Will Your Youth Commemorate Black History Month?

Over the last few years, I’ve heard many arguments about whether there is still a need for Black History Month.  The other argument is whether Black History Month creates separatism instead of ethnic pride.  We don’t need Black History Month when have a Black family in the White House right?  I disagree.  I am of the opinion that until the diverse stories of African Americans are interwoven into the fabric of our lives and integrated seamlessly into our school curriculums Black History Month is absolutely relevant.  For African American youth in the foster care system who may not have strong family ties or may not know their family at all, learning about the contributions made by people of the same race can be empowering.  I dare say it can help them form a sense of identity and self-worth.

Why Should I Stay In School?

In his 2012 State of the Union address, President Obama asked states to consider increasing the minimum age for a student to leave school to 18. How do we keep youth engaged and motivated?  Teens are unique and their educational experiences should be unique as well.  The cookie cutter approach to education leads to our teens dropping out of school or graduating from high school unprepared for higher education or the workforce.  The “old way” of teaching is driving our national education reform efforts.

According to the Alliance for Excellent Education, high school drop outs from the class of 2006-2007 will cost the US more than $329 million in lost wages, taxes, and productivity over their lifetime because those who drop out are more likely to be incarcerated, rely on public programs and social services, and go without health insurance than those who graduate from high school.  A college education may not be for everyone but graduation from high school is a MUST.

A Teen’s Life Is Worth Documenting

What does “A Teen’s Life Is Worth Documenting” mean to you?

For a child in the foster care system it probably means those words that are written about them in their personal file.  You know the file that precedes them at every meeting, placement, and court hearing.  The file that attempts to explain the reason they entered foster care, the length of time in the system, the changes in schools, the number of foster placements, health concerns, and any mental health screenings and diagnoses. The file containing this documentation is extremely important right? Essential even?!

I’m not speaking of the file that documents the thoughts and judgments of countless social workers, lawyers, doctors, and educators and barely contains the views of the youth in foster care. The accomplishments, aspirations, and support systems in a teen’s life are worth documenting.  Every teen is unique and full of promise and potential.  My teens document their lives in a professional portfolio — a visual tool that gives employers, recruiters, scouts, and mentors a complete picture of who you are.  I believe that a professional portfolio can be an integral element not only in building skills and confidence in youth but also in helping them develop and maintain crucial personal and professional connections.

Am I Really A Jack Of All Trades?

Many of us we are skilled in a variety of areas.  Our culture has taught us to multi-task like our lives depend on it (often times it does).  Throughout my career and definitely as an entrepreneur I have felt like a jack of all trades and a master of none on many occasions.  I have helped clients with housing, food, medical assistance, and clothing.  I have played the role of “work mom”, chauffer, parenting coach, stylist, and teacher.  Some days I have worn the hat of scholarship consultant, academic advisor, counselor, tour guide, and career coach.  I am truly a “do what needs to be done” kind of lady.  In fact, two of my most used phrases are “get it done” and “keep it moving”.  That’s good right?  Well, usually it is.

A few years ago I had begun to run on “auto pilot” for a couple months.   At times I would do a presentation or workshop simply because I had the knowledge or because I was asked.   I was forced to be honest with myself and take a look at how I was spending my time.  I realized that busy doesn’t always equate to productive.  I needed to make some changes.

How Do They Feel In Your Office?

When you visit a kindergarten classroom what do you see?  You see student’s work all over the walls.  When you enter a dentist’s office you generally find a variety of magazines and pictures of healthy mouths. When you walk into a teen health clinic you expect to see pamphlets and brochures related to health issues like STD prevention. The first time I entered a particular suburban high school, I was struck by the pictures of past students in caps and gowns on their graduation day.  The photo gallery began at the entrance of the main office and continued down the main hallway and the hallway leading to the guidance office.  The ultimate goal of each of these four locations is evident as soon as you enter.

What greets your youth when they enter your work area?  Whether your title is Child Welfare Worker, Foster Care Case Worker, or Investigator, you are working with youth who have been abused and/or neglected.  They may come to you harnessing anger, fear, or disappointment.  I ask that you go beyond cleanliness and order and make your space as inviting, encouraging, motivating, and inspiring as possible.  Don’t just display rules and consequences.  Sometimes it is the things that aren’t said that helps build trust and opens the door for honest communication later on.

Let’s Start A New Year’s Day Tradition!

Many people are compelled to donate gifts to children and youth in foster care during the Christmas holiday season (myself included).  After the Christmas gifts are barely opened we shift our focus to how we will usher in a new year.  A new year exemplifies a new chance to start fresh, another opportunity to change our lives for the better.  People around the world make their lists of New Year’s resolutions.  New Year’s resolutions are goals, projects, or kicking of habits that a person commits to in anticipation of a new year.  Most people plan to stay committed to their New Year’s resolutions for at least the entire year but roughly 4 out of 5 people break their New Year’s resolutions, however.

How Will Your Youth Serve?

In our work world, evidence-based practice and evidence-based research are King.  Objectives, outcomes, and goals are commonplace.  In my supervisory role I stress that we have to have proof that we are doing really works.  I am a huge proponent of civic engagement and so as I was thinking about the upcoming Dr. Martin Luther King Day and the Youth Service America kick off a semester of service I decided to go a bit further and hit the internet to provide you with documentation that supports what I’ve seen in my experience and know in my heart is an effective aspect of youth development.