The Solano Youth Connection - Description and Objectives

Description: to create a safe enriching fun diverse social environment for youth in Solano County. In keeping with the mission statement for the Solano Pride Center, SYC is dedicated to building bridges by providing an environment that supports the development of the self-esteem, confidence, identity and assurance of place in their community for each participant who attends. This group is inclusive and welcomes diversity.

We will create an ongoing fun, creative, educational, and hands-on environment where youth and adults come together with their individual difference to work together to “dream it”, do it”, and “grow it” for a better community.

This connection is based on the “Asset Based Community Development” philosophy:

“When people (youth and adults inclusive) discover what they have, they find power,

When people (youth and adults inclusive) When people join together in new connections and relationships they build power.

When people (youth and adults inclusive) become more productive together, they exercise their power to address problems and realize dreams”; Asset Based Community Development, “When People Care Enough to Act”, 2006, Mike Green with Henry Moore & John O’Brien  

Objectives: The environment will consist of hands-on interactive activities, along with outings and lively discussions lead by qualified presenters. Activities will support the participants in their search for their unique identity as well as to learn how to meaningfully work with others who are differnet from themselves. SYSC is inclusive. All youth in Solano County between the ages 12 and 18 are encouraged to attend and join with others for the purpose of learning and growing together as well as to become positive contributors to their community.

·      Connection will have two primary phases: Both phases are driven by the youth – adult relationship as being primary to the success of the environment. Youth ages 14 – 24 are encouraged to come together in the initial planning stage with adults to share their fun ideas and watch them grow.

o      Phase 1: Planning and promoting SYC – Youth and adults working together to plan and initiate Activities and promotions for The Solano Youth Connection to begin in fall 2010:

§       Activities: Group consisting of youth and adults will brainstorm, select and implement activities for Youth Connection to begin in fall 2010

§       Promotions: Group consisting of youth and adults   will brainstorm, select and implement the promotions for the Youth group to begin in fall. Efforts will be made to bring in professionals to help educate participants in how to promote a successful activity

o      Phase 2: Solano Youth Connection opens its doors to all youth ages 12 to 18.