Explain the SEVEN characteristics of Youth Work as defined in this chapter.
Youth work is an educational practice
When working in a youth setting there's always opportunities for learning. Youth workers create spaces where there is room to voice opinions and ideas without being judged. When peers speak up and ask questions it engages other students to listen and learn from their peers. This can prompt conversation and ultimately lead to a learning opportunity.
Youth work is a social practice
I was drawn to Youth Development because of the social aspect. "I love that youth work has elements of guidance and advice giving, it helps to relate to the youth in the setting on a more personal level." During my time as a young person I had a babysitter who was a role model to me for many years. She began babysitting be when I was 4 years old until I was about 10, she was more than just a babysitter she was my friend. She always encouraged me to do my best and was my biggest fan. My mom was a single mom and worked a lot so my babysitter was with me most of the time. The connection we had and the bond we created is something that I will never forget and I would love to be a type of role model or mentor to youth in the community.
Youth workers actively challenge inequality and work towards social justice
When embarking on my journey as a Youth Development major I realized just how diverse youth spaces can be. I went to a private school as a child and a predominantly white high school. I think it is an inedible experience to be exposed to many people of many cultures which helps to promote diversity. Since youth spaces can be so diverse it can lead to opportunists to allow youth to find and use their voices to promote change.
Where possible, young people choose to be involved
In a classroom environment youth have to participate in lessons and activities that they may not like or enjoy and that can be challenging. Children will learn best when they are interested or can relate to lessons or activities. In youth spaces it is always a safe space for anyone to say how they feel, to be themselves and engage how they want to.
Youth work seeks to strengthen the voice and the influence of young people
When I was in middle school, once a week we had the choice of different activities to participate in like scrap booking, sewing, gardening and a few more. My 3 best friends and I did not enjoy any of the activities that were offered so we asked if we could start a recycling club and luckily we had an awesome teacher who said yes! We collected recyclable materials around the school and had bins in each classroom that helped us collect materials. At the end of each month we would put on plays and used all of the recyclables as our people and props. This helped our voices to be heard and influenced our peers, teachers and families to recycle!
Youth work is a wellfare practice
I strongly believe that youth work is a welfare practice and the social work part of the major has helped me to understand that better. Youth can not meet all of their needs or goals all of the time. Being a youth worker means that we will work collectively with youth and develop action plans to meet their needs and goals, no matter how big or small.
Youth work works with young people holistically
I think that when young people are working with other young people they can learn from them and also understand that if they are going through something that they are not alone. As a youth worker it is our job make sure we are sensitive to any situation a youth might be in an what factors attribute to that. I love the word holistically and I have been treating myself in that way by meditating over the past few months and it is something I would love to bring to a youth space.
Where possible, young people choose to be involved
In a classroom environment youth have to participate in lessons and activities that they may not like or enjoy and that can be challenging. Children will learn best when they are interested or can relate to lessons or activities. In youth spaces it is always a safe space for anyone to say how they feel, to be themselves and engage how they want to.
Youth work seeks to strengthen the voice and the influence of young people
When I was in middle school, once a week we had the choice of different activities to participate in like scrap booking, sewing, gardening and a few more. My 3 best friends and I did not enjoy any of the activities that were offered so we asked if we could start a recycling club and luckily we had an awesome teacher who said yes! We collected recyclable materials around the school and had bins in each classroom that helped us collect materials. At the end of each month we would put on plays and used all of the recyclables as our people and props. This helped our voices to be heard and influenced our peers, teachers and families to recycle!
Youth work is a wellfare practice
I strongly believe that youth work is a welfare practice and the social work part of the major has helped me to understand that better. Youth can not meet all of their needs or goals all of the time. Being a youth worker means that we will work collectively with youth and develop action plans to meet their needs and goals, no matter how big or small.
Youth work works with young people holistically
I think that when young people are working with other young people they can learn from them and also understand that if they are going through something that they are not alone. As a youth worker it is our job make sure we are sensitive to any situation a youth might be in an what factors attribute to that. I love the word holistically and I have been treating myself in that way by meditating over the past few months and it is something I would love to bring to a youth space.
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