www_brooklynsallianceforyouth_org

2018 Champion Announced!

Mon, 28 Jan 2019 21:04:09 GMT

2018 Accelerating Youth Success Champions - Hennepin County Librarians Morgan Wylie and Mallory Haskin!

Brooklyn Park, MN – Each year, the Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth celebrates a person(s) or program serving who is seen as a Champion for Accelerating Youth Success in the Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park community.

Champions for Accelerating Youth Success: Mobilize caring adults, Spread social emotional learning, Create equitable access, Create systems change, and Provide youth engagement.

We’d like to congratulate our nominee’s: the Brooklyn Park Youth Outreach Team, United Way Propel SEL, North Hennepin Community College L.E.A.D. Series (Leadership through Experience, Awareness, and Development) and Hennepin County Librarians Morgan Wylie and Mallory Haskin.

These four nominees deserve a round of applause for their work!

Through a community vote, in which 153 partners to the BBA voted – the winner of the 2018 Accelerating Youth Success Champion recognition is…

Hennepin County Librarians Morgan Wylie and Mallory Haskin!

These Youth Services Librarians identified gender inclusivity as an area of focus and piloted their approach at the Anime Prom at Brookdale Library and AniManga Matsuri at Champlin Library, to provide a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible environment to youth participants of all gender identities.

“Gender inclusivity and respect is critical to all youth,” said Haskin. “Libraries are a great place for teens and youth because they allow for intersectionality between public spaces and fandom centric events where identity can be explored and celebrated. When we embrace youth for who they are, we create the foundations for their success.”

Their work:

Mobilized caring adults: Provided inclusivity training for adult chaperones and building security staff.
Spread social emotional learning: Youth planners and attendees attended Gender 101 training to develop empathy and understanding for peers.
Created equitable access: Specific attention was paid to those who were most likely to feel unwelcome or less welcomed because of their gender identity or expression.
Created systems change: Change in practice--at least for one night--with gender neutral restrooms. Change in awareness for staff, security personnel and teens.
Provided youth engagement: Youth were involved in all aspects

“Youth are looking to us to model behavior,” said Wylie. “The way we handle mistakes—such as accidentally misgendering someone — is just as important as getting it right. This project has been as much a learning experience for us as for our teens, and we’re excited to see where it goes from here.”

“In 2016 we heard from our community that to accelerate youth success we needed more people to mobilize caring adults, build social emotional skills in youth, ensure equitable access to services, disrupt systems to improve outcomes for youth and engage young people...the Libraries are a perfect example of this kind of work!” said Rebecca Gilgen, Executive Director for the Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth.

The Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth brings together youth, community, cities, schools, colleges and the county to improve outcomes for young people in the Brooklyns.

For more information on Youth Programs at Hennepin County Library, visit the www.hclib.org

For more information on the Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth go to www.brooklynsallianceforyouth.org

Be a mentor or student at SEEK - Summer Engineering Experience for Kids!

rebecca.gilgen@brooklynsallianceforyouth.org (Rebecca Gilgen) — Fri, 25 May 2018 16:33:12 GMT

Seek Mentors will help to change the face of engineering with students this summer

SEEK is looking for staff mentors for their 2018 summer program. SEEK Mentors are the foundation of the SEEK Program. In teams of three or four, SEEK Mentors manage a classroom of twenty to thirty students, providing them introductory math, science, and engineering skills. Mentors serve as role models for their students--as ethical leaders within the classroom, strongly committed to the ideals of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). Mentor are the embodiment of the NSBE mission and help to deliver of the goals of the SEEK program. These individuals are the gateway to encouraging our young learners to explore Engineering and work to inspire them daily.
Application Deadline is June 8th, 2018.
To learn more go here , or for the position description go here .

