The Youth Action Team (YAT) pro-

gram engages teams of Sacramento

youth who want to make a difference

in their community. These teams—

from partnering organizations, Green-

house, Ubuntu Green, PowerForward,

and Vibe—identify a community need

that they can work to improve, and

then they get moving. So far, these

four teams have created exciting mo-

mentum in their communities and

they’re not finished yet. On the fol-

lowing pages, you’ll see what these

four teams have been working on as

well as how you can find out more

about their inspiring efforts.

Y D N E T W O R K . O R G

Putting Youth at the Center of Everything We Do

Youth Action Teams

Youth Action Teams Are Making Change Happen!

The Youth Development Network promotes the Youth Devel-

opment Framework for Practice developed by Michelle Gam-

bone (Finding Out What Matters for Youth) and Jim O’Connell

(IRRE, and First Things First school reform initiative). This

framework (below) outlines the core supports and opportu-

nities all youth need in all environments to ensure their suc-

cess.

Creating emotionally, culturally and physically safe places,

Ensuring youth have caring adult relationships where adults

serve as guides, coaches, and mentors,

Ensuring students have opportunities to participate through

creating a sense of belonging, providing youth voice and

choice and creating leadership opportunities,

Ensuring youth know their community and give back to

their community and

Ensuring youth learn a core set of skills in engaging, chal-

lenging and interesting ways.

Youth Development Principles

2010

-2011

P A G E 2

“I had such a great time with these

people. I feel like I am a stronger

person and that I can use my strengths

to help my community. Who would've

known four days could be such a life-

changing experience? I made new

friends, learned new things, conquered

fears, stepped out of my comfort zone,

and most importantly became a better

me. I would like to thank SYLP and

YDN for setting up such a

great event. I would also like

to thank the youth facilitators.

You guys inspired me so much. Saying

I will be a leader to my community is

one thing, but putting it to action is

another.

Time to make a difference!"

With the help and support of local individuals, organizations and corporations, the eighth

year of YDN’s Sacramento Youth Leadership Program (SYLP) turned out to be our most

successful yet. This year’s camp was a vehicle to help launch the YATs’ work for the

2011-2012 school year by creating a sense of unity among the various teams, by uploading

skills that youth could use during the year in their advocacy work, and by inspiring the stu-

dents and their adult allies to be change agents.

Rashad Alton~

Youth Participant

Youth Action Teams Attend the Camp Experience of

Their Lives—SYLP!

The theme of camp this year was: ―Community U.‖ With this

theme to guide them, the staff and youth leaders

designed a leadership camp experience that

made clear connections between individual gifts

and experiences, youth as resources, the concept

of individual power, and how that power can be

put to work to create youth-driven change in

their communities, and in the world. Thirty-six

youth participated in the program, of these, six

had attended the camp previously .

As always, the camp was an amazing experience, both for the

adults and the youth. The youth not only returned home with

new friends, but they also have a new support network which

we can see at play through their Facebook posts. Their YAT

coordinators have shared with the YDN that the youth have

also returned with a fire in the belly to put their newly-honed

leadership skills to work in their communities.

Check out our SYLP 2011 photo slide show here.

P A G E 3

“Love yourself,

love the change,

we the youth can

make a difference”

In addition to the thirty-six youth participants,

an additional eight youth signed on as youth

leader/facilitators for the camp. These youth met

regularly during the months before camp to help

plan and design the agenda. These youth also

received additional training so they could be

leaders and role models for the entire camp ex-

perience, sometimes guiding activities in partnership with adult leaders

and sometimes facilitating on their own. The returning youth played a

significant role both formally and informally. Formally, they facilitated

approximately 70% percent of the activities. Informally, they provided

advice and counsel to their younger peers. Props to our 8 youth leaders:

Anthony Tafoya, Christina Harvey, Crystal Gutierrez, Jenny Gallo, Jose

Ayon, Olivia Contrera, Richard Hervey, and Sammie Lawrence.

