22nd Mar2016
0 Comm
21st Mar2016
GYSD To Do List: No Poverty. Zero Hunger. Decent Work.
There’s only one month to go until Global Youth Service Day (April 15-17)!
Eradicating poverty in all its forms remains one of the greatest challenges facing humanity. While the number of people living in extreme poverty has dropped by more than half - from 1.9 billion in 1990, to 836 million in 2015 - too many are still struggling for the most basic human needs. Ending poverty is one of 17 Sustainable Development Goals. A related Global Goal is to end all forms of hunger and malnutrition by 2030, making sure all people - especially children - have access to sufficient and nutritious food all year round. Here are some ideas for how you can help the world achieve these goals:
No Poverty
- Gather and share information about the available public programs and resources in your community.
- Volunteer with a program like Habitat for Humanity to help provide affordable housing.
- Organize a supply drive to collect clothing, blankets, toiletries, toys, pet food, or even kids’ birthday party supplies for people experiencing poverty or homelessness.
Zero Hunger
- Plant a community garden.
- Organize a food drive or fundraiser.
- Find ways to put surplus food to better use.
- Volunteer at a local food bank, pantry, shelter, or community kitchen and help prepare, serve or deliver meals to those in need.
- Help teach families about healthy eating and cooking on a budget.
- Start or support a backpack feeding program.
- Raise awareness of summer meal programs.
Decent Work & Economic Growth
- Host a job or skills training project.
- Organize a workshop that teaches young people, and adults, about savings, credit and debt.
- Organize a volunteer fair where local NGOs and community organizations gather to recruit young people in order to help them gain new skills.
Visit GYSD.org for additional ideas and opportunities. Don’t forget to register your project on the GYSD Map and use our promotional tools to tell the world how you’re making a difference!
21st Mar2016
Mile High Youth Corps Hiring for Summer!
Are you 17-24 years old? Do you need a job and money for school? Are you looking to gain new skills? Are you interested in conservation?
Then you’ll want to check out Mile High Youth Corps’ Summer of Service Program (SOS). SOS is an intensive, team-based, 12 week-long program. The SOS Corpsmembers serve on conservation and environmental stewardship projects throughout the Denver metro area while engaging in meaningful education activities. Corpsmembers have the choice to serve on either a Hand or Sawyer Crew.
Corpsmembers EARN:
- Biweekly Stipend: Earn a living stipend of $640.00 per pay period, every two weeks. This equates to $64 a day. The first pay day will be June 3, 2016.
- AmeriCorps Education Award: Earn a scholarship of $1,515.55 upon successful completion of the term (450 hours of service). This award can be used to pay tuition or pay back qualifying student loans. Individuals have 7 years to use the award.
Timeline:
This a temporary position, from May 17, 2016 – August 12, 2016. (Later term option available for school conflicts, May 31, 2016 – August 19, 2016.)
- 450 hours of service in a 12 week commitment.
- 40 hour weeks, M-Th 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Required to serve Fri., June 3 from 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. due to holiday observed on Memorial Day (May 30), Fri., July 8 from 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. due to holiday observed on 4th of July (July 4) & required to serve: Fri. June 10, July 15 and August 12 from 8:00 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- There may be positions that require overnights.
To apply, click here, or visit MHYC in person at its headquarters at 1801 Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80204.
Questions? Please email youthjobs@mhyc.net or call 303-433-1206 ext. 221
To read first-hand about the experience of Mile High Youth Corpsmember JJ, click here.
Directly from bravetracks!
14th Mar2016
Denver Quarterly Community Engagement Roundtable co-hosted by US Attorney John Walsh of the District of Colorado wants you to be there for their next Roundtable!
This is a “Save the Date” RSVP request for the upcoming US Department of Homeland Security Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (DHS CRCL) Denver Quarterly Community Engagement Roundtable co-hosted by US Attorney John Walsh of the District of Colorado. The event will be held on Tuesday April 12, 2016 from 3:30PM to 5:00PM (MT)at 20555 E 120th Ave, Commerce City, CO 80022. Special thanks to Colorado Sikh Templefor hosting this special meeting. This roundtable will focus on addressing concerns about Bullying in schools within communities in recent months. DHS and DOJ leadership are committed to protecting faith communities, and we look forward to hearing your concerns and collaborating together to find solutions.
We request that you please RSVP by sending an email toCommunityEngagement@hq.dhs.gov by Monday, March 28, 2016 so that we may give our host sufficient time for an accurate count of the number of attendees during this event. Please submit all agenda items or topics to haris.tarin@hq.dhs.gov by April 4, 2016, to allow time for the appropriate agencies to prepare responses or presentations. We look forward to receiving your confirmation and agenda items and hope to see you on April 12th.