They are also looking for 3rd to 5th grade students to join the FREE 3-week summer enrichment program that will expose students to the world of STEM. The program will dates are July 9th - July 27th with a parent orientation on July 2nd at Earle Brown Elementary in Brooklyn Center. To learn more go here .
Registration your future engineer at: applyseek.nsbe.org

For more info, visit: nsbe.org/seek

Accelerating Youth Safety and Well-Being

rebecca.gilgen@brooklynsallianceforyouth.org (Rebecca Gilgen) — Tue, 08 May 2018 20:21:20 GMT

Youth Council Led Initiatives

Advancing Youth Safety and Well-Being

The Brooklyns Youth Council is currently implementing their project initiatives that focus on increasing the well-being of youth in the Brooklyns. Two project initiatives are the Tobacco Reduction project in partnership with Hennepin County and the Champions for Youth project that focuses on developing peer mentoring/support groups in schools.

Tobacco Reduction: The BYC has conducted 8 focus groups with 38 youth in their schools and community to learn about youth perspectives around the tobacco issues and its impact.They are also implementing education and awareness activities with the community.They have tabled at the BrookLynk Job Fair and the Brooklyn Center Community Schools Health & Wellness Resource Fair and have connected with over 250 youth, families and faculty to share their findings and any relevant tobacco data and information. They are in the process of writing tobacco related policy recommendations to both Cities of Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park. They will be presenting their recommendation to the City of Brooklyn Center City Council on Monday, May 14th.
Champions for Youth Project – Peer Mentoring/Support Groups in Schools : The BYC is currently facilitating focus groups with youth in the community to gather their perspectives and needs around peer mentoring/support groups in schools. They have conducted 3 focus groups with 18 youth at Park Center High school, Brooklyn Center High School and Brookdale Library. They will be conducting more focus groups at in their community and schools, and using the results to engage stakeholders in taking action together.
Lastly, staff completed a scan of all mentoring programs and mental health resource s that serve youth in our community.These programs will be included in our program locator that is set to launch this month and were an important part of a growing conversation on how mentoring and positive mental health are two sides of the same “well-being” coin.

2017 Annual Report

rebecca.gilgen@brooklynsallianceforyouth.org (Rebecca Gilgen) — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 15:23:40 GMT

The Brooklyns Youth Power Story

As we head into 2018 we reflect back on the successes of 2017. To transform our community so that all young people can access and succeed in opportunities that ACCELERATE their success the Alliance Joint Powers Members have mobilized organizational, youth, economic and community power! Click here to read about the action!

Build Capacity to Embed SEL in Your Organization

rebecca.gilgen@brooklynsallianceforyouth.org (Rebecca Gilgen) — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 03:54:23 GMT

Apply now and join the Propel SEL Professional Learning Community!

Is your youth-serving organization interested in building capacity to embed social emotional learning (SEL) into your organization’s daily work? Apply to participate in the Propel SEL Professional Learning Community, a 12-month action learning project for 2-4 person teams from organizations that offer out-of-school youth development and mentoring programs for youth in grades 6-12 in the 9 county metro to increase intentionality of social-emotional learning practices in their organization. The cohorts will meet monthly starting February 2018.

This collaborative project is funded by Greater Twin Cities United Way and the Carlson Family Foundation, and facilitated through a partnership between Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth, Ignite Afterschool, Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Board, and Sprockets with professional development design by the Youth Work Learning Lab and Minneapolis Beacons.

To apply, click on the following link to fill out the online application. Applications are due December 14th .

Propel SEL Applicant Info Sheet

Propel SEL Online Application

Applicants can also request a stipend to support their participation. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ivan Lui at 763-398-0795 or ivan.lui@brooklynsallianceforyouth.org .

Metro Community Meal!

rebecca.gilgen@brooklynsallianceforyouth.org (Rebecca Gilgen) — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 06:20:23 GMT

You and your community members are invited to the Metro Community Meal

This is an opportunity to share a meal, conversation, and feedback about issues you and your community face in accessing healthy foods. Join us for delicious local food, art in the making, activities for children, and critical conversations to advance equitable access to healthy food for all.

A few details:

The audience for the Metro Community Meal is community members, elected officials, and food access leaders.
The meal is free!
There will be a DJ, art in the making, and delicious local food.
Flyer in English here
Flyer in Spanish here

Please do register, here are the links:

There will be $15 gift cards for the first 15 families to arrive!