QUOTE BY~

Youth Participant

Camp Facilitation Team

The two Youth Development Network (YDN) staff

who helped facilitate the camp this year were Andy

Paul, a first time camp facilitator, and Director Adrian

Ruiz. Facilitation planning for this year’s camp be-

gan in March with the help of Chaez Boswell

(consultant), Crandal Rankins (adult leader)

The Sacramento Youth Leadership Program began eight years ago as a

class project of the American Leadership Forum (ALF) when 25 ALF Sen-

ior Fellows decided to recreate their ALF experience for inner city, at-risk

youth. The program now includes a one day orientation, 4-day/3-night

youth leadership camp, and commencement activities for the youth and their

families, as well as continuing education convenings during the year for

returning youth. The curriculum, designed to instill leadership and decision

-making skills, was developed and implemented by members of the ALF

class along with an expert leadership and organizational development con-

sultant/facilitator and a number of youth. Following a self-evaluation and

urging from the youth, the ALF Senior Fellows committed to continuing the

program. Over the years, we have worked with nearly 250 youth, most of

whom have committed to staying in touch, promoting youth leadership in

their home organizations and in the region, and participating in local youth

initiatives.

The adult volunteers who attended this year included: Jay Schenirer (City Council Member

and Founder of SYLP), Bina Lefkovitz (previous co-director YDN), Jonathan Raymond

(Superintendent of Schools, SCUSD), Joe Devlin (District Director, City Council District 5),

Rosio Ruano (Executive Assistant, Council Member Jay Schenirer), Alice Perez (Government

and Public Affairs, STAND UP), Nick Kalbach (Filmmaker), Anthony Giambuzzi (DJ), and

Scott Mautte (Consultant).

Camp Volunteers

P A G E 4

Our recruitment was primarily through the organizations which were existing partners in

the Youth Action Team project. The Youth Action Teams (YATs) are a new initiative

which YDN started in the fall of 2009 that engages teams of youth from partner organiza-

tions in advocacy work. Under the YAT program, YDN provides partner agencies with

ongoing staff development and organizational support in the areas of youth development,

youth engagement, civic participation, and advocacy. This year’s camp was a vehicle to

help launch the YAT’s work for the 2011-2011 school year by creating a sense of unity

among the various teams, by uploading skills that youth could use during the

year in their advocacy work, and by inspiring the students and their adult allies

to be change agents. The organizations who sent youth this year were: Ubuntu

Green, Power Forward, VIBE, and the Greenhouse. Within the group, there

was a breadth of diversity in race/ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexual ori-

entation, as well as geography within the region.

Generally youth recruitment is a challenge, but this year was slightly better

due to the strategy of working with teams of youth engaged with agencies who

were partners with YDN through the YAT project. This year we had a large

number of ambitious youth leaders (We worked with approximately fifty youth

initially to arrive at the thirty-six that ended up participating). Because of their

involvement with agencies that were already building their leadership skills

through the YAT project and other initiatives, many youth already had a strong

platform from which to start. The orientation also went a long way toward creat-

ing safety and setting expectations for what their experience would be like.

“I met a lot of great

people. It was

empowering me to

overachieve. That I

will make a difference

in my world.”

Sacramento Youth Leadership Program (SYLP) Summer Program

Re

cru

itm

en

t

This year’s program consisted of four experiential components for all participants. The

first was the Camp Orientation, which was held at the Coloma Community Center on

June 29th. Youth participants engaged in a series of icebreakers and warm-up activities.

In addition, they received an overview of the SYLP program (what to expect at camp

and expectations).

The second component was the camp itself (July 22 – 25th), a detailed review of which

is provided in the following sections.

The third component to camp was a brand new addition to the camp experience--a

whitewater rafting trip. This trip was intended to be an initial relationship-building ac-

tivity prior to camp. However river conditions forced us to postpone the trip until after

camp. Although not all of this year’s participants were able to attend the rafting trip on

its rescheduled date (August 7th), those in attendance enjoyed the extra bonding time and

were able to utilize several skills acquired at camp to work together and navigate down

the river.

The fourth and final component was the graduation ceremony, which was held August

22nd at the lovely Sierra Health Foundation conference facility. Parents, guardians, fam-

ily members, friends and camp supporters all came together to recognize the youth par-

ticipants and facilitation team on their shared achievements. The ceremony included

dinner, an overview of the camp experience, an awards ceremony, and a closing cere-

mony featuring candles and a circle full of people who all pledged to continue to pro-

vide the youth with the Supports and Opportunities they need to be successful.

