April 2011
New Podcast: A Theater Program Empowers LGBTQ Youth
In a new podcast, NCFY talks to two youth who take part in a unique acting group led by Washington, DC's Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League, where they learn about self-expression and identity. Listen to the podcast.
Primary Sources: Evidence That ‘Natural Mentoring’ Works Regardless of Ethnicity
“The Role of Important Non-Parental Adults (VIPs) in the Lives of Older Adolescents: A Comparison of Three Ethnic Groups” (PDF, 201.56 KB), Journal of Youth and Adolescence, Volume 40, Number 3, March 2011.
Global Youth Service Day Is a Success for Honolulu Mentoring Program
When Big Brothers Big Sisters of Honolulu asked mentors and mentees to come out in honor of this month's Global Youth Service Day, an annual event sponsored by Youth Service America and other, and lend a hand at a local beach cleanup, the response, says Alicia Gutierrez, was tremendous.
About 50 people – mentors, mentees, family members and staff – showed up Saturday morning, April 16, ready to help and have some fun.
Primary Sources: 'Natural Mentors' Make a Difference for Teen Moms
“Natural Mentoring Relationships Among Adolescent Mothers: A Study of Resilience” (abstract), Journal of Research on Adolescence, Vol. 20, No. 3, September 2010.
What it's about: The authors studied 93 young African American mothers for five years, starting in their senior year of high school. The researchers wanted to know whether having a supportive relationship with a “natural mentor” made a difference for these teen moms.
NCFY Recommends: Preventing Child Sexual Abuse at Youth-Serving Organizations
Youth workers spend their days creating safe environments for youth, but one incident of sexual abuse can destroy the community. Darkness to Light, a Charleston, SC, nonprofit that combats childhood sexual abuse, offers resources and training to youth-serving organizations. Learn how to
Bright Idea: Using Social Media to Promote Healthy Youth Development
It’s become increasingly clear: The Internet can be an equalizer, and social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace and YouTube are popular among almost all youth, even many living in poverty or without a stable place to live.
With that in mind, researchers and entrepreneurs are investigating ways that youth workers can use social media to engage young people.
NCFY Recommends: Homeless System Evaluator Tool
Does your community’s homeless assistance system move youth (and others) into permanent housing quickly and cost-effectively, and does it help them stay there?
Focus on Preventing Teen Pregnancy in May
May is National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month -- and with spring fever in the air, it's a good time for youth workers to talk to teens about responsible relationships, waiting to have sex, and contraception. Here are some online resources that will help you spread the word about teen pregnancy prevention in your program and community:
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