Getting to 'Y': Middle School Training Day 2019 

Students serve as leaders in the Getting to ‘Y’: Students bring Meaning to the Youth Risk Behavior Survey initiative as they take steps to strengthen their school and community. There is a wealth of information in the biennial YRBS report on the wellness of young people in our state. What the report does not include is a thoughtful and informed analysis of why (‘Y’) young people are making either wise or unwise choices and what might change these statistics for the better.  Who better to tell us than youth themselves?  Getting to 'Y' creates an opportunity for young people to take action to shape their own futures through this action research based approach.

Who Should Come

This training is for middle school students and teachers, guidance counselors, or other adults focusing on youth health and well-bring. The recommended team composition is 1-2 adults and 6-7 youth. This work requires a strong youth-adult partnership, sustained over the course of the year, to be successful.
 

Expectations

 Teams should come with:

• A commitment to implement all phases of this initiative: data analysis, dialogue event, design and implementation of an action plan, and assessment of impact; 
• A willingness to document the work with pictures and written feedback from participants, which will be summarized and shared in a newsletter. This requires a commitment to on-going communication with the GTY coordinator.

In return, teams can expect:

• An engaging training day with experienced GTY youth and adult facilitators; 
• Ongoing virtual and on-site support throughout the school year; 
• A $200 mini-grant sent from UP for Learning to help underwrite the cost of food and materials for planned events;
• A comprehensive GTY 'how-to' manual and access to additional materials through a web portal; 
• Publication in an end of year newsletter capturing the scope of the work.

Cost

$1,000. You will be invoiced by UP for Learning.  This reduced fee is possible thanks to the support of the Vermont Department of Health.

Format

Phase 1: The orientation day is an interactive day-long workshop. We utilize a training of trainers format, first modeling the materials and tools and then providing time for reflection so that teams feel prepared to return to their school and lead peers through an analysis of their own YRBS data, and to facilitate dialogue around youth assets, root causes of concerns, and action planning.  The day will conclude with team planning time. 

Phase 2:  Teams will return to their school/community to: recruit a diverse group of peers to participate in analysis of their local YRBS data; organize and lead a data analysis retreat; host a community dialogue event; develop and implement an action plan. Teams are encouraged to meet regularly throughout the year to ensure the success of these efforts. 

Logistics

The orientation day will be held at the Capitol Plaza, 100 State Street, Montpelier, VT. Breakfast pastries, beverages, and lunch will be provided. Space is limited and registration closes on October 4. 

How do I register?

Step 1:  Register by clicking the button below to register your team

Step 2:  Complete the Principal Signature Page which will be sent to you after registration.

Questions?  Contact Sharon Koller  sharon@upforlearning.org

Getting to 'Y'

 is generously supported and co-sponsored by the Vermont Department of Health