Pro

gram at a G

lance

QUOTE BY~

Youth Participant

“I will be able

to support

others because

I have better

listening ,

communication

& motivation

skills.”

QUOTE BY~

Youth Participant

Relationship

Building

P A G E 5

Day One featured a multitude of team and relationship-

building activities facilitated by the SYLP facilitation team

as well as the Sierra Nevada Journeys staff.

A highlight of Day One was the StrengthsFinder work-

shop.

During this workshop participants got an

opportunity to explore the unique set of

talents and strengths that they possess.

Not only were they able to

identify their strengths but

they also began to dis-

cover ways to utilize them

on both long- and short-

term endeavors.

On Day Two, participants were challenged mentally,

emotionally and physically. The day began with youth

experiencing the Ropes Course at Grizzly Creek which

consisted of team activities such as free wall climbing,

large cargo net mazes, 25-foot high tight ropes, and the

always challenging

60 foot tower. Dur-

ing the second half

of the day, participants

were asked to dig deep

emotionally and share inti-

mate details of their life

with others in the activity

―If you really knew me‖.

This highly emotional ac-

tivity is the corner stone for

breaking down barriers, increasing self awareness and building

lasting relationships between participants. The end of Day Two

featured a dance of celebration. Youth and adults engaged in a

free-for-all dance activity that allowed participants to let loose

with a positive release of physical energy and joy after doing

some intense emotional sharing.

Sacramento Youth Leadership Program (SYLP) Camp Experience July 2011

Team Work & Trust

P A G E 6

The activities of the first two days allowed participants to explore

who they are as individuals and how their individuality contributes

to their passion as a leader, as well as how to be vulnerable and

how to speak the truth of their experience. YDN believes that self

-awareness is integral to creating strong, grounded, and authentic leaders. By creating an

environment where the young people could share about themselves and their lives, they

became better able to connect and empathize with other young people whom they may

have initially felt were very different from them. These days created

stronger bonds between individual youth and laid the foundation for a

stronger network of YAT leaders for when they got back to Sacramento.

Sacramento Youth Leadership Program (SYLP) Camp Experience July 2011

Sometimes you have to trust people (6)

Open up more

Cooperation (2)

Communication (7)

Teamwork (7)

Leadership (5)

Respect (2)

Listening

I learned something about their lives

Relator

Input

To bear w/ it

How to interact with others

I learned of we work together we can we can

accomplish things

Learned to be less intimidated

I’ve learned my strengths & how I should use

them to the fullest (8)

I learned from the peanut butter game that we

all had to communicate

We asked the youth, “What skills have you learned

today as a result of SYLP…. ?” They said:

Stronger

Bonds

Challenge: This year’s participants included a lot of return youth who

were not serving as leaders (an unexpected byproduct of our solid ongo-

ing relationships with these groups by way of the YAT project). This

sometimes created unusual dynamics when the ―veteran‖ participants

seemed less enthusiastic about certain activities because they had partici-

pated in them before.

Names

Everyone’s different

We’re not too different

Focus

Yoga is a good way to be relaxed

Strategy activities

How to come together as one

I learned how to be nicer

Speak out

Camping is fun

Step up, Step back (2)

Kayaking (4)

Group team building

Tolerance

Not learned but improved

To try new things

Meeting people (2)

Trying my best at the physical stuff

The importance of encouraging your team

That anybody has the ability to become the

greatest at what they do

On Day Three, participants continued their jour-

ney of self-discovery and appreciation for others’

strengths and talents. The morning session fea-

tured a three-hour hike which ended at the peak

of one of the camp’s tallest viewpoints. We are

proud to say that, thanks to much moral and physical support from each other, the entire group was able to

complete the journey to the top of the peak. For many students this was the high point of group support

over the weekend. The latter part of the day featured our annual talent show where all participants have

the opportunity to share their hobbies, talents, and skills with the rest of the camp. The diverse array of

performances further supported and encouraged the idea of diversity and respecting each others’ gifts.