Event Details:

Metro Community Meal

Wednesday, November 29th

5:00-8:00pm

Wilder Foundation - 451 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104

The Metro Community Meal is an event of the Minnesota Food Charter in Action series, hosted by Metro Food Alliance Network (MFAN).

Join Our Team as a Part-Time Youth Specialist!

rebecca.gilgen@brooklynsallianceforyouth.org (Rebecca Gilgen) — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 18:56:59 GMT

Get the opportunity to work with the awesome BYC!

The Alliance is looking for an amazing youth worker to support the work of young people in our community taking action to accelerate youth success. The Brooklyns Youth Council Specialist part-time position will assist our team in supporting and facilitating the work of our youth leaders.

The Brooklyns Youth Council is a youth workgroup from Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center whose mission is to represent youth in the Brooklyns by providing a voice in collaboration with the community and local government in order to positively raise awareness of challenges youth face.

The Youth Specialist position will support the work of the Brooklyns Youth Council that is managed by the Alliance Project Coordinator. This position will work closely with the Alliance Project Coordinator and BYC Interns to support and facilitate the work of the Youth Council. The purpose of this role is to provide logistical support to help the workgroup function and operate. In addition, this role will provide direct support to the Youth Council members as they build skills, facilitate discussions, develop action projects that align with the goals of the Youth Council, and work to integrate youth voice into the decisions that impact youth and their community.

For questions about this opportunity feel free to contact Kaysone Syonesa .

For a complete job description, go here .

To apply for the position, go here .

You are invited to the Super Snack Challenge!

rebecca.gilgen@brooklynsallianceforyouth.org (Rebecca Gilgen) — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 20:33:36 GMT

Be the first to get in on the Super Snack Challenge

We know eating healthy snacks helps children put their best foot forward both on and off the field. And this football season, the Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee Legacy Fund is launching a state-wide campaign to encourage Minnesota children to try new healthy foods and share their favorite snack recipes.

Attend the Super Snack Challenge Sneak Peak on August 30 and be the first to hear how your organization can get involved.

What to Expect:
• Learn more about Super Bowl LII and its legacy across Minnesota
• Find out how Super Snack Challenge can enhance your organization’s programming
• Create a simple healthy snack with Chef Lachelle Cunningham from Appetite for Change (yes, you can eat it afterwards)
• Meet our partners from Newman’s Own Foundation

RSVP here by August 22: www.surveymonkey.com/r/supersnack52

Date: Wednesday, August 22 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Location: Crew 52 Volunteer Headquarters, 698 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55402

This was previously Sports Authority, in downtown Minneapolis. Enter inside City Center building which can be accessed via skyway and street level by Marshalls and Saks Off 5th.

Parking: You are responsible for parking. The following parking ramps are closest to the Volunteer Headquarters. Metered parking is also available on 6th and 7th Street.

City Center Ramp, 10 South 7th St, Minneapolis, MN 55402 | $23

RBC Plaza, 600 Marquette Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55402 | $24

Park & Shop, 24 8th Street & 27 S 7th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402 | $13

LaSalle Court, 801 LaSalle Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55402 | $13

A/B/C Target Center Ramps, 33 North 9th Street, Minneapolis | $4/hour

The Super Snack Challenge is supported by the Newman's Own Foundation.

You can download a flyer invitation here !

FREE Swimming Lessons at the Brooklyn Center Community Center!

rebecca.gilgen@brooklynsallianceforyouth.org (Rebecca Gilgen) — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 15:06:22 GMT

Make a Splash!

Free swim lessons available during the day, evening or weekend for Brooklyn Center and Hennepin County Residents ages 3-18 who have not had lessons before and present a financial need. Swim lessons provided by a Make a Splash Grant through Hennepin County. For more information and to register, contact Natalie at 763-569-3317.

Space is limited, call and register today!

Touring the Assets and Opportunities in the Brooklyns

rebecca.gilgen@brooklynsallianceforyouth.org (Rebecca Gilgen) — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 14:21:04 GMT

Tour of the Brooklyns was a hit!

