Issue 72 - Magazine for Irish youth work practitioners - Scene
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Irish Youth Work Scene Magazine for Irish youth work practitioners IN THIS EDITION OF SCENE Symposium on Exploring Outcomes in Youth Work The Irish Youth Music Awards (IYMAs) 2012 Youth Work Ireland Week Review Guide to Setting Up a Youth Club Launch Limerick Youth Service Profile Body Image & the Media Activity Supplement Issue 72 June 2012
Contents: 3 Editorial 4 Symposium on Exploring Outcomes in Youth Work 6 The IYMAs 2012 8 Youth Work Ireland Week Review 9 Being Young and Irish - President’s Consultation 10 Setting Up a Youth Club Guide 11 The Media and Body Image Activity Supplement 15 Limerick Youth Service Going Strong After 40 Years 18 Round Up 19 Training 20 IYWC New Library Resources 23 IYWC Recommended Reads Contributors: Patrick Burke, C.E.S., John Gilmore, Gina Halpin, Dermot Lambert, Charlene Logue and Dermot Troy. Layout & Design: Gina Halpin Printing: Metaphor Editor: Gina Halpin Cover Image: Exit Fire from CDYS Youth Work Ireland - winners of the IYMAs 2012 Disclaimer It is open to all our readers to exchange information or to put forward points of view. Send in news, comments, letters or articles to the editor. Views expressed in this magazine are the contributor’s own and do not reflect those of the Irish Youth Work Centre or Youth Work Ireland. Irish Youth Work Centre Youth Work Ireland 20 Lower Dominick Street Dublin 1 Tel: 01-8584512 Email: ghalpin@youthworkireland.ie Website: www.iywc.ie ISSN: 0791-6302 Irish Youth Work Scene ¦ 2
Editorial Have your say on the future of Irish Youth Work... Welcome to the latest edition of Scene. Changes to youth work in Ireland are bringing new challenges and opportunities for young people, volunteers and staff within the youth work sector. Recent developments include new standards and assessment for youth clubs and youth work services, a new focus on evidence and outcomes and a decrease in funding. Even more changes are coming with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs now writing a new Youth Policy Framework (YPF) for Ireland. At the same time communities, families and young people are dealing with austerity, disruption and new social pressures. The forthcoming Youth Work Ireland Consensus Conference which will be held in Farmleigh House on Saturday September 22nd 2012 will address these and other emerging challenges and opportunities. It will do this by offering young people, volunteers and professional youth workers a safe space to: Come to consensus in identifying the elements of our practice that need to be protected and developed in the new Youth Policy Framework and by Youth Work Ireland; Learn from each other as well as policy makers about the challenges that the new Policy Framework will bring and the opportunities that exist to over come these challenges; Work together to reach consensus on collective actions we can take to engage the new Youth Policy Framework; Have their ideas presented to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs for consideration in developing the new Youth Policy Framework. The Consensus Conference is your chance to be heard. In preparation for this event Youth Work Ireland is organising scoping workshops and surveys at all levels that will set the agenda for this impor‐ tant Conference and will allow anyone who wants to be involved to get involved. The questions we are asking in the workshops and surveys reflect key issues identified so far in the developing Youth Policy Framework. You can have your say on this by logging onto www.youthworkireland.ie or go directly to the online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/6Z9SVF9 Use this opportunity to have your voice heard. Enjoy your read. Patrick J. Burke, CEO Youth Work Ireland Irish Youth Work Scene ¦ 3
Symposium on Exploring Outcomes in Youth Work Introduction The Centre for Effective Services is part of a new generation of intermediary organisations across the world connecting scientific evidence of what works to policy and practice to improve the lives of children, young people and the families and communities in which they live. The Centre undertakes a wide range of project work ranging from whole-sector strategic development, supporting evidence-informed policy and practice; to focused technical assistance for individual service-providing organisations. In July this year the CES in conjunction with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs will host a Symposium on Exploring Outcomes in Youth Work and Related Provision. This Symposium will take place on Tuesday July 24th in the Main Conference Hall in Dublin Castle. Background The Youth Affairs Unit (YAU) of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs working in partnership with CES aims to Scientific Evidence enhance linkages with evidence-informed practice to Implementing scientific ensure that youth work and related practice provision in evidence of what works Ireland is of the highest quality. The Symposium will involve bringing together a wide range of people with an interest Policy in this topic to discuss and focus on achieving Guiding strategic decisions option outcomes. based on evidence Purpose of the Symposium Practice The symposium will explore issues in relation to the findings Getting frontline services to from an international literature review (commissioned by work on evidence instead of CES on behalf of YAU) undertaken by the Institute of Education, London, which maps the research literature in assumptions relation to youth development. The Symposium will Provide an Opportunity: To launch the report from the Institute of Education. For practitioners and managers of young peoples’ services, academics, researchers and others to learn from leading commentators. For participants to reflect on their own practice in light of the inputs from the international commentators. To inform the development of the Youth Policy Framework. Keynote Speakers Leading international writers and practitioners in the area of youth development will address and build upon the findings of the international literature review. Three keynote speakers will include: Dr. Dale A. Blyth, Extension Professor, School of Social Work and Director of the Youth Work Institute, University of Minnesota Dr. Dana Fusco, Associate Professor, Department of Teacher Education, York College, City University of New York Dr. John Bamber, Principal Fellow, Centre for Effective Services. Irish Youth Work Scene ¦ 4
Workshops Participants will have the opportunity to reflect and discuss the morning inputs in relation to their own practices and emerging issues. Target Audience The Symposium is free of charge and targeted at practitioners in youth work organisations and services, administrating agencies, and related disciplines working with young people in out-of-school time settings. Outline of the Day Time Programme 9.30am‐10.00am Registration 10.00am‐10.30am Welcome by Conference Chair Dr. Maurice Devlin, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Applied Social Studies, NUI Maynooth Introduction to the Symposium Jim Breslin, Secretary General, Department of Children and Youth Affairs Setting the Context Conor Rowley, National Assessor of Youth Work, Department of Children and Youth Affairs 10.30am‐11.00am Issues in Focusing on Outcomes in Youth Work and Related Provision Dr. John Bamber, Centre for Effective Services 11.00am‐11.30am Break 11.30am‐12.15pm Current and Emerging Issues and Trends in Youth Work Practice and Related Provision Dr. Dana Fusco, Associate Professor, Department of Teacher Education, York College, City University of New York 12.15pm‐1.00pm Exploring Issues in Measurement and Accountability in Youth Work and Related Provision Dr. Dale Blyth, Associate Dean for Youth Development and Director of the Youth Work Institute, University of Minnesota Extension 1.00pm‐2.00pm Lunch 2.00pm‐4.00pm Workshop Reflecting on the morning’s themes in relation to participants’ practice and issues, through structured dialogue 4.00pm‐5.00pm Plenary ‐ Feedback on workshop considerations Close of conference by Minister for Children & Youth Affairs Francis Fitzgerald T.D. For further details on this event contact Breda Ryan, CES, bryan@effectiveservices.org www.effectiveservices.org Irish Youth Work Scene ¦ 5
