How do you help 20,000 youth in Bartholomew County reach their full potential? How can Columbus, Indiana become the most equitable community for children in the nation? How can we improve Youth Positive Identity and improve Youth Mental Health in our Community?
These are just some, among many questions that the Council for Youth Development (CYD) explores and actions each year.
What a gift to our community this United Way partner is! I had the honor of interviewing Heather Carson, Director of CYD, on a pleasant spring morning.
She was humble and gracious as she shared a plethora of information about the Bartholomew County Youth Master Plan, which encompasses five pillars to improve the Health, Safety, Education, Engagement and Support for the Youth in our Community.
“CYD hosts many events which uplift the youth in our community. These opportunities allow youth to get connected, engaged, and contribute to improving our community.”
Some examples include August’s United Nations International Youth Day, September’s Spark Spirit Week, and February’s Youth Empowerment Summit, and a Shine on Postcard Campaign.
Young people are encouraged to sign up for CYD’s monthly Youth Voice Bulletin to learn about the latest opportunities to get involved and access to free resources focused on personal wellness, leadership building, and social justice advocacy.
CYD and community partners also host Youth Empowerment Workshops in the fall when participating Latinx, Black, bi-racial, and multi-racial students are invited to these one-day workshops to meet with local leaders and learn how to activate their power.
Many CYD initiatives focus on improving developmental relationships to strengthen connections and build assets in every young person.
CYD estimates only 1 of 5 children is getting a developmental relationship that matters to propel them to success. The drive is to find ways to educate parenting adults and professionals who serve and support youth so they can help provide the quality support needed to ensure all youth are on the right path to academic, social-emotional wellness, and ultimately life and career success.
Another impressive initiative is the Youth Ambassador program. Fifteen to 20 youth ambassadors are selected each year, with the goal of having at least one student from every high school in Bartholomew County (including homeschool programs).
Youth Ambassadors are selected for being leaders among their peers (quietly or noticeably), open to diversity, empathetic to others, excited about change, able to balance school, activities and meetings, while being supportive of peers and adults. Applications are due in early April of each year, so if you are entering high school next year or are a freshman through junior this year, consider applying to be a youth ambassador next year!
As a community we are so lucky to have this wonderful coalition, providing an outlet for our youth to find their identity, to find equality, to reach their full potential!
There is something for everyone to embrace. If you are a high school youth or a parent of a high school youth, I hope you will check out the programs of the CYD. There is something for everyone!
Ginger Lirette of Columbus is a member of the United Way of Bartholomew County board of directors. She is a sales director with Cummins In.c and has lived in Columbus for the last 23 years. She will write about her United Way involvement periodically. Please send any feedback you have to Ginger’s email at ginger.lirette101@gmail.com. Send comments to editorial@therepublic.com.
