ME to WE team returns from two-day Take Action workshop with inspiring Grand Prairie youth
ME to WE’s leadership team and the City of Grand Prairie’s Youth Council partnered this October to create a two-day Take Action workshop focused on exploring local issues and reflecting on the strengths of a team.
The City of Grand Prairie’s Youth Council comprises of over twenty local youth, aged 14-21. The Youth Council works together to put a spotlight on and take action on issues in their local community. They also host impressive local events, including their mini WE Day, named Mighty Peace Day, and an annual Youth Conference.
ME to WE was so excited to return to Grand Prairie to work with this amazing group, who are so passionate about the place they live. This year’s program was a chance for the youth to share their ideas of how they envision an improved Grand Prairie. In particular, the group is eager about the creation of a permanent Youth Centre where they can regularly meet and host events.
The workshop also included leadership training, focused on building communication skills. The group participated in activities that asked them to overcome a challenge using verbal and non-verbal communication skills. They then explored what makes communication effective, including patience, feedback and clarity.
Youth each created action plans focused on the upcoming Youth Conference in May 2016. Youth explored local issues that they will highlight during the conference. The group will also be further exploring the idea of creating a local Youth Centre and how to increase participation on the Youth Council.
“They all became so engaged and passionate about what was going on around them, and they all had such fantastic ideas about how to improve their community,” says facilitator Kelly Chessman, whose favourite moment was when youth talked about local issues. “Seeing their passion and hearing their innovative ideas was so humbling and was just another reminder of why I am so lucky to be doing this kind of work.”
Learn more about running a ME to WE leadership program for your school or group
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