Starting Early: Youth Leadership in Elementary School

SLP was thrilled to participate in last week’s “Taking Stock” Elementary Youth Leadership Event hosted by the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development.  Liz was a panelist along with staff from two inspiring NYC organizations: Urban Arts Partnership and the Leadership Program.  The audience included more than 50 Directors and staff from after-school programs located throughout NYC.  All were eager to gather strategies about how to help youth in grades K-5 become leaders in their schools and communities.

Although some of the sites shared inspiring stories of existing leadership activities, many were struggling with how to give their young students “voice and choice.”  They left the event equipped with best practices as well as the confidence that, with the right support, students of all ages can help solve problems in their schools and communities.

Two community-based organizations, the Salvation Army and ASPIRA, were raffle winners of SLP’s Professional Development sessions.  We’re looking forward to supporting them during the 2016-17 school year!