Youth Leadership Opportunities Session

Since Lindo Keo and Eddie Wallace (“fishbowl” participants) attended, the group ended up questioning and listening to their experiences in school and in their GED program.  It was noted that they had taken the step today in becoming leaders.  Both were very excited about being listened to and people caring about their opinions.  As a result they said they would be interested in speaking to students or other groups about their experiences. 

The group learned from them about how public schools are not working for many students like them.  Lindo and Eddie stressed the importance of being respected, reached out to, and listened to and explained that they didn’t receive these experiences while in school. 

For many of the participants the experience highlights the importance of having youth take on leadership activities which build their self esteem and help other youth gain their “voices” as well.  We did not get around to talking about what agencies/organizations have programs to develop youth leadership other then briefly noting that Girls Inc. and Educational Talent Search have specific program components that do so.