Last week Alliance partners provided a tour to the Cummins Corporate Responsibility group to share the assets and opportunities in our community. This was a driving tour with site visits at the City of Brooklyn Center Recreation facility, Brooklyn Center Community Schools Health Resource Center and Zanewood Recreation Facility. We also made an impromptu stop to see a Rec On the Go bus at Huntington Place apartments. Special thanks to BC Schools for providing the bus! This tour was a huge success in connecting our private sector partners to our community.

June 20, 2017

rebecca.gilgen@brooklynsallianceforyouth.org (Rebecca Gilgen) — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 19:10:24 GMT

The Alliance has a new website, preparations for Motivation Youth Festival are underway, and BrookLynk interns are on the job!

Greetings Alliance partners!

Here are a few exciting updates from the last 2 weeks.

1. BBA launches NEW WEBSITE ! We are happy to announce that we have new website that better explains who we are, what we do, and how to connect with our work. We’d like to thank Renee Starr for all her hard work in bringing this all together! Go check it out and please change your BBA bookmark if you have one. Your feedback is welcomed – please send comments to Kaysone Syonesa .

2. Motivation Youth Festival planning is well underway! Motivation Youth Festival (MYF) is a free event on August 12th hosted by the Brooklyns Youth Council that brings together the local community including speakers, youth talent, educators, and government. This event is planned by youth in the Brooklyns that can relate to the issues that their peers experience. Talent auditions are June 24th and July 7th so sign up here ! To learn more about how you can get involved click here . Or contact the BYC here .

3. BrookLynk Interns Start TODAY! Today marks the 3rd summer of BrookLynk summer internships. This is an exciting time for young people in our community who will be working throughout businesses, schools, cities, and organizations throughout our community. If you see a BrookLynk intern or a supervisor – give them a high five and let them know they are awesome! If you have any questions please contact Luis Salado-Herrera or Jolene Rotich

Thanks for all you do to accelerate youth success!

BYC Member Speaks at Park Center Graduation!

rebecca.gilgen@brooklynsallianceforyouth.org (Rebecca Gilgen) — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 04:06:24 GMT

Watch Judith Marquez Duran's amazing speech!

Judith Marquez Duran began her time with the Brooklyns Youth Council as a freshman in high school. The Alliance is proud to share the moving and inspirational speech she delivered at Park Center High School's 2017 commencement ceremony. Judith demonstrates great leadership skills and a passion for improving her community in everything she does. We wish her well as she begins college in the fall and are thrilled she'll still be a part of the Alliance team as a BYC intern for the 2017/2018 school year!

May 8, 2017

rebecca.gilgen@brooklynsallianceforyouth.org (Rebecca Gilgen) — Tue, 30 May 2017 19:38:54 GMT

Mayor Tim Wilson presents on Brooklyn Center's success with the Community Schools model, the 1st ever BrookLynk Job Fair, & the BYC is looking for new members!

The National League of Cities hosted the Institute on Advancing Education and Health through a Community Schools Strategy

Last week Mayor Tim Willson of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Center Community Schools and Alliance staff traveled to the NLC event in Philadelphia to present on District 286’s efforts to implement the Community School Model . Our team also learned about effective strategies and approaches at the intersection of education and health to increase the number of children who are healthy, ready to learn, and able to reach their full potential in school and beyond. Thank you to Brooklyn Center schools for their leadership and support of this impactful strategy!

BrookLynk 1st ever Youth Regional Job Fair was a success!

159 youth from over 20 different schools visited with 14 employers to find summer jobs. 91% of youth would refer a friend, and 100% of employers said they would participate next year. Staff are still in the process of evaluating results to determine what next year’s effort will be to connect youth to summer jobs. Thanks to Jolene Rotich and the planning team for all your hard work. It wouldn’t have happened without such great youth leaders and partners!

The Brooklyns Youth Council is recruiting members for next school year!

The Youth Council represents youth in Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park and includes their voice in collaboration with the community and local government in order to find out what youth want and need and then take action! The Youth Council

Provides recommendations to City Councils

Works with community leaders to make change on the issues

Hosts summits to spread awareness and mobilize youth for change

Raises funds and provides grants to other youth doing great things

If you are interested in joining, or know a young person who is ready to make a difference in their city click here for an application.