Self

Discovery

P A G E 7

Other workshop activities over the four days included free time during which the youth were able to get

to know one another better through activities that included archery, basketball (where the adults taught the

youth a thing or two about teamwork), yoga, and swimming.

Sacramento Youth Leadership Program (SYLP) Camp Activities

“I climbed a

mountain,

challenged myself

and achieved my

2nd greatest fear”

QUOTE BY~

Youth Participant

Ubuntu Green

P A G E 8

Ubuntu Green’s environmental youth leaders are

focusing on improving recreational spaces in

Oak Park as well as organizing fun, educational

opportunities for the community to help keep

Oak Park green.

For more information on what Ubuntu Green is up to, go

to http://www.ubuntugreen.org/programs/green-youth-

leadership-team/

Power Forward youth are becoming advocates for

Peace Week at their school (Grant High School)

and in their neighborhood through the organizing

of a Peace Week.

More information on their amazing work can be found at:

http://www.ghspacers.com/powerforward/home.html

The team of youth from the Greenhouse have identified an

empty lot that is a footpath frequently used by the commu-

nity, but is also an eyesore and an unsafe junkyard. They

have set their sights on cleaning and reclaiming this ugly

space to transform it into a pleasant park area that will be a

source of pride to the neighborhood, rather than a symbol of

neglect.

For more information on what Greenhouse is up to, go to http://

www.thegreenhousecenter.org/#/programs/teen

“Change will not

come if we wait for

some other person

or some other

time. We are the

ones we’ve been

waiting for . We

are the change

that we seek.” —

President Barack

Obama

Greenhouse

Power Forward

The youth of Vibe are closing in on their goal, the grand opening of

Sacramento’s brand-new (and only) teen-only center. When it opens in

October of 2011, Vibe Urban Lounge will be a teen haven in midtown

that provides a much-needed hangout for teens, as well as a potential

hub for youth resources, jobs, and refreshments.

For more information on what Vibe is up to, go to http://thevibefoundation.org/

Vibe

Youth Action Teams (YATs): Project Showcase

The final day of camp allowed for the participants to regroup within their Youth Action

Teams to plan how they would utilize the skills and knowledge they acquired about

themselves, their team, and their leadership abilities, in order to make a positive change

in their community. This important step should help integrate their experiences from

camp into their year-round work in all of the participating communities.

P A G E 9

A brand new addition to the camp experience--a whitewater rafting trip. Initially this trip was

intended to be an initial relationship-building activity prior to camp. However river conditions

forced us to postpone the trip until after camp. Although not all of this year’s participants

were able to attend the rafting trip on its rescheduled date (August 7th), those in attendance en-

joyed the extra bonding time and were able to utilize several skills acquired at camp to work

together and navigate down the river.

Sacramento Youth Leadership Program (SYLP) Summer Program

Challenge: Some youth (and their parents) were very apprehensive about the rafting trip, resulting in many

youth not taking part in this exciting addition to camp. For next year, we can be prepared for this and

do more to alleviate fears (including sharing stories and pictures from this year’s trip). We may also

attach the trip to camp itself where it can serve as the first day of teambuilding. This may help some

youth or parents get over their fears if it means choosing between going to camp or not.

Encouraged others to achieve what they

didn’t think they could – created

safe zone

Finishing the Charlie Chaplin course

challenge with my partner

Picking myself up even after I failed one

of the challenges

Opening up to strangers. I don’t do that

to anyone.

I feel proud of myself because I’m living

things I had never lived before. I

feel confidence with myself and

others

Youth coming out of their shell

Strong leaders

Opening my heart to love others

That I got my pain out

That I met new friends

That I spent this time with all of the peo-

ple here

That I came out of my comfort zone

I learned how to be more of a leader

than a follower

Family

Trust

Communication (2)

The accomplishments

Being a team player

Getting over fears

Opening up (2)

Having people of my YAT feel inspired

All the team work

We asked participants, “What do you feel most proud of as a SYLP participant?”