THE IYMAs 2012 by Dermot Lambert On Saturday 28th April record sales and touring experience, The formula involved (and still I had a vast experience of the ups and involves), 2 local events in each 2012 the Irish Youth downs of the music industry, and as participating region, in which a team Music Awards such I was in a good position to is created, a representing act is understand the wants and needs of chosen (only by the young partici‐ celebrated its fifth year artists, while also understanding the pants themselves) and a mini record in Liberty Hall, Dublin. realities of the music industry. company is set up. As organisers of The IYMAs, we were On meeting Michael, he explained to The formula is aimed at creating taken completely by surprise and by me that Youth Work Ireland would teamwork, education and even some storm at the goodwill at this year’s like to stage a one‐day music event. work experience. We would then event. Youth workers, mentors, staff, As we spoke though, it became clear have a National Event, which would volunteers and the young participants that with a potential 1,000 partici‐ be screened back to each local region seemed to create a volcano of positiv‐ pants, and as many as 8,000 via YouTube so as to allow home ity which the building could barely interested supporters, we would have supporters to watch and partake in contain. It was clear from the start of to think of some way to include realtime. the day that we were witnessing everybody, which would be difficult. something very special this year, even Even if we could hire out the O2 there This programme would look like a more so than the four previous years would still only be a certain amount band competition on the surface, – which had been pretty momentous of young people who could take part complete with competing acts, themselves! in the actual playing. awards and prizes but underneath it would be anything but a band The IYMAs started in 2007 when We knew what had caused competition. We banned the word Michael McLoughlin contacted me by ‘competition’, and acts chosen to play it, but we were still in the National Event are instead email. He and Paul Gralton from Youth Work Ireland National Office surprised to see it work so referred to as ‘Representing Acts’. At had been engaged in efforts to get a unbelievably special this the end of the entire process we music programme off the ground for would have a region (not an act) who time. became the National Recipients of Youth Work Ireland. They had become aware of my company the Award – this is to try to avoid We came up with a formula which we ‘local hero’ of band members, and Garageland, which helps new acts to believed could accommodate 1,000 ‘loser’ status of all others. get through the first difficult years of potential participants, and where their career. As lead singer and everybody involved would be incen‐ We then went to some of the most songwriter in Blink, with substantial tivised and there would be no losers. influential music industry people to Irish Youth Work Scene ¦ 6
seek their support and possible music industry panel on the IYMAs is became a very difficult task to mark attendance at the National Event. one of the strongest in any music the Facebook results. You could feel We hoped having some heavy hitters event in Ireland. the whole country buzzing with The on the panel would attract young IYMAs. musicians to the programme, and The IYMAs has grown at a massive lend it some weight that no other rate, we have released four albums, We were also aware that many youth youth programme had thus far one of which charted in the Irish workers around the country were far achieved at a National level. Music Charts. There have been over more involved, supportive, and giving 190 regional events, we have set up of their time than perhaps they were Jackie Hayden of Hot Press Magazine over 90 web pages and we have been ever expected to be, and the level of and Willie Kavanagh of EMI Records on radio and TV several times. The goodwill was tangible. Then to see both loved the idea so much that they Irish Times has written about us, Liberty Hall fill up on the day with became permanent panellists on along with nearly every regional eager faces, faces that had made what has now become known as The paper in the land. We have had something their own in these difficult IYMAs (The Irish Youth Music launches in the RDS, and we’ve taken times – this was how we knew we had Awards). With these two iconic over Liberty Hall Theater! created something special in 2012. figures onboard, we knew we could get whomever we wanted on our We believe The IYMAs 2012 was a Since April 28th, the final day of the panel, and that we had created some‐ very special event because it came IYMAs 2012, we have received an thing great for young people. back into itself. In the massive growth unprecedented number of positive and fanfare, there was a great under‐ and excited, and some quite touch‐ 14 of the 22 Youth Work Ireland current of sense of self. With the ing, emails and texts congradulating Member Youth Services took part in economic conditions as bleak as they the team, for which we are very the first year (we called it 7 Steps Up are in our country in 2012, there was grateful. However, what we are most in its first year). Theses were Limerick, a sense at the IYMAs 2012 that we grateful for is being allowed to work Carlow, Kilkenny (Ossory), CDYS, were doing something good. with such a great community of Donegal, Kildare, FDYS (Wexford), people on such a positive and Kerry, Meath, Midlands, Louth, important programme for young …so why was IYMAs people. So thanks to all involved and Galway, Clare and Tipperary. Over the following years we’ve had the 2012 so special? well done Youth Work Ireland, addition of Laois, Monaghan, Water‐ CDYSB, YANI and all involved in IYMAs ford, Belfast, Newry, Enniskillen, From our initial meetings around the 2012! Derry, Donnycarney, Ballybough, country it was clear that this year’s Arklow, Dunlaoire Rathdown, programme was very personal, at For more information contact: Ballyfermot, Lucan, Finglas, Glanmire, least that’s how it seemed to us. All Blarney, … the young people involved seemed www.youthworkireland.ie happy to be just that ‐ involved! We www.garageland.ie We now proudly work with CDYSB, watched the enthusiasm on the Face‐ YANI (Youth Action Northern Ireland) book pages which was so engaging in and many independent Youth Organ‐ 2012, far more than any other isations throughout Ireland – North, year. The engagement and teamwork South, East and West. By year 5, the at local level was so strong that it Irish Youth Work Scene ¦ 7
