Leadership Development Program Reflections

Youth participated in interviews with their work pod leaders at the end of their 10-week session. Some common themes emerged.

A theme that came up several times, was that youth sometimes struggled to fit work into their busy schedules. One youth stated "the whole month of October I struggled to attend work since I had another thing going on with Mckinleyville High School for Halloween. But I still tried to attend and enjoyed it!"

Many youth mentioned that they felt proud when working at the various Two Feathers' community events. Others stated they were proud in their ability to work harder and accomplishing tasks. For instance, one youth stated that they "usually always feel proud because I'm surrounded by positive people and know I'm doing good."

Youth said that their experience in the work pod helped them gain experience in job readiness, communication skills, and social skills.

Most of the youth stated that the hardest part of their experience was feeling comfortable with social situations and engaging with new people. All of the youth reported feeling supported by their supervisor. There was overwhelmingly positive feedback about the youth's experiences in the program. Once youth stated "This has been one of the best experiences of my entire life and I hope that I can continue working in the work pods over the summer!" and when another was asked what advice they would give to future Youth Ambassadors they said "just try to make time to go to the events you’re scheduled to work, be open-minded and have fun! This is the coolest job ever."

Involvement in Two Feathers events: Two Feathers events gives youth expanded opportunities for work hours and they feel proud of their positive work in the community.

Flexible hours: They are key to youth participation in the program with their busy schedules. Opportunities with clubs extra-curricular activities Two Feathers activities & events, and other community events/volunteer opportunities.

Consistent communication and contact: Relationship and trust is built through consistent communication from the Pod Leaders. Leaders being at the youths' school or having other lines of communication open and active is important.

Quality/Close relationships are being built: Youth report feeling supported and having positive relationships and pod leaders have stated that's where they feel the most successful and rewarded in the work.

Youth Engagement: Collectively youth spent a lot of hours engaged with Two Feathers through the program.

Youth Success & Growth: Work pod leaders reported significant growth from youth in terms of their physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social development.

Youth Ambassador Summit: Youth reported feeling engaged with the workshops, presenters, Two Feathers staff, and other Youth Ambassadors.