They said:

Having people tell me about life

I cried in front of people

I trusted some people

I love friends

I performed

A trust with everyone

Having a lot of fun when time for it

I went 30 feet in the air on a line

I shared my story

I helped someone with a situation

Getting along with people

Growing closer to my peers

Leadership

Self-realizations

By encouraging others

Relating with others

Trusting others

Fearless, not quitting and helping

I opened up about pain

I conquered my fears

I have met new people

Being transparent with strangers

Being able to be supportive to others

Being able to show emotion and share

personal info

Sharing my stories in the whole group

Got to the top of the tower

Having fun

I stepped completely out of my comfort

zone both physically in the ropes

course and mentally & emotionally

That I faced my fears of heights

I showed my inside feelings

I gave support to other people

Giving ideas strategically to my team

Reaching my goals during the ropes course

For stepping out of my comfort zone

That I have others that care

I have people who won’t judge

I have people that believe in me

I felt proud that I climbed the tower

Building many relationships

Solidarity

Support

Inspired

That I am here representing the Greenhouse

and learning some great leadership

skills

I get to meet new people and have great

relationships with them

I get to learn new things about myself and

others, most important leadership skills

I feel like I got more energy

I faced my fears

That everyone gets to work as a team

I get to meet people that want to become

leaders

I have overcome my fears

I made new friends

I am participating

See how people new skills and what they

are capable of

Caring and support created between stu-

dents

Sacramento Youth Leadership Program (SYLP) Summer Program - Celebration

Summary:

As always, the camp was an amazing experience, both for the

adults and the youth. The youth not only returned home with

new friends, but they also have a new support network which we

can see at play through their

Facebook posts. Their YAT

coordinators have shared with

the YDN that the youth have

also returned with a fire in the

belly to put their newly-honed

leadership skills to work in

Bring strength to a person all you have to do is smile

and honesty build character

I will use Ubuntu to unite my community for a similar

cause

To be more headstrong in positive things

Tutor students

By shadowing and teaching what I have learned

I can use all my skills to help with problems

That I can use my strength codes

In many ways so I will by support and communication

I will be better support to my community by having

more communication with others and trusting peo-

ple in my community.

Network more and establish new friendships

I can use these skills to further the development of

VIBE

By helping other people be better leaders, help clean up

my community

I will motivate others to take control and make a differ-

ence in my world

Be there and be a part, take care of my community

By communication, help others to understand better

Listen, answer questions

Support youth and do my best

I will be able to support others because I have better

listening, communication & motivation skills

We asked participants, “How you might better support others

in your community from what you learned today.” They said:

Be better at outreach & making leaders

I might start having events in DPH to take up people’s time

I learned how to help support a lot of people

Well what I’ve learned my strengths and how to use them

in my community and as my person as well!

I will use the strengths that I have, proved that I have the

power, that I can make a change, that I can work with

other people and I will do it

I learned how to help others and support them

To try new things, to join us

Always cheer them up and when they miss out on some-

thing tell them that you missed them and to be there

next time

Recognized everybody’s strengths

I know how to communicate better

Using my strengths and networks

I will instill faith into others so they can complete a differ-

ent task

I learned to be calm, cool, collected and be the best leader

you can be

I can better support others by telling them my story and

helping them relate so they can overcome their prob-

lems

What I will take to my community is you should ­always

challenge yourself

The graduation celebration took place August 22nd. Most of the returning youth leaders helped plan

and facilitate the event. Fifteen youth showed up with several of their parents and guardians, as well

as members of the YDN board of directors. The evening consisted of a dinner, some games, a slide

show, video, and testimonials from the youth about how the SYLP experience has affected their lives

so far. The evening ended with a candle ceremony outside.

Vo

lun

tee

r—Ex

pe

rie

nce

That something is blocking my ability to love/have

feelings

My 5 strengths (3)

I learned how to use my strengths to the fullest to

be able to be a leader. I learned not to be afraid

and step out of my comfort zone.

That it’s always better to work as a team

I learned that I was very quiet but the strengths I

had made me come out of my comfort zone.

That I’m a Woo…

I’m very trustworthy now

I’m a good team member

I learned how to communicate my feelings

I am a leader

Opening up is key in living a happy life

I wanna be a leader

Positivity

I am already a leader

Who I am

That I can conquer anything

That I can make my team win

I can overcome my fears

I am a valuable person in my com-

munity

I can do anything

It’s not too late to help

Never give up

Team work

I just feel more at peace

I am more than I thought I was

Sometimes I gotta step up and

step back as a leader

I relate to people

and I strate-

gize

That you get to

trust others

I’m significant

I have the power!

