Training Institutes 2012 - National Technical Assistance Center for ...

Training Institutes 2012
NATIVE AMERICAN SERVICES TRACK
NATIVE AMERICAN WORKSHOP #1 8:30 AM SATURDAY • DAYTONA 1-2
Struggles and Successes with Urban Indian/Reservation Youth Engagement:
Strategies for Overcoming Obstacles
OBJECTIVES—Participants will learn:
1. To describe effective approaches and strategies for engaging and involving Native American youth
2. To identify success stories, learning experiences, and lessons learned in engaging Native American youth
3. To explain the importance of youth-guided participation within system of care
4. How to implement practical and simple strategies for youth engagement that participants can use
in their respective communities
This Workshop will focus on the barriers and challenges that community-based systems may face when attempting to
engage Native American youth. Faculty will delve into the root causes of these barriers and share strategies and
approaches that tribal systems of care have used to break down such obstacles. Faculty will also explore the critical role
our cultures, our histories, and resiliency as Native peoples in youth engagement.
The strategies to be highlighted include specific approaches to support and train youth coordinators so that they have
the right tools and knowledge to carry out meaningful youth engagement work; to provide appropriate incentives to
develop commitment and achieve consistent participation of youth; to utilize arts, media, and culture to inspire and
engage youth; and to create safe spaces for healing and healthy relationships.
The National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) and youth coordinators of tribal system of care communities
have developed collaborations focused on engaging Native youth in system of care design and practice. Faculty will
share their experiences and knowledge in this work, describe the challenges and obstacles they face in engaging Native
youth, and present effective strategies and tools they have utilized to increase Native youth participation. Tribal
perspectives from rural, urban, village, and reservation backgrounds will be incorporated.
Specific topics to be covered include:
• Importance of conferences, peer mentoring, and youth development training
• Providing healthy food, snacks, prizes, rewards, and incentives
• Digital storytelling, powwows, traditional activities, and cultural exchanges
• Talking circles, focus groups, peer mentoring, and intergenerational involvement
• College tours, outdoors programs, and field trips
The session will include interactive activities including small group dialogue, digital story videos, icebreakers, a talking
circle, and cultural exchanges. The faculty team includes a youth specialist and youth coordinator.
MODERATOR/PRESENTER: Rudy Soto, Youth Engagement Specialist, Community Development, National Indian
Child Welfare Association, Portland, OR
Crystal Marich, Youth Coordinator, Community Wellness Department (CWD) Youth Services San Francisco, Native
American Health Center, San Francisco, CA
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