Connecting Via the Net

Another cutting edge approach that YDRF has utilized to connect sites across the country is videoconferencing. YDRF facilitated two videoconferences with multiple sites, allowing groups of staff members in various locations to learn from each other through a medium that fosters both visual and auditory learning and exchange. The first videoconference included Boston and San Diego and featured a presentation from the Spot, a drop-in YO youth center in Denver, Colorado. The Spot, which serves over 100 young people a night, actually utilized a power point presentations led by youth clients to inform videoconference participants about the Spot's programming and unique approach to serving young people through the lens of urban youth culture. Among other revelations, videoconference participants learned that:

• The Spot is decorated with the graffiti art that young people are attracted to and that makes them feel comfortable. Progams should empower youth to bring a part of themselves and their popular culture into their center and remember that environment affects how well youth learn.
• The Spot has large open areas such as two breakdancing studios and a recreation room where young people are allowed to hang out and be themselves. Programs that allow youth to build connections with one another and have fun will find that youth have a reason to come back to the program and to become more engage in center activities and developmental programming.
• The Spot utilizes music production, multimedia and the graphic arts, a student run literary magazine, computer labs, and photography and entrepreneurship instruction and support to engage young people. Programs should consider giving young people activities and experiences that they want as a way to encourage them to strive for what they need!
• The Spot provides monetary incentives for each section of the GED that a young person passes. While all programs may not have such financial resources, providing youth with an incentive for small, tangible goals allow youth a sense of accomplishment, connects work with rewards, and gives youth something to look forward to receiving.
• Finally, The Spot offers youth free barbecue and pizza twice a week, and then uses youth's engagement to introduce them to the various developmental supports that the Spot offers. Programs can utilize free food to develop a sense of
• community in the program and turn fun events into recruitment and retention mechanisms.

The second videoconference included Baltimore, Louisville and Detroit and allowed these sites to share with one another some of their best practices around recruitment, retention, and engagement. Some exemplary strategies for serving youth that were mentioned included:

• Use of Radio Campaigns & Promotions - all three cities reported using radio to promote YO and recruit youth. Detroit and Louisville got hook-ups through someone knowing someone in radio. Baltimore paid for airtime and spots, as well as partnered with 92Q the local hip hop station to air live youth interviews, broadcast live from YO ports, and co-sponsor special events such as the Summer Jam concert. Radio brought results to all three cities!
• Community Events for Getting the Word Out About YO - Louisville recruiters sponsor recruitment events with other community organizations who may have large-scale events planned. YO Louisville has co-sponsored a Step Show, Open Mic, partnered with libraries, Barbecue in the Park, and are working at having a YO parade float for the next Kentucky Derby Race. Detroit sponsors YO Jams for 300 - 500 youth participants and is planning a Peace Fest.
• Youth Incentive Programs - Baltimore shared its three-tier incentive program for youth based on four goals per month and a system of daily goal attainment and membership privilege incentives. Detroit plans for a Reality Store program for youth in Year II where youth can earn and select incentive items.
• Assistance with Eligibility Documents - Detroit has arranged for getting free copies of youth birth certificates and $ assistance with photo IDs. Baltimore has arranged for The Bureau of Vital Records to invoice for monthly birth certificates released via staff request & signed youth release.
  

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