Haris Tarin John Walsh
Senior Policy Advisor US Attorney
Department of Homeland Security District of Colorado
11th Mar2016
You could be the one to experience the amazing Voices of Change Photo Exhibit, RSVP today!
For the past two months, youth living at Urban Peak’s shelter have used photography to document their lives, challenges, and perspectives on the world. Join this unique group for the opportunity to see the world through youths’ eyes and engage in a dialogue about creating change.
Youth Presentation: 6:30 PM
Coffee, Wine, and Snacks Available for Purchase
Donations welcome to support future photo voice projects
Youth Voice Project RSVP http://www.evite.com/event/0140HHUTRQV4PQJJSEPF4WYCXWE2S4?gid=0374QEDGY6WPRYTI6EPF4YNWTVL5CQ&utm_campaign=view_invitation_button&utm_medium=email&utm_source=GUEST_INVITE_EVENT
11th Mar2016
This an amazing and empowering paid opportunity, the Youth Partnership for Health (YPH) youth advisory council is excited to announce openings for 2016-2017!
We are seeking young people ages 13-19, with diverse life and/or geographic experiences, to participate as consultants on a statewide advisory council. This council is open for ANYONE and EVERYONE to apply. If you answer yes to any of these then this council is for you!
- Are you interested in standing up for the health and well-being of ALL young people in Colorado? APPLY
- Do you want to learn how to effectively get your voice heard? APPLY
- Are you a young parent? APPLY
- Do you live far away from Denver? APPLY
- Have you had experiences with substance use, diversion or detention? APPLY
- Have you lived in group homes or foster care? APPLY
- Do you have any special health concerns? APPLY
- Do you identify as LGBTQ? APPLY
- Have you and/or your peers ever experienced oppression? APPLY
This council was started in 2000 and continues to be supported by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Youth consultants on this council, provide feedback and recommendations to state and community partners who are working to positively impacting the lives of Colorado’s youth. (i.e. YOU!)
Participation in this council will provide opportunities for you to develop leadership skills, increase your knowledge of various health topics and engage in meaningful ways to have your unique voices heard.
Membership Facts:
- YOU GET TO BE THE EXPERT!
- A place where your opinions and ideas are listened to and your experiences are honored
- Consultants are paid $10/hour + reimbursement for transportation to meetings
- The council meets one Saturday per month for 4 hours (most likely in Denver)
- Provides opportunities to meet other youth from around the state while growing personally and professionally
- Offers creative ways to learn about youth health and the factors that can effect it
If interested, or if you know other young people whose voices need to be heard, please fill out the attached application (There is only ONE question and you get to answer it in any CREATIVE way you see fit!) and send it to Audra Bishop (contact info below)
Either fill out the pdf version, including getting a letter of recommendation or complete the Word Version, then print, sign and fax, scan/email,
Please contact Audra Bishop with any questions at 303-691-4936.
11th Mar2016
Protect Planet Earth on Global Youth Service Day
Is protecting the environment important to you? Five of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals are related to environmental issues: SDG #7- Renewable Energy, #12- Responsible Consumption, #13- Climate Change, #14- Life Below Water, and #15- Life on Land. Needless to say, planet Earth needs our love and attention ASAP! Make it your GYSD project with these ideas:
- Awareness - Educate others about storm water runoff and what they can do about it. Talk with your friends about the quantity of food you throw out and the resulting impact. Decrease plastic waste consumption by encouraging others to use reusable water bottles and tote bags.
- Service - Organize a coastal clean-up to keep our lakes, rivers, and oceans clean, or organize a “Trash Mob” - a flash mob/race to pick up trash. Host an e-waste recycling drive so that toxic chemicals aren’t released into the environment when people throw away their computers and cell phones.
- Advocacy - Encourage your local, state, and national public officials to strengthen policies that protect the environment.
- Philanthropy - Host a fundraiser and donate the proceeds to an organization or charity that focuses on environment initiatives.
Visit the environment cause page on YSA.org for more ideas, then head over to GYSD.org to pick, plan, post, and promote your project.
11th Mar2016
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Learn the History and How you can Help!
In 1987, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The presidential proclamation called upon Americans to provide the “encouragement and opportunities” necessary for people with developmental disabilities to reach their potential.
It is certainly a positive step that we have a month dedicated to bringing awareness to people living with developmental disabilities. However, disabled students are still subjected to bullying at alarming rates. The unemployment rate for people living with a disability is over 65% leaving many living in poverty. Hurtful words are still much too commonplace, and disabled individuals are much more likely to experience incidents of abuse and neglect.
Although we should always be focused on examining all of the social privileges we hold, I would encourage you this month to pay even closer attention to your able-bodied privilege. Examples include:
- I can attend social events without worrying if they will be accessible to me.
- I can be reasonably assured that I won’t be late for meetings due to mobility barriers.
- I can turn on the television and see people of my ability level widely and accurately represented.