Youth Work Ireland Week 2012 by John Gilmore, President, Youth Work Ireland The Irish people are well known for their A taste of what we do humility and when it comes to institu‐ As well as a week of celebration for our tional recognition, we at Youth Work federation, its staff, volunteers and young Ireland are equally unwilling to pat people, Youth Work Ireland Week raised ourselves on the back. There are, no awareness of our profile and provided a doubt, very organic and specific reasons much needed opportunity to gain public‐ for this. For one thing, the precarious‐ ity and engagement with the community ness of funding in the sector in recent at large. Local radio and newspapers years has engendered a very unique form were well informed with news of what of pressure on our vital services; one that was happening in the various youth has left little time for a reflection on our services and many youth projects opened collective accomplishments thus far. their doors to allow the general public a feel for, or in some cases a taste of, what National showcase we do. A highly significant part of the However, as 2012 marks our 50th year, week involved the Political Briefing on the Board agreed that it was time for us Youth issues at Leinster House. As well as to have a national showcase of all the providing a platform for the airing of fantastic work being carried out. The significant issues faced by local youth inaugural Youth Work Ireland Week services and local communities, the witnessed almost two hundred events briefing also offered a chance for TDs and take place around the country and in the Senators to meet their local youth around the country for Youth Work spirit of the organisation the emphasis service, a chance that was warmly Ireland Week. As well as conveying the was on the local communities we work welcomed on both sides. fantastic work being carried out, the within. As you can imagine, the events conversation on the day also afforded a were diverse and ranged from music gigs We certainly weren’t alone in our much needed chance to demonstrate to in Mallow to creative writing in Galway, celebrations during the week and the the minister the need for further invest‐ running in Kilkenny to playing soccer in huge amount of interagency and collabo‐ ment into local community based youth Wexford. In Waterford participants rative work engaged in was evident in all projects. In Limerick our celebrations discussed volunteerism, while the services. For example, on my visit to were joined by young people from all Donegal contingent, both young and old, Louth I was cordially invited to celebrate over Europe during the YELL Youth engaged in shared conversations about the 21st birthday of a community project Empowerment Conference. During this sexual health and well being. “The House” at Cox’s Demesne in vibrant and diverse occasion, the Dundalk supported by Youth Work Innovation and excitement language (and accent) differences Ireland. “The House” has made a huge I was fortunate enough to be able to visit certainly weren’t an obstacle to construc‐ impact in the local community and, several services throughout the week tion of rich and intelligent dialogue of although independent, the service and was met with great excitement, young people in action. acknowledged the meaningful and innovation and hard work. I started my enduring support of Youth Work Ireland The week proved a huge success and is week at Kerry Diocesan Youth Service. Louth throughout the years. certainly a platform for us to build on in KDYS had incorporated their longstand‐ the future. Travelling around the country ing and acclaimed Youth Day into our A word in the ear of the Minister to the various events made me ever week long celebrations. In between the Later that day, while still in Dundalk, I more proud to be the president of such a inflatable obstacles and “Zumba” classes, was present while the Minister for dynamic, engaging and active organisa‐ I had the opportunity to meet with a Children and Youth Affairs Frances tion. The volunteers, staff and particu‐ large cohort of young people from both Fitzgerald opened a new youth mental larly the young people right around the rural to the urban based projects and health space led by young people. As country did as they always do in putting even got time for a cup of tea and a chat well as officiating at this special occasion, on a fantastic show, and the hard work with a man who has volunteered in his Minister Fitzgerald enjoyed being briefed and dedication of all involved made for a local youth club for over thirty years. on the local youth service progress and wonderful week! on the collective celebrations occurring
The President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, is inviting young Irish people at home and abroad to play an active part in shaping Ireland’s shared future. Being Young and Irish 1. What is your vision for Ireland? section of the President’s website and President Higgins has launched Being 2. What can you and other young peo‐ similarly on the President’s official Face‐ Young and Irish, a consultation process ple do to help achieve this Ireland? book page. with young people running from May 3. What else needs to happen to make to September that will culminate with this possible? A selection of contributions will be a Presidency Seminar later this year. showcased at the regional workshops. Submission guidelines: When the consultation process is Being Young and Irish is looking to Please provide your name, address, completed the President will host the consult with Irish people aged 17 to 26, email, d.o.b. and phone number as well Presidency Seminar – ‘Being Young and to seek to advance the national dis‐ as either of the following: Irish’ where young people will sit side‐ course on inclusion by harnessing the by‐side with invited decision makers. power of young people, enabling them Written submissions: Maximum word to participate and be more involved in count is 500 words. During the consultation a number of that discourse. The ambition is to create Audio: Maximum length of audio is 4 young people will be selected and a society which values every citizen in minutes. Upload to any online audio mentored to present key findings at The every generation. host (e.g. soundcloud) and submit your Presidency Seminar. A final report on link. ‘Being Young and Irish’ and young The central goal is to engage young Video: Maximum length of video is 4 people’s vision for Ireland’s shared people as active and reflective citizens minutes. Upload to any online video future will be published. in contemporary Ireland and to endorse host (e.g. youtube, vimeo) and submit them as one of the sources of wisdom in your link. Where are the workshops taking solving core social, political, economic place? and cultural issues confronting Ireland. Why should I contribute? The workshops will take place in four The President believes that young Irish different locations around the country: Being Young and Irish wishes to: people are a source of wisdom and that Open up channels of participation for they can help solve Ireland’s fundamen‐ DUBLIN, Saturday, September 8th young people and involve them in the tal social, political, economic and CORK, Saturday, September 15th national discussion and debate about cultural issues. He wants to gather your MONAGHAN, Saturday, September 22nd what kind of country we now have, suggestions