Spring Break…What Break?

So last week was a very busy time for me, while I didn’t have school I found many ways to fill up that time. For starters I took part in the Advancing Youth Development training. Advancing Youth Development (AYD) Partnership offers professional development for youth workers in New York State. Using a train-the-trainer model, teams of trainers from a variety of youth serving organizations are recruited, trained and then supported in the provision of AYD trainings in their Home Counties or regions. They are also offer new, one-day, skill building workshops that address one of the ten core competency areas – skills, knowledge and attributes needed to do effective youth work – outlined by the National Collaboration for Youth.

This was the type of training I attended; the topic was Creating Inclusive Environments for LGBTQ Youth. While at my AmeriCorps placement this isn’t something I work directly with, it was a timely topic and something that I can come in contact more as I finish my Master and start looking for a full time job.

More than just the material what I took away from the training is the importance to make a welcoming environment, not only for youth but also for co workers. We were talking about sensitive topic and a topic with various levels of education. The presenters did a great job at making the training open to questions and offer advice. They came up with problems and situations and helped us work through them.

I also help do a presentation at Youth Bureau’s Annual 7^th and 8^th Grade Leadership Conference. Students heard from a speaker about the effects bullying has on brain development. While there was a wide range of topics and subject the workshop I helped in dealt with Asset Development and how to use that approach to be a better friend and how to be a positive support and influence on their peers. In the afternoon the students help in the creation of a service project that we are working on for the RSVP luncheon.

I also had a meeting for Young Christians at Work last week. A large number of the team met to start going over the details of the week. I am so excited about the program this year and also for the students to go through program. I learn something new every year and can only imagine and pray for how much the students will grow from the program.

I also attended an early morning meeting for Fabulous Females Luncheon, mark your calendars!!! The YWCA annual Fabulous Females Luncheon will take place May 7^th at Genesee Community College. It’s an event were we not only recognize outstanding women in our community but celebrate all women and how fabulous we are all are.

I also had A.J. Birthday last weekend!!! We celebrated by going out on Friday and having a party with his friends on Saturday. Sunday I attend the annual St. Joe’s Table at my church and had dinner with AJ family to celebrate his birthday.

I am also in the process of preparing to leave of a conference in Ithaca this week and getting excited for my Leadership Genesee Class meeting on Wednesday! Finally I am looking forward to Voices of Experience event tomorrow night at GCC. Other things that are coming up to look forward to: Zonta’s annual Lucky Numbers Lunch April 9^th (my birthday) at the Batavia Downs! Tickets for that event are going fast, let me know if you are would like tickets.

Now if I can only have a break from my vacation.