrepreneur, Best Selling Author, and Syndicated Columnist

Dr. Farrah Gray, raised in poverty on the South side of Chicago, began his entrepreneurial, personal and civic development at the age of 6 and went on to defy the odds to become a self-made millionaire by the age of 14. He is the youngest African-American teenage millionaire without being in entertainment or having a family connection.

Today, Dr. Farrah, 24, focuses his attention on inner city community-based entrepreneurship education. Through his experiences, Dr. Gray will show participants how we and the students we serve, when armed with dreams and tenacity can strategically position ourselves to heights beyond measure.

Intensive Expert Institutes

Dr. Richard Kreipe, Chief of Division of Adolescent Medicine at Golisano Children's Hospital

Adolescent Behavior: My Brain (& Genes) Made Me Do It!!

Best practices in services for/with adolescents are grounded in a firm understanding of the wide range of normal trajectories in adolescent growth and development. This institute focuses on the practical application of four aspects of adolescent growth and development (changes of puberty, identity, autonomy and cognition) for adults working with youth in a variety of settings (home, school, after-school, workplace, places of worship, recreation, detention, etc.). Armed with new knowledge and skills related to the complex process of adolescence, participants will be able to:

1) Understand better behaviors typically exhibited by adolescents;
2) Communicate more effectively with youth; and,
3) Reframe problematic behaviors in a developmental context that can make them less bothersome to us and help adolescents to want to change for the better.

This will be an interactive session including role-play and discussion as well as evidence-based formal didactic elements.

Jane Quinn, Assistant Executive Director, National Technical Assistance Center for Community Schools, Children's Aid Society

Professional Development: Training & Empowering Your Staff

A quality staff is the key to quality Out-of-School-Time programming. In this workshop, you will learn strategies for building and maintaining a strong team of out-of-school time professionals. These strategies include understanding the core competencies of effective youth workers, using the model of situational leadership to create a strong team, peer coaching, utilizing a continuous improvement plan for staff development, and staff evaluation as a tool for staff growth.

Earl Phalen, Chief Executive Officer, Summer Advantage USA and former CEO of BELL

Summer Learning: The Difference in Academic Achievement

The two major levers that impact student performance are people and time. Strong school leadership, highly qualified teachers, and longer class periods are all important strategies that are being implemented to help children realize their tremendous potential. One of the most effective tools to improve student performance, through, summer learning, is currently one of the most underutilized.

President Obama and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan recognize the power of summer learning. In fact, the President sponsored federal legislation (STEP UP Act) which will bring $500 Million to evidence-based summer learning programs. This session will focus on the power of summer learning; the elements of evidence-based programs; and concrete steps you can take to raise the quality of your program and touch the lives of more children and families.

TASEConference
Theme: "Moving Beyond the Status Quo!"

May 26-28, 2009

Desmond Hotel and Conference Center
660 Albany Shaker Road
Albany, New York 12211
1(800) 448-5300 or (518) 869-8100

Registration is $179

If you are part of the afterschool movement, DO NOT miss this exciting event!

Visit the NY 21st CCLC Statewide TAC website for registration, preliminary agenda and additional conference details.

Children/Youth, Parents and Alcohol

Lorraine Lopez, Program Manager
NY 21st CCLC Statewide TAC

Myth: Alcohol, the Better Drug

Cocaine, marijuana or alcohol? Concerned adults would agree children should not be experimenting with any of these. Which one would parents prefer their children to use, though? Some parents are relieved when they find out their child is "just" drinking alcohol and not using drugs. It is a myth that alcohol is a "better" drug. Alcohol abuse, drunk driving, and alcohol-related diseases take a major toll on our society, and children who begin drinking at a young age are at much higher risk of developing problems.

May and June are celebratory months with proms and graduations parties galore. We would like to believe our youth will stay away from alcohol, but the reality is, many of them will drink. It behooves us to remind them of the fatal consequences drinking and driving can have. See the youth-written poem, 'Drinking and Driving' in the next section and share with your youth.

The Facts

Below are some facts from the NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services that prove alcohol is not the "safer" drug:

Underage drinking accounts for 12% of all alcohol sales in the U.S., or approximately 3.6 billion drinks per year.
Alcohol is the most commonly used drug among adolescents. By their senior year of high school, nearly 4 out of 5 students (78%) have consumed alcohol.
Adolescents who drink are likely to be heavy drinkers or binge drinkers (defined as 5 or more drinks in one sitting).
Heavy drinking is reported by 12% of eighth graders, 22% of tenth graders, 29% of twelfth graders and 40% of college students.
A majority of young people do not drink or do not drink regularly.
A national study shows that just 17.6% of youth age 12-17 drank alcohol in the 30 days prior to the survey.