and ideas for change and GALWAY, Saturday, September 29th what form of republic we wish to create ensure they are reflected in his and how it can be achieved. Presidency. What will be the outputs of the Workshops? Identify, promote and celebrate origi‐ When is this happening? The outputs of all four regional work‐ nal, youth‐led sensitive and realisable Between now and the end of Septem‐ shops and the multimedia consultation solutions to our present conditions and ber 2012 the President wishes to will be presented at the final National proposals for a better society in the engage in a dialogue with you, to re‐ Seminar on Being Young and Irish. future. ceive, review and discuss your sugges‐ tions for change to Irish society. What Now? Hear from young people and seek their If you would like to apply to participate views on the difficulties young people How will this happen? in one of the ‘Being Young and Irish’ from diverse backgrounds are experi‐ Our dialogue will take place in a number regional workshops, please fill out the encing, as young and Irish people today of ways: ‘Application Form’ at Between now and 29 September you Multimedia consultation process Four regional workshops www.president.ie/being‐young‐irish can submit ideas on Ireland’s shared future to President Higgins at: The Presidency Seminar You can also send the completed form youngandirish@president.ie. back to us by post: What to expect? The President suggests that you Your ideas and suggestions will be BEING YOUNG & IRISH address the following questions in your reviewed by the President and his team Áras an Uachtaráin submissions: and a selection of these will be identi‐ Phoenix Park fied and showcased on an appropriate Dublin 8 Irish Youth Work Scene ¦ 9
Setting Up A Youth Club Guide Launch by Donegal Youth Service Donegal Youth Service has launched empowering volunteers to take on Service, via Youth Work Ireland its Handy Guide to Setting up a the work and provide a service that is National Office and Child Protection Youth Club. After numerous encoun‐ in tune with local needs. Training is set up and provided by the ters with communities thinking of Youth Outreach Project. The new organising youth provision in their The Youth Outreach Project assists committee is kept in contact via area, the Youth Outreach Project was with compiling questions for a com‐ email, phone or in person to support charged to produce this handy reader munity audit, printing literature on their ongoing work. If the group then to assist volunteers in their plans for a behalf of a group for any leaflet drop decide to, they are welcome to apply youth club set up. Working from a and assisting with compiling the to join Donegal Youth Service as a ‘Quality Standards Framework’ responses. We don’t carry out sur‐ ‘full’ or ‘associate’ member. We perspective, to ensure prospective veys or audits for communities; we appreciate that we invest in Garda youth clubs keep in line with National provide the tools for them to do it Vetting and Child Protection in Policies and best practice guidelines, themselves. We encourage those advance of affiliation, but we prefer the short booklet was produced for who have a desire to form a local volunteers are screened and ‘good to dissemination across the county in youth club to hold a public meeting go’ before becoming affiliated and shops, health centres, parish halls, and we make ourselves available at potentially operating outside of ‘best community halls, FRC’s and CDP’s, in these meetings. We usually meet practice’ guidelines. Anyway, we feel fact anywhere people met to plan with the young people separately that as long as volunteers are provid‐ and provide for their own communi‐ from the adults to gauge interest ing a quality service locally, it isn’t ties. levels and ascertain information, per‐ important who they ‘belong to’. Local tinent to the needs of young people. youth clubs are free to approach Donegal Youth Service provide a qual‐ other youth service agencies at any ity Youth Outreach Project to a The next step is meeting with any time. membership of over 30 youth clubs intending/existing committee and of and aim at ensuring intending youth course encouraging that a junior When all the paperwork and training clubs are assisted in their set up and committee become established. is in order, clubs are free to open and formation and enabled to become full Training in committee roles and operate. We provide policies for clubs members of the organisation. Volun‐ responsibilities is provided for both to operate to, provide all associated teers wanting to set up a youth club the adult volunteers if needed and paperwork (consent forms, medical in their area are met by the Senior the junior committee members to record forms, registration forms, Youth Worker to discuss local needs enable them to operate effectively. accident/injury forms etc.) as and to gain information on the ‘offer’ Of course some areas have existing templates that the local youth club is provided by Donegal Youth Service, committees and a wealth of knowl‐ free to use or amend accordingly. i.e. programmes, activities, training, edge in this area and we respect this. Once affiliated, the club is encour‐ events, insurance etc. We are very aged to participate in the Youth clear that we ‘do with’ but not ‘do Garda Vetting forms are distributed Outreach Project services. for’ local communities. We believe in and processed by Donegal Youth For further information or to request a copy of the Guide please contact Lorraine or Charlene at: Donegal Youth Service lorraine.thompson@donegalyouthservice.ie charlene.logue@donegalyouthservice.ie www.donegalyouthservice.ie Sheena Boyle-Laverty, Lorraine Thompson and Charlene Logue of Donegal Youth Service at the launch of the Youth Club Guide
The Media and Body Image Activity Supplement For young people media messages make it interesting you can alternate who then throws it to another about body shape and size can be between male and female stars on person. hugely influential on how they feel every turn. Only the person holding the ball about themselves and their own is allowed to speak. Body Modification: How many differ‐ bodies. Media messages that create Source: Gok The Naked Truth Teachers ent ways can they think of to change cultural definitions of beauty and Pack the appearance of their body? This attractiveness are often acknowl‐ could include everything from hair, edged as being amongst the factors makeup, tattoos, piercings, diets and Activity One: that contribute to the rise of eating exercise, to tummy tucks, boob jobs, disorders in young people. This hair implants and facelifts etc.. Defining Body activity supplement looks at how the media uses unrealistic body images to Eating: How many different eating Image and sell products and provides activities disorders or bad eating habits can Influences for youth workes in tackling this they think of? sensitive topic with young people. Begin activity: Aim: To increase awareness of where Throw the ball to a random influences come from around the Ice Breaker young person who has to come issue of body image. up with a name, idea or word Aim: To get young people to think which fits the current topic. Materials: Flip chart paper, markers about the sorts of questions and wor‐ If they get stuck or fail to come and various fashion magazines with ries they have about body image, up with an answer within 10 pictures of “perfect” bodies. confidence and self‐esteem while seconds, they pass the ball to making them comfortable with shar‐ the person on their left who Ask them what they think “body ing their feelings and thoughts. tries to come up with an answer image” means to hem? instead. How do the young people see Materials: A space large enough for Once they have spoken, the their body? everyone to sit on the floor and a young person holding the ball How do they think others see tennis ball. When everyone is seated tosses it back to the group leader their body? tell the young people that this exercise is designed to get them to think about beauty, body image and healthy eating. Here are some sample ideas and topics to use in this activity: A‐Z of Beautiful Celebrities: Can they think of a celebrity for every letter? Each young person has to use the next letter in the alphabet to name a different glamorous celebrity. To Irish Youth Work Scene ¦ 11
