Toolkit for Urban and Inner City Youth Mentoring

The resources you need to make an impact

Presented by Toni E. Washington“Inner City Guru”

AgendaDeveloping a successful youth program isn’t

like building a shed in your back yard. This is major construction.

Phase 1 of Development: Engaging YouthPhase 2 of Development: Engaging Parents

Engaging YouthPhase 1

The Design ProcessSurvey the neighborhoodReview local demographicsFamiliarize yourself with existing programs

and servicesReach out to them. They will be important for

your recruitment process.

The Construction Process1. Identify “disconnected” and at-risk youth in

your target age range.2. Connect them to positive mentoring

opportunities.3. Re-evaluate their education opportunities.4. Create safe places for them to hang out and

safe activities for them to engage in.5. Develop youth employment opportunities.6. Implement career and college planning

initiatives.

Preparing for ConstructionDevelop marketing materialsSaturate the communityTalk to everyone!Hold a “coming out” partyDevelop and deploy an outreach team.

Use familiar faces in the neighborhood to help with initial outreach

Focus on youth first

Laying the Foundation“It’s Their Space, Their World” Know their world!

What is their day-to-day life like? Don’t make assumptions.

Who and what attracts them?Speak their languageBreak down barriers

Laying the FoundationPAUSE FOR AN ARTISTIC SELECTION

Laying the FoundationBe genuine!

This isn’t a job. It should be a PASSION.Be REAL.Possess the 4 Cs:

Care Concern Control Commitment

And wear your hard hat – sometimes things get a bit rough.

Construction SignsLetting people know what’s going on.

Construction SignsBanners, Fliers, Posters

Construction SignsT-shirts – make sure they are creative and

colorful

Construction SignsOutreach Mobile – The City Teenz car

Construction SignsVehicle Wrap

StructuresWhat to Build and How to Build It

StructuresSafe Events

StructuresAthletic Programs

StructuresNew Opportunities

College ToursOut of Town TripsLocal Field Trips

StructuresYouth Hang-Out or Safe Zones

Construction HazardsWatch out for these obstacles during the

process:Lack of parental involvementLack of trustBroken Promise SyndromeOld School vs. New SchoolAccountability

Engaging ParentsPhase 2

Laying the FoundationFocus on the youth first. But

long-term success will depend on parent involvement.

Parents will need to be recruited with incentives and events.

As with the youth, you will need to attract their attention and then develop a real relationship with them.

Safety RulesUnderstand the family dynamics.Know who the family leaders are.Be genuine and honest.Don’t judge or lecture.Don’t interfere with the parent-child relationship.ALWAYS have an open ear to listen and help in any

way you can.Remember that helping the parents helps the

children.Give them tools.Help connect them to resources.

When you commit, follow through in a timely manner.

StructureParent “PEP” Squad: Partner, Educate, Prevent

Organize and name neighborhood and community parents to crusade the zone, door by door, street by street.

Partner with all organization within a 5 mile radius to include: Neighborhood Associations, Neighborhood Watch Organizations, Churches, Daycares, Non-Profits, Food Banks, Shelters, Businesses, Youth and Afterschool Programs.

Educate the entire community about workshops, special events, rallies, neighborhood

Prevent crime, vandalism, truancy, abuse and neglect

Following UpNeed to know where to go from here?

Toni Washingtontws@myrulesmyreality.comwww.myrulesmyreality.com1-321-226-8556 @myrulesmyreality

@innercity_guru

My Rules My Reality, Inc.

Toni E. Washington