I can trust myself

and others

We asked YAT youth, “What did

you learn about yourself from this

experience?” They said:

We asked YAT youth, “One thing

you learned about leadership?”

They said:

I learned that you need to communicate more and

trust people.

Sep up – step back

Leadership comes in many forms

Different people have different leadership personali-

ties

I learned how important networking is

Sometimes the biggest leader let’s the crew take

over or becomes it

Never be scared to fail b/c all you do is grow from it

That they inspire people

Talking and listening are very important

I learned that it is all about inspiring others to take

action

Stepping up and stepping down

What it is

Take control

Not always the person at the front

Participation/encourage

It takes one to make a change

Trust, team work

We are strong willed and in control

Don’t always have to make a change

Leadership is earned not given

A leader is the one who takes action and seeks for

change

Use my strengths to lead

You have to communicate with people

Now hard it is to just listen

I set the stage and the youth direct the play

That it is about what you ring to the table, not if

you’re in charge

I learned that it is good to support others

Leaders lead by good example

It is better working as a team

There’s different types

Leadership is about pursuing your goals and support-

ing your community

You don’t always have to be in front

P A G E 1 3

Ubuntu Green’s environmental youth leaders are

focusing on improving recreational spaces in

Oak Park as well as organizing fun, educational

opportunities for the community to help keep

Oak Park green.

For more information on what Ubuntu Green is up to, go

to http://www.ubuntugreen.org/programs/green-youth-

leadership-team/

Greenhouse

Special Thanks to… SYLP 2011 Partners, Sponsors, and Funders

Kaiser Foundation Sweeney Scholarship Fund

Arata Brothers Trust Walmart

Comcast Pacific Gas & Electric Company

Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 447 Councilman Robert King Fong

Casino Royal Nehemiah Community Foundation

Linda Clifford Lani Steers

Western Health Advantage The California Wellness Foundation

Sierra Health Foundation—Grizzly Creek Sierra Nevada Journeys

Project Great Outdoors Youth Action Teams The Greenhouse, Ubuntu Green, PowerForward, and VIBE

To those that believe in making a difference to the youth of Sacramento — this program creates life-

long relationships that significantly improve the chance of success for this set of at-risk youth.

Budget. In total, this year’s SYLP summer program cost $42,525 or $975 per youth.

The investments made to this years program, leveraged with other community dollars, provided leadership skills to a diverse group

of 44 inner city, at-risk youth. This support helped achieve the three main goals of the program:

Instilled leadership skills in 44 low income, diverse, at-risk youth, grades 9-12 from Sacramento, Yolo, Placer and El Dorado

counties, so that they may use these skills in their organizations and communities.

Through personal experiences, educated 10-15 adult community leaders about the needs and capacity of today’s youth.

Continues to build a regional network and infrastructure of youth leadership in Sacramento.

SYLP 2011 Videos can be found on YouTube YDNETWORK Channel

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 269003

Sacramento, CA 95826-9003

Physical Address:

10474 Mather Blvd.

Mather, CA 95655

Ph: 916.228.2227

Our Organization’s Values:

Relationships – Positive relationships are the key to our human exis-

tence; the need to treat and care about all people with genuine inter-

est and mutual respect is essential.

Social Responsibility – Is a shared, collective action, based on justice,

equity and access; that promotes respect to diversity, inclusion and

collaboration in support of all young people.

Change – To foster change is to be curious, rather than certain; to

regularly reflect and put our learning and insights into action; to be in a

mode of continuous improvement.

Fun - A key in building partnerships and transforms what we must do

into what we want to do.

Mission and Vision:

YDN’s mission is to create life-changing experiences for youth to

thrive and succeed. YDN believes that training and professional

development for people who work with youth is a critical compo-

nent of achieving our vision. YDN’s training programs, networking,

resources and public policy efforts all work together to improve the

quality of youth services and promote youth development principles

across a broad range of communities, youth serving organizations,

education, faith groups, juvenile justice agencies and businesses.

ydnetwork.org