How do they feel as a result? Make a list of their responses on the flip chart paper. Ask the young people what “positive body image” is (seeing and appreci‐ ating your body as it really is and feeling comfortable and confident with your body). Write their responses on the flip chart paper. Then ask them what “negative body image” is (having a distorted percep‐ tion of body shape, feeling ashamed and self‐conscious about your body or feeling uncomfortable and awkward in your body). Write their responses on the flip chart paper too. Ask the young people what they feel influences their ideas of body image in our society even though food is abundant, and certain body shapes Activity Three: and what is their idea about what an ideal body should be. Get the young are valued. Buy the Perfect people to make up posters of all the What messages do the media give Body! qualities they think make up a about food and physical beauty? “perfect” body based on photographs Divide the young people into small Aim: To get young people to explore from magazines. groups and give them a selection of the impact of magazine advertise‐ Source: Nutrition and Physical Activity magazines and newspapers, ask them ments on body image and individual for Lifelong Health Lesson Fourteen / ETR Associates to find examples of conflicting purchasing and to get them to take a messages about eating and body good look at society’s pressure to image, such as ads for high‐calorie conform to standards of beauty, Activity Two: foods with overly thin models. particularly to be thin and the Create a Mixed Ask them to think of their own prejudice against being “overweight.” examples, and after they have Message Board compiled 5 to 10 powerful mixed Materials: Magazines, glue, sample advertisements, scissors, flip chart messages, have each group create a Aim: This is a hands‐on arts activity paper for each group and markers. “Mixed Messages” poster or collage that will help young people learn that shows the volume of messages more about body image, eating Before the group meet, gather some we receive in our daily lives about disorders and recognise the mixed sample advertisements of high profile food and appearances. messages portrayed by the media brands that young people may regarding health, body, nutrition and Put up the posters around your youth relate to and ask them: reality! club. Finish by asking the young people how they can help themselves What is it in the ad that appeals Materials: Magazines, newspapers, to become more aware of the mixed to them? glue, flip chart paper and markers. messages and avoid conditions that How does the ad get people to trigger eating disorders. buy the product? Source: How does the ad make the Begin by asking the group what they www.discoveryeducation.com person/people look? know about body image and eating disorders, their causes and effects. How does seeing or reading How have they heard of these this ad make them feel? diseases? They may know celebrities Does the ad tell the truth (give who have been identified as having the whole picture)? Why or why eating disorders. not?” Ask them to brainstorm the reasons Next divide students into small that eating disorders are so prevalent groups and give them magazines and other materials. Irish Youth Work Scene ¦ 12
Ask them to go through the maga‐ zines and cut out pictures or words have a good mixture of magazines that show images of people of varied Activity Five: from ads that make them want to buy race, ethnicity, shape and age. Coat of Arms that product or be more like the Point out that many people young or person in the ad and have them make Aim: To bolster a young person’s self old do not feel proud and confident a poster which they present to the image and self‐esteem. about how they look. larger group. Divide the young people into small Materials: Give each of the young Follow up with, “Why would compa‐ same sex groups and give each group people a piece of blank A4 paper and nies only use images of ‘perfect’ flip chart paper and a marker. some markers, coloured pencils or people to sell their product?” paints. Ask the young people to make a list Discuss how the ‘perfect’ images are on one piece of flip chart paper of the produced; e.g., computer enhance‐ parts of the body that people of their Ask each of them to design their ment, airbrushing or combining vari‐ gender often feel dissatisfied with. own ‘coat of arms’, listing four ous parts of different people to create personal strengths that they Label your list Men often do not one image, etc. believe they possess. These like... or Women often do not like... could be physical, personality‐ Ask them what they feel the media Using two or three magazines, find based or a particular skill they could do differently to make sure they pictures of people of their gender have mastered. are not giving out the wrong idea of that they think are attractive. Ask them to also come up with the ‘perfect’ body or what it means to Make a collage of these pictures on a personal motto to go under be healthy? the flip chart paper and add words or neath their shield. Source: www.uen.org/Lessonplan phrases that describe an attractive When the students have finish‐ member of their own gender. ed, make a wall display out of Activity Four: When they have finished the collage, their creations so everyone can Prejudice and selleotape both the list and the see the things they like about collage side by side on the walls. themselves. Body Image Then ask the young people to take It might be a good idea for you as Discussion some time to read and look at all the the youth worker to come up with collages. your own shield and motto too! Aim: To increase the young people’s Source: Gok The Naked Truth Teachers awareness of their physical self and of Discussion Pack media influences on their body image and behavior. Do you think that, in general young Activity Six: people are satisfied with their own appearance? Fashion, Media Materials: Magazines, glue, scissors, markers, sellotape, flip chart paper ‐ Where do we get our ideas about and Body Image two sheets for each group. Try to what is attractive and what is not? Did you find pictures that coincided Aim: To explore the global dimension with your ideas about what is attrac‐ of media marketing and body image. tive? If not, what were you looking for that you couldn’t find? Materials: Selection of magazines and newspapers and Internet access Do media images influence how if possible. attractive or appealing we feel? Can we change some parts of our Ask groups of young people to body? and do we as people change look through newspapers and when we change parts of our bodies? magazines and cut out as many images of people they can find. What parts of us can we not change? Ask them to group the images into 3 groups of men, women What things can an adolescent do to and children. feel better about his or her body? Then ask them to divide the Source: www.advocatesforyouth.org groups again into racial groups, national groups, cultural groups, or professions. Irish Youth Work Scene ¦ 13