The Power of Parents/Caregivers

Parents often feel there's not much they can say or do to influence the decision their children will make regarding alcohol and drug use. But research tells us differently. Parents are the most powerful influence in their child's life and the biggest deterrent to their child's drug and alcohol use. Children whose parents teach them about the risks of drug or alcohol use are 36% less likely to smoke marijuana than kids who don't and 50% less likely to use inhalants, 56% less likely to use cocaine, and 65% less likely to use LSD (SAMHSA).

What else can a parent do to help their child make the right decision regarding drugs and alcohol? The Office of National Drug Control Policy (SAMHSA) states communication with and involvement in a child's life is key. It is recommend that parents:

Get Involved - Kids who are close to their parents are least likely to engage in risky behaviors. The more involved you are in your children's lives, the more valued they'll feel, and the more likely they'll be to respond to you.

Learn to Communicate - Do you know your kids' favorite music group? What's cool at school? The more you communicate, the more at ease your child will feel about discussing drugs and other sensitive issues with you.

Walk the Walk - Be a role model; the person you want your kid to be. What stronger anti-drug message is there?

Lay Down the Law - Kids between 11-13 yrs old who are highly at risk for drug experimentation - are increasingly independent. Despite their protests, they still crave structure and guidance; they want you to show them you care enough to set limits.

Praise and Reward - What encourages a kid more than his or her parents' approval? The right word at the right time can strengthen the bond that helps keep your child away from drugs.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month

Drinking and Driving

Contributed by Amanda

I went to a party, Mom, I remembered what you said.

You told me not to drink, Mom, So I drank soda instead.

I really felt proud inside, Mom, The way you said I would.

I didn't drink and drive, Mom, Even though the others said I should.

I know I did the right thing, Mom, I know you are always right.

Now the party is finally ending, Mom, As everyone is driving out of sight.

As I got into my car, Mom, I knew I'd get home in one piece.

Because of the way you raised me, So responsible and sweet.

I started to drive away, Mom, But as I pulled out into the road,

The other car didn't see me, Mom, And hit me like a load.

As I lay there on the pavement, Mom, I hear the policeman say,

"The other guy is drunk," Mom, And now I'm the one who will pay.

I'm lying here dying, Mom....I wish you'd get here soon.

How could this happen to me, Mom? My life just burst like a balloon.

There is blood all around me, Mom, And most of it is mine.

I hear the medic say, Mom, I'll die in a short time.

I just wanted to tell you, Mom, I swear I didn't drink.

It was the others, Mom. The others didn't think.

He was probably at the same party as I. The only difference is, he drank

And I will die.

Why do people drink, Mom? It can ruin your whole life.

I'm feeling sharp pains now. Pains just like a knife.

The guy who hit me is walking, Mom, And I don't think it's fair.

I'm lying here dying And all he can do is stare.

Tell my brother not to cry, Mom. Tell Daddy to be brave.

And when I go to heaven, Mom, Put "Daddy's Girl" on my grave.

Someone should have told him, Mom, Not to drink and drive.

If only they had told him, Mom, I would still be alive.

Chris Brown and Rihanna: What's Love Got to Do With It?

By Julliet Coxum, Senior Youth Development Specialist
NYS Center for School Safety

Kids Count 2008

We've been bombarded with news around the incident between celebrity singers Chris Brown and Rihanna. Relationship violence is a serious problem among youth in our schools and communities. Relationship violence is defined as any unwanted, controlling, abusive, or aggressive behavior in a romantic relationship and can occur across all racial, social, sexual, religious, and economic barriers. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, over 50% of teenagers have reported knowing someone who has been in a violent relationship and one in three teenagers have experienced violence in intimate relationships first hand.

Research suggests that Positive Youth Development is a central element in the prevention of relationship violence. As service providers, we need to teach young people communication and negotiation skills to help them avoid or end violence in their relationships and provide them with the resources to seek help when appropriate.

Following are skills to build on the strengths and potential of young people while encouraging increased understanding relative to constructive healthy relationships and positive decision making.

Conflict Management Skills - Teach students to listen carefully and respectfully to the viewpoints of others, to accept legitimate differences of opinion and to develop creative, mutually satisfactory solutions.

Relationship Education - This will increase young peoples' knowledge of relationships that give them a better understanding of both the positive factors that define healthy relationships as well as the negative factors that can lead to relationship violence.

Self-Actualization Skills - Exposure to confidence-building exercises and discussions about self-appreciation and behavior can help young people to develop a greater self worth and foster increase resistance to external pressures from the media and from peers.

Negotiation Skills -This is critical to the establishment of boundaries in any relationship.

The above information was obtained from archived In-Brief Youth Development articles published by The ACT for Youth initiative funded by the New York State Department of Health.

For more information and additional resources visit:

Department for Violence Prevention

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence

Online Resources