It’s in our DNA Positive Youth Development Training Guide
Foreword Will Watterson Regional Youth Manager, Northern Region I first started volunteering as a youth worker at the age of 15 with my local church, but it wasn’t until I was in my early 20s that I first encountered strengths-based youth development models and practices. It was like stumbling across a hidden treasure trove. Suddenly I felt I had something more on which to base the work I was doing with young people than just my life experiences and personal values (which of course are still crucial). I had found a series of powerful ‘touch-stones’ and a connection to a community of fellow practitioners that would profoundly change the way I approached youth work and life in general. Humans have been trying to figure out how to grow courageous and compassionate young people for thousands of years, and it makes sense that along the way some universal truths and useful approaches and patterns will have emerged, continuously reinterpreted according to the culture and the needs of the time. It is also only logical that in today’s highly interconnected world, we would begin to share these ideas as a global community via professional societies and rigorous academic study. New Zealand is well and truly part of this global movement now, with our youth work peak body (Ara Taiohi) and tertiary qualfications in place. Like the movie ‘The Matrix’, no one can be told what positive youth development is... you have to see it for yourself. Whether you simply dip your toe in the water with one of our Deep Dive webinars, or you take up the challenge of a recognised youth work qualfication, I can guarantee your personal and professional life will be enriched by any engagement you have with these concepts. I am convinced that when we combine these powerful concepts with our finest St John traditions, we can become the most effective youth program in the country. I’m looking forward to taking this journey with all of you.
What is positive youth development? Over the years youth development has taken on many different forms. However, the goal remains the same, to prepare our children for a healthy, happy and safe adulthood. The modern approach we see emerging today encourages youth workers to work in partnership with their young people. This partnership approach involves enthusiastic, highly spirited young people who work alongside their youth workers to reach their full potential and give back to their community. This method requires youth workers to come from all walks of life, all cultures and with varied and diverse life experiences. What this means is we are seeing youth organisations moving away from an authoritative style of youth development, where youth worker hold the role of the expert and young people the role of the novice. In 2012 the Ministry of Youth Development published the Youth Development Strategy of Aotearoa. It draws on current best practices and is base on youth work in a New Zealand setting. The Strategy is for all organisations and works as a guide for youth work practice. The strategy has six principles which are outlined below: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Youth development is shaped by the ‘big picture’. Youth development is about young people being connected. Youth development is based on a consistent strengths-based approach. Youth development happens through quality relationships. Youth development is triggered when young people fully participate. Youth development needs good information.
When these six principles are combined, they aim to create young people who: >> >> >> >>
contribute something of value to society feel a connectedness to others and society believe that they have choices about their future are positive and comfortable with their identity.
So in essence youth work in 2016 is about: >> >> >> >>
connecting youth to positive experiences acknowledging that all youth have the capacity for positive growth and development adults and youth working in partnership guiding our youth to build positive relationships.
Deep dive
Youth leaders induction and professional development pathway Expression of interest
>> Enquire >> Fill out paperwork
Recruitment process
>> CYPP training >> Attend Youth division under supervision >> Interview
Trainee leader
>> First aid course >> Youth leader training course >> Assist division under guidance
Youth leader training module
Youth leader
>> Issues with uniform >> Intergrated into division >> Leadership structure
Moodle modules
Youth officer
>> Officers Essentials training course >> Functions a ADM or DM level
Officers essentials training module
Regional staff
>> AYM training >> Functions at an AYM or DYM level
Youth development additions As shown in the training framework on the previous page, we are introducing four new positive youth development modules to the Youth Leaders Induction and Professional Development Pathway. Below we have a brief description of what to expect in each module.
Youth Leader Course module
Moodle modules
Our Youth Leaders Training Course is an incredible professional development opportunity for our Youth Leaders. The Professional Development Team have worked hard to ensure that our Youth Leaders are well prepared for their work with their young people.
Moodle is an open-source online education platform, used by a huge variety of organisations all over the world. We are using Moodle to create a bunch of cool new online training modules that will allow our youth leaders to work on their Youth Leader Professional Development in the comfort of their home at a time convenient for them.
The team has integrated key positive youth development ideas into the Youth Leaders Course to provide a brief taste of the skills and ideas, our youth leaders can use to help their young people thrive. What this means is our youth leaders will be even better prepared to support our Regional Positive Youth Development Goals and of course will have a few more tools in their Youth Leader Toolbox.
Officers Essentials Training module Created by our Professional Development Team, the Officers Essentials Training Course was developed to aid succession planning in our region. It takes skill, knowledge and experience to be able to step up as ranked officer in our organisation. It is important that our grassroots managers are competent in positive youth development practice to be able to support their youth leaders in their work with young people. Due to this required skill level, we have included a module in the Officers Essentials Course providing our aspiring officers with a chance to gain a clearer understanding of their youth development practise and to reflect on how they might use this at a division they manage in the future.
The subjects covered by the training modules will increase over time. Some of the topics will include essential youth development frameworks and Aotearoa-specific research and reports, plus heaps of other stuff as we sit at the cutting edge of positive youth development best practice.
Youth Development deep dives Imagine being able to ask internationally renowned youth development experts a burning question. Well with the online live video feed application “Periscope� we are making this happen. We want to provide an open conversation with experts in the field and our Youth Leaders. Once a quarter we will give you the opportunity to interact with people like Dr Fiona Beals, Anya Satyanand the CEO of Ara Taiohi and much more. Opportunities like these are important to us because they allow youth leaders and officers to gain an in-depth understanding of Youth Development in a meaningful and contextual way.
Youth work as a career?
New Zealand Certificate in Youth Work – Delivered by Career Force, the New Zealand Certificate in Youth Work is targeted at new entrants into the youth work sector, as well as those currently working with youth who Diploma in Youth would benefit from recognition Development – of their skills, and provides Delivered by Workforce, a pathway for entry into the diploma will validate your careers in the youth experience as a youth worker, development sector. whether working as a professional or
a volunteer. It will enhance your youth work practice within the key youth work areas, such as facilitation, empowerment, project planning and leadership.
Bachelor of Youth Development – This programme aims to help you become a competent youth practitioner. You will become familiar with current issues in youth development, exploring the relationship between theory and practice, and use your work experience to address issues of diversity, empowerment and rights.
Testimonial for the Bachelor “It’s all about turning your passion for making a difference into a reality. The course offers many different opportunities to refine your skills and gain experience. You will be supported by incredible tutors who will challenge you to learn more, do more and become more.
I was told on my first day, ‘all somebody needs is somebody to believe in them’, these words are the foundation of my practice. I wholeheartedly encourage you to take up the challenge.” Kate Eggleton, Youth Leader