Finally ask them what they about it. If you’re worried about your Try building your self-esteem notice about what sorts of peo‐ weight or size, check with your by giving yourself three ple are commonly represented as doctor to verify that things are OK. compliments every day. being professional or fashion But it’s no one’s business but your While you’re at it, every evening list symbols etc. own what your body is like; you have three things in your day that really Why do they think this is? to be happy with yourself. gave you pleasure. It can be anything What does this say about stere‐ from the way the sun felt on your otypes of men and women, Identify which aspects of face, the sound of your favourite about different races and your appearance you can band, or the way someone laughed at cultures and about what is realistically change and your jokes. By focusing on the good considered ‘beautiful’? which you can’t. things you do and the positive as‐ Humans, by definition, are imperfect. pects of your life, you can change Adaptations: It’s what makes each of us unique and how you feel about yourself. Some If the group has Internet access the original! Everyone (even the most people with physical disabilities or young people can look at fashion/ perfect‐seeming celeb) has things differences may feel they are not news web‐sites from different that they can’t change and need to seen for their true selves because of countries and cultures – and do a accept — like their height, for exam‐ their bodies and what they can and similar activity. ple, or their shoe size. Remind your‐ can’t do. Other people may have such Source: www.cyfanfyd.org.uk serious body image issues that they self that real people aren’t perfect and perfect people aren’t real need a bit more help. Working with a (they’re usually airbrushed!). counsellor or therapist can help some people gain perspective and learn to If there are things about focus on their individual strengths as yourself that you want to well as develop healthier thinking. change and can, do this by making goals for yourself. For example, if you want to get fit, make a plan to exercise everyday and eat healthy. Then keep track of your progress until you reach your goal. Meeting a challenge you set for yourself is a great way to boost self‐ esteem! When you hear negative comments coming from Tips for Improving within, tell yourself to stop. Appreciate that each person is more Body Image for than just how he or she looks on any given day. We’re complex and con‐ Young People stantly changing. Try to focus on what’s unique and interesting about Some young people think they need yourself. to change how they look to feel good about themselves. But all you need to Where to go next... do is change the way you see your body and how you think about your‐ www.bodywhys.ie www.mentalhealthireland.ie self. Here are some tips on doing that: www.spunout.ie www.media-awareness.ca www.headstrong.ie www.headroom.net.au Recognise that your body is www.mindyourself.ie www.cyh.com your own, no matter what www.eatingdisorder.ie www.kidshealth.org shape or size it comes in. Try to focus on how strong and www.irishhealth.com www.youthhealthtalk.org healthy your body is and the things it www.aware.ie www.me-and-us.co.uk can do, not what’s wrong with it or www.reachout.com www.teenissues.co.uk what you feel you want to change www.healthpromotion.ie Irish Youth Work Scene ¦ 14
Limerick Youth Service Still Going Strong After Four Decades By Dermot Troy Founded in 1973 by the late Sr. Joan visit from a UK our young people. Bowles, Limerick Youth Service Somali Community Group, a Speaking at the launch Minister (LYS) remains an integral part of life Question and Answers session with Fitzgerald thanked everyone for in Limerick city and county. As it local politicians and the launch of their hospitality and Limerick Youth approaches its 40th Anniversary, Limerick’s first Anti‐Bullying Service for having the foresight to Limerick Youth Service continues to Awareness Week. develop such a service. The be at the forefront of youth affairs, Minister commented: providing educational training and Minister Launches recreational programmes for young Limerick Youth Service ‘there is great frontline work people, while supporting numerous being done here. It is a state of youth cafés and clubs. Limerick Strategic Plan the art service including a combi‐ Youth Service remains committed April began with a visit from the nation of community workshops to supporting and encouraging Minister for Children and Youth with training facilities and youth young people to be active Affairs, Francis Fitzgerald T.D. After cafes that are reaching young participants in shaping their future. a tour of our city centre training and people and giving them an alter‐ educational facilities, Minister native place to meet their peers, The Story so Far Fitzgerald was treated to lunch from which is a really important our award winning catering team, alternative to drink and drugs. I It has been a busy few months for where she was officially welcomed commend the work of everyone Limerick Youth Service as we played by Limerick Youth Service Director here.’ host to a Ministerial visit, launched Catherine Kelly. The Minister then our Four Year Strategic Plan and launched our Four Year Strategic Minister Fitzgerald was then given a hosted Y.E.L.L. (Youth Plan 2012‐16 which aims to tour of our other city locations and Empowerment Looks @ Limerick) promote new and diverse ways of was treated to some song and Week. This hectic period also saw working with young people, while dance from local young people. On the launch of our debut album, also engaging with other organisa‐ departing Catherine Kelly, thanked Underground Sounds: A Charity CD tions to enhance opportunities for the Minister for her visit and her Raising Funds for LYS Youth Clubs, a
kind words. workshops, seminars and were outlet for young musicians who are Limerick Youth Sevice given a comprehensive tour of the looking for a place to perform. If you YELLs for Youth Work facilities. SEWF was founded in 2004 are interested in performing at Lava and according to youth leader Java’s please contact John Real at: Ireland Week Ahmed Mirrah its aim is to johnr@limerickyouthservice.com As part of the inaugural Youth Work ‘enable full access to services of Ireland Week, Limerick Youth education, suitable employment, Grilled at Limerick Youth Service hosted an International training and integration with the Conference titled: YELL! Youth Service objective of alleviating poverty Empowerment Looks @ Limerick. through promoting social and Minister for Housing, Jan O’ The event saw delegates from economic regeneration.’ Sullivan TD was among a number of several European nations including Limerick politicians that took part in Poland and the British Somali Mr. Mirah was full of praise for a Q&A evening with young people Community spend the week Limerick Youth Service and indeed on May 14th last at Limerick Youth working with the YELL Group. The the role of youth work adding that Service HQ. The Q&A developed visitors were given an insight into last year’s August Riots (in the UK) after a meeting between Oireachtas the achievements in promoting members and local volunteer, youth participation in the commu‐ ‘highlighted the importance of Elaine Flynn at Leinster House, dur‐ nity. Priscilla Sheehan of Limerick youth work in showing young ing Youth Work Ireland’s recent Youth Service said : people an alternative to anti‐ ‘Show and Tell Political Briefing.’ social behaviour.’ ‘the idea of YELL is to encourage and empower young people to On the night issues such as the Sounds of the Limerick Regeneration Project, take control of their lives and become active citizens in their Underground CD cutbacks in education, suicide and local community.’ Launch young people’s attitude towards politics were discussed. Eamon Limerick Youth Service’s Glenworth O’Brien, who chaired the Q&A, For further information on YELL Street Head Quarters was buzzing suggested that politics and the please contact Eibhlis Bray at: on Thursday April 26th last as we political system: eibhlisb@limerickyouthservice.com launched our debut album, ‘Under‐ ground Sounds’ at Lava Java’s Youth ‘should become more of a UK’s Somali Community Cafe. The album was recorded and feature of the school curriculum.’ Visit Limerick Youth produced by staff and volunteers at This was looked upon favourably by Service our recording studios at The Factory all in attendance including the Southside Youth Space, near political representatives. Comment‐ Following on from the success of Southill in the city. ing on the evening Limerick Youth YELL Week, a group from the Service Director, Catherine Kelly Birmingham‐Derby based Somali It features a diverse mix of local said: Educational and Welfare Founda‐ artists such as Sum Young Wans, tion (SEWF) paid a return visit to who were finalists at the recent ‘it was inspirational to see these Limerick Youth Service. During their Irish Youth Music Awards. Lava confident young people question week long stay they engaged in Java’s is quickly becoming a popular our politicians and hold their own Irish Youth Work Scene ¦ 16
in the debate.’ Limerick Youth Service and there is ‘each year the newly elected Thanks were expressed to all who a lot more to come with an array of Comhairle chooses a topic of gave their time to attend the Q&A. events planned for the summer relevance to young people to months. work upon, based upon the Bullying...WHY? findings of the AGM, in which If you would like to know more more than 80 students from Limerick’s inaugural Anti‐Bullying about the goings‐on Shannonside across Limerick usually attend. Week ran from May 18th to 25th as contact us at: This year Comhairle members Limerick Youth Service, in conjunc‐ have chosen the topic of young tion with Limerick County Council Dermot Troy people’s mental health and in proudly supported this Comhairle Communications Officer particular, bullying as a key issue na nÓg’s initiative. Throughout the Limerick Youth Service. facing young people in Limerick.’ week Comhairle and Limerick Youth (t): 061‐412444 Service volunteers raised awareness Following on from this week’s event of the different types of bullying and Email: Limerick Youth Service will host an the impact it can have on a person, dermott@limerickyouthservice.com Anti‐Bullying Awareness Evening on family and community. Thursday, June 28th. www.limerickyouthservice.com Posters that drew attention to the For further information please effects of bullying were on display in or follow us on Facebook and contact Joe Walsh at: youth spaces, with staff and Twitter joew@limerickyouthservice.com volunteers sporting wristbands with the message: More to Come at Bullying...Why? Limerick Youth Service So that was just a brief insight into Speaking about the development of what has been a busy few months Anti‐Bullying Week, Joe Walsh of and indeed a busy four decades at Limerick Youth Service said:
Round Up Consultation on until Saturday 3rd November youth are the rights, liberties and freedoms arts activity will be celebrated around guaranteed under the Irish Constitu‐ Improving the Lives the County, as this annual showcase tion and under international agree‐ of Children and of young people’s participation in the ments, treaties and conventions to arts comes to life. If you are a young which Ireland is a party. Young People person between the ages of 12 and 25 who is involved in singing, For more information contact: Minister for Children and Youth performing, playing, dancing, organ‐ Fidelma Joyce Affairs Frances Fitzgerald T.D. has ising, talking or making, register your (t): 01 8589601 launched a public consultation on interest in letting people know what (e): joyce@ihrc.ie improving the lives of children and you are up to. Or if you represent an young people. The consultation will organisation, project or programme inform the development of all key that works with, or on behalf of, Teen-Line Ireland Call policies and strategies within the young people in a creative way then for Volunteers Department over the next five years. STOP LOOK LISTEN is for you too! Young people are making exciting, Teen‐line Ireland This consultation is for anyone with creative work all over the County and is a registered an interest in improving the lives of we want to highlight and celebrate charity that pro‐ children and young people. The over‐ this work. vides a national all aim of this consultation is to free‐phone ensure children and young people For more information contact: helpline for young growing up in Ireland are: Mary Mac Namara people in Ireland. The aim of the (e) grainstore@dlrcoco.ie organisation is to provide emotional Safe and secure. (t): 01 2047978 support, through a national listening Have a say in decisions that affect service for young people who may be their lives. feeling lonely, alone, worried or de‐ Enjoy learning in all aspects of SCSPE Students: pressed. Teen‐line is built on the be‐ their lives. Be good citizens Act to Promote lief that young people need to be listened to and the service is a confi‐ Be healthy and active. Human Rights dential secure and non judgemental Move confidently into adulthood. one for young people to express their Experience economic security. The Irish Human feelings. Teen‐line believes that all Rights Commis‐ young people from all social, religious To take part in this consultation sion (IHRC) is and ethnic backgrounds can experi‐ please go to: inviting CSPE ence challenging times at some point www.dcya.gov.ie/Consultation‐2012 students to creatively communicate in their lives. about a human rights issue that con‐ This link will remain open until cerns them through their CSPE Action Teen‐Line Ireland's volunteers are Friday 6th July. Project and submit their work to the ordinary, every‐day people who IHRC. It is planned to exhibit the work understand that young people need Stop, Look, Listen later in the year. The IHRC’s Human to be heard ‐ they volunteer to listen Rights Action Project Initiative will ‐ If you are over 21, a good listener 2012 launch in September 2012. and have 3 hours a week to spare and Dún Laoghaire feel that Teen‐line Ireland is a charity Rathdown The Irish Human Rights Commission that you would like to volunteer with County Coun‐ (IHRC) was established under statute please contact: cil is delighted in 2000, to promote and protect the to announce that applications are human rights of everyone in Ireland. (t) 01 4622124 now open for STOP LOOK LISTEN The human rights that the IHRC is (e) volunteer@teenline.ie 2012. From Thursday 25th October mandated to promote and protect www.teenline.ie Irish Youth Work Scene ¦ 18