- When speaking with medical professionals, I can expect them to understand how my body works and respect my decisions.
- I can choose to share my life with someone without it being seen as a disadvantage to them.
A quarter century after the establishment of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, this country has changed for the better in many ways. But there are still challenges ahead if we are committed to building an inclusive society that recognizes the dignity, humanity, and worth of everyone.
Web Brown | Director | Office of Health Equity
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
11th Mar2016
HHS Health Equity Forum April 7, Check in with us for an informational forum!
HHS Health Equity Forum
Commemorating National Minority Health Month 2016 and the
| WHAT: | HHS Health Equity Forum: “Accelerating Health Equity for the Nation” |
| WHO: |
Featured speakers: Senior Administration and Federal Officials |
| WHEN: | Thursday, April 7, 2016; 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (EDT) |
| WHERE: | Join us live online. Live-stream details and an agenda to come! |
BACKGROUND:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the HHS Office of Minority Health (OMH) will host a Health Equity Forum (Forum) in recognition of National Minority Health Month 2016 and the 30th anniversary of the HHS Office of Minority Health. During these observances, OMH will continue to build upon initiatives and campaigns initiated in 2015 during the 30th anniversary of the Report of the Secretary’s Task Force on Black and Minority Health (Heckler Report).
The Heckler Report marked the first convening of health experts by the U.S. government to conduct a comprehensive study of the health status of racial and ethnic minorities, elevated minority health onto a national stage, and led to the establishment of OMH in 1986. For 30 years, OMH has led efforts to improve the health of racial and ethnic minority populations through the development of health policies and programs that will help eliminate health disparities.
The Forum will highlight initiatives underway by the Obama Administration and HHS to reduce disparities and further efforts needed to accelerate health equity and expand opportunity for all.
For questions or additional information, contact us at: forum@minorityhealth.hhs.
10th Mar2016
Rise Above Colorado is Recruiting Youth for a Paid Position on Their Youth Council!!!
Purpose: Rise Above Colorado, an expansion of the Colorado Meth Project, is recruiting for its statewide Teen Action Council to further the organization’s mission of empowering young adults to lead lives free of drug abuse. The Teen Action Council represents the geographic and personal diversity of the state in order to support Rise Above Colorado in effectively reaching all youth with the information and skills to make healthy choices around drugs. The Teen Action Council is a key driver in Rise Above Colorado’s mission and strategy and the organization depends on members’ input, feedback, leadership, and inspiration throughout all efforts.
Training & Compensation: Teen Action Council members will be trained in informal and formal outreach and education strategies, including media literacy, leading lessons, and developing and promoting web-based media campaigns. The Teen Action Council has two primary tasks and workgroups for 2016-17:
Capture: RAC TAC launched a Snapchat story and is contributing to the YouTube channel to compliment RAC’s larger social media campaign #IRiseAbove
Educate: RAC TAC is developing a website to be a one-stop shop for information about drugs and rising above drug abuse that is for teens, by teens. This will include a forum for youth to ask questions of RAC and RAC TAC.
Most in-person meetings will comprise of a half-day training or meeting that builds council members’ skills and a half-day of team building or fun event. Rise Above Colorado will provide a stipend ($10/hour) for all training and work sessions and will pay for all food and entertainment during the meeting and team building activity. Rise Above Colorado will also sign for community service hours for any hours contributed beyond the in-person meetings and team building activities.
Time Commitment & Expectations: Members will be required to attend an orientation from the evening of June 22 through June 25 and 3-5 additional in-person meetings throughout the year. All meetings will be held in the Denver metro area and all travel expenses will be reimbursed. Monthly meetings through web and/or telephone conferencing will be
required in months when an in-person meeting is not scheduled.
Each member will serve a minimum one-year term that will coincide with the 2016-2017 school year; and over the course of the year, each member is expected to lead an effort in his or her community to engage their peers in Rise Above. Members will be supported through regular contact with the Rise Above Colorado staff and their RAC TAC peers.
Application Process: Teens will be selected through an application and interview process. Enrolled students grades 8 through 11 are eligible and encouraged to apply. Applications must be received by mail, fax or email no later than April 15th. Interviews will begin to be scheduled on May 8th. Attached is an application to be filled out in full. Guardian consent is required along with two letters of reference, approximately one page each. Teachers, coaches, school counselors, community and business leaders are all acceptable references. Only complete applications with two (2) letters of reference will be considered.
If you have any questions, please contact us at amy@riseaboveco.org or call 303-962-1147. Applications should be sent to amy@riseaboveco.org or via fax to 303-438-5613. All applications sent via mail must be received by April 15th and may besent to:
Rise Above Colorado
11880 Upham Street, Suite F
Broomfield, CO 80020
Rise Above Colorado
Teen Action Council
