Alaska ICE News June/July 2011 Volume 6, Issue 5 Alaska ICE is the Alaska Initiative for Community Engagement, a statewide initiative of the Association of Alaska School Boards (AASB). Community Engagement is the intentional action of groups and individuals working together to create healthy environments that support the growth and education of children and youth.
It Pays to Nominate Teens for Spirit of Youth Awards For the past two years Spirit of Youth has partnered with the University of Alaska College Savings Plan to provide scholarships to award recipients. Impressed by Spirit of Youth’s efforts, UA has opted to increase the scholarship amount from $250 to $500 beginning in 2012. Nominate a teen for a Spirit of Youth Award today! www.spiritofyouth.org
Helping Kids Succeed Alaskan-Style!
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Alaska Teen Media Institute youth continue to thrive, get recognized for efforts In 2003, Alaska ICE supported Spirit of Youth’s launching of the Alaska Teen Media Institute to offer students mentorship in radio, print, video and web journalism. ATMI continues to be an engaging, innovative place for learning, self-expression, and skills sharing through a variety of media, on the radio and online. The teens at ATMI were recently recognized at the state level for their efforts with two Alaska Broadcasters Goldie awards (for Best News Feature) and three Alaska Press Club Awards (for Best Radio Feature, Radio Profile, and Best User-Submitted Online Content). To listen to the above stories, visit the ATMI website. ATMI teens are also making headlines nationally, with recognition coming from Search Institute. In an indepth article highlighting ATMI as an innovative group of assert builders, Search makes clear that their work goes beyond the participating youth. “By reaching out to others through the media, the group is having an effect on the world around them as well.” (See the full article at: http://www.search-institute.org/hc-hy/teens-makingheadlines)
ATMI conducted a self-evaluation with an anonymous survey of a random sample of this year’s participants. The results show: • 100% strongly agreed that ATMI is a safe, caring and encouraging environment. • A 48% increase in awareness of community resources, activities and contacts through ATMI • 100% agree or strongly agreed that involvement with ATMI helps them feel like they make a difference. The team is excited about expanding the program by offering to host ATMI clubs in other Alaska communities. ATMI has created a handbook (for advisors and students) and other materials to help make this a reality. There are several potential groups with the readiness to pilot the program. For more information, or to get a club started in your community, visit: www.alaskateenmedia.org.
Youth-led project opens eyes of student drivers in Chugiak Alaska ICE prides itself on providing schools and communities the opportunity to implement service projects that put youth in the driver seat. The primary stipulation for community engagement projects is that they team youth with adults. This past winter, 10 projects from nine different communities were approved for funding, including a project from Chugiak High School, described here by Kathy Vik. The Distracted Driving: Truth or Consequence project was a peer-led project aimed at increasing teen awareness of the dangers of distracted driving. Chugiak Family, Careers and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) students wanted to provided specific data, information and activities that would encourage their peers to pay attention while they are behind the wheel. The project consisted of a week-long program with daily activities to get their message out. Banners, posters, announcements and a showcase were put up for students to read and learn from. Monday started with
Chugiak High School students learn from “dummy’s” mistakes
thumb print pledge cards done in the cafeteria. On Wednesday, students tested their knowledge with a Truth or Consequences game and earned special prizes. Thursday’s activity included the sidewalk chalk drawing contest. Twenty-one students drew pictures discouraging distracted driving. Friday wrapped up the activities with assorted classes watching videos on the conse
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AASB-funded projects from rural / urban communities
Youth-Adult Relationships Matter Research shows that youth involvement in positive social relationships and activities with adults is associated with a decrease in risk behaviors, stronger communication skills and leadership experience. (Kirby and Coyle, 1997)
AASB supports the idea that positive youth-adult relationships lead to academically and socially successful children and youth. Adults working with and mentoring youth can help kids to build self-esteem, confidence, and encourage them to continue with community service and involvement as they get older. AASB offers two avenues for this meaningful interaction to take place, youth-led service projects and connecting through the arts. Youth-led service project proposals are accepted three times a year (summer, fall, winter) and arts-focused proposals at the conclusion of the annual Artist TOPs workshop. AASB is excited to announce the selection of 13 youthled summer projects and 18 arts projects for 2011-2012, and is thrilled that they are taking place in communities across the state. Congratulations to the communities that submitted proposals for Arts and Youth-led projects. Arts Projects for 2011-2012:
Kids These Days website update The Kids These Days web site has reorganized it’s episode archive for easy access to past radio shows. There are still the same great links, blogs, articles, and web extras you’ve come to expect from the multliple award-winning radio program that focuses on parenting and family issues at www.kidsthesedays.org.
• Chenega Bay • Allakaket • Ninilchik • Manokotak • Tyonek
• Denali • Nanwalek • Sitka • Girdwood • Fairbanks • Juneau • Craig • Port Graham • Ketchikan • Mat-Su Valley • Anchorage
Youth-led Summer Service Projects:
• Kasilof • Eagle River • Stebbins • Healy • Anchorage • Chistochina • Homer • Fairbanks • Seward • Angoon
For more information on applying for and receiving funding for a project that teams youth and adults in your community, contact Bridget Smith at (907) 463-1660.
Chugiak student drivers - continued from page 1 quences of poor choices in the car. Aside from giving FCCLA students an opportunity to identify a concern, set a goal and act on it, this project provided useful information and opened the eyes of many of their classmates. Many teens did not know what the extent of effects are related to distracted driving. Providing current data and facts really surprised many teens. Many admitted they had not really thought about all of the consequences associated with distractions. ----------------------------------------
Student sidewalk chalk-drawing contest entry
Alaska ICE offers funding for approved project proposals three times per year - winter, summer, and fall. The call for summer applications ended June 1, and we received and approved 13 thoughtful and engaging proposals. (see a list of funding-approved communities in the story above)
Let us share the good news from your community with others! Send photos, stories, or event-listings to include in our newsletter and on our website. alaskaice@aasb.org www.alaskaice.org
Rehabilitated Wolves Arts Project from Two Rivers 2010-2011
AASB will accept fall project proposals in September, near the beginning of the school year. Be sure to keep your eyes and ears open for the call. Students offer information with a “duck pond” booth