Training Specialist Certificate in Children First Training Music, for young people, is often at the centre of their forming identity. It Youth Health Promotion Level 1 and Level 2 connects them to their peers and 2012-13 course info with the 1 informs their ideas around life’s topics Stop Training Shop and issues. The Music for Youth Dates: 1st October‐31th May 2012 Project engages young people posi‐ “Seeing the Signs – An Introduction tively though music and creates Details: The National Health Youth to Child Protection” (Level 1) opportunities for their development. Programme is now inviting applicants The 3 Rs – Responsibilities, Recog‐ Through its outreach music training for the Specialist Certificate in Youth nising and Reporting”(Level 2) and learning initiative, the My Project Health Promotion 2012‐13. “Seeing the Signs – An Introduction promotes young people’s growth i n This 3rd level Certificate is delivered by to Child Protection” (Level 1) such areas as ‐ confidence, self the National Youth Health esteem, group work, creativity and Seeing the Signs is a national child Programme and is Accredited by NUI self expression. protection training programme. The Galway. The course provides partici‐ courses run at Level 1, 2 and 3 and are pants with the opportunity to For more information please aimed at staff members who have develop knowledge and skills to contact: direct or indirect contact with facilitate their youth organisation in 087‐7085019 children during the course of their becoming an effective setting for info@themyproject work. These sessions will provide health promotion, while working www.themyproject.ie details of how to recognise child within the National Quality Standards abuse and ensure that staff members Framework (NQSF) for youth work. It are aware of how to respond to situ‐ Limerick Play and also enables participants and their ations. Some aims of the course are: Learning organisations to begin the process of achieving a Health Quality Mark. To provide a greater understand‐ Date: Monday 23rd‐Friday 27th July ing of the signs and indicators of The Health Quality Mark is a health abuse. Week long residential summer school promotion initiative which aims to To raise awareness regarding the with Marc Armitage and Steve Goode enhance best practice and a high fundamental issues of Safeguard‐ at the University of Limerick. standard of quality in all aspects of ing and well being. health promotion in youth organisa‐ This is a Challenging Continuing tions. The HQ Mark is a set of quality For a full listing of training dates Professional Development event standards in youth health promotion contact: aimed at youth workers, managers, and takes the form of an award 085 7494383 teachers, development officers and conferred on organisations that info.1stoptrainingshop@yahoo.ie advisors in Childcare, Schools, Play‐ satisfy agreed quality criteria. work, After‐Schools, Youthwork and The Specialist Certificate in Youth MY Project: Music others who work with children. Health promotion is an important first Workshops and Training step in this process. It is designed for The residential week will be packed anyone working with young people in Summer 2012 – Music Workshop and full of new ideas, reflection, discus‐ a youth work, out‐of‐school or non Training Activities Available sion, challenges, new research, world‐ formal education setting, who are wide examples, films, photos .... and interested in promoting health within Summer 2012 is nearly here and The a BBQ. their work setting. Music for Youth Project has a limited number of workshops, programs and Contact Steve Goode for more For more information contact: activities available. Our trained youth 01‐4784122 information: music facilitators can come to your 087 9972974 kevin@nyci.ie project, school, service or community www.nyci.ie stevegoode@stevegoode.org and deliver hands on learning through music for young people. Irish Youth Work Scene ¦ 19
I Evaluation in Action: excitement comes some anxiety too. Most young people handle the move pretty Theory and practice for effective well, but some may find it a lot tougher evaluation than others. Many factors contribute to By Gillian Squirrell, 2012 Y how you adapt to your new surroundings such as personality, maturity, attitude, self- Evaluation is a powerful image and general coping ability. As with tool that can create most transistions things can be made considerable fear. It easier with preparation and having vital W may be used to decide how to allocate often scarce resources, it can information. This guide aims at helping young people leaving home for the first time to be as prepared as possible for this be the forerunner of new and exciting adventure. Topics C bad news, or just be a means to preserve the status quo. But evalua- covered include how best to make the adjustment, preparation, settling in, find- ing the right accommodation, tenant tion is always about rights, costs, budgeting, health and people, and can empower the disem- personal safety. powered, stimulate change, and support democratic innovation and creativity, Irish Non Profits: What do we and it is these elements that this book know? R emphasises. Exploring its emotional as well as social, political and technical aspects, this book By the Irish Non profits Knowledge Exchange, 2012 E shows how evaluation is always about people, and that what it becomes is a matter of choice. Nonprofit organisations are to be found in every parish and town-land in the country. Their work S Accessible for those early in their experi- ence of evaluation, this book takes them and those with more experience to more advanced levels, by providing: theory, touches all of us directly and indirectly, and they play an incalculable role in the quality of our O background information, history and reflections on the diversity of possible developments of evaluation. It offers readers opportunities to reflect on lives and our civil soci- ety. Since 2007, when INKE started life as a U examples and on their own practice, and feasibility research project, we have built to make use of some guidelines and an informational infrastructure as a service check-lists. to the public, to the sector, and to government. It is hoped that everybody R Flying The Coop 2012: will benefit when the work of nonprofits is more visible, more transparent and more A guide to leaving home & accountable. This report illustrates how going To college much information is already available in By Youth Work Ireland Roscommon/N.E. the public domain – the work has involved C Galway, 2012 Going to third-level gathering, harmonising and storing it together for the first time, in a digital form that allows anybody to study the data, for college can be a really any reason. E fun time; plenty of free- dom and independ- ence, new friendships, This first report only scratches the surface: as more data is captured year on year, living in a new environ- the database will become even more S ment, not to mention the relief of having survived the Leaving valuable as a source of trend, as well as comparative data. Cert. But with all this Irish Youth Work Scene ¦ 20
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