YOUTH ACTION COUNCILS

We know that young people thrive when they feel connected to their peer, family, school and neighborhood communities. Grand Futures hosts Youth Action Councils in each of our Counties; Grand, Routt and Moffat. The purpose of the Youth Action Councils are to give youth a voice in our communities.

Youth Action Councils follow the five principles of Positive Youth Development (PYD):

Strength Based:

Takes an approach that focuses on the strengths of individual young people.

Sustainable:

Addresses long term planning through funding, training, capacity building, professional development, and evaluation in order to ensure ongoing support and engagement of youth.

Inclusive:

Addresses the needs of all youth by ensuring that our approach is culturally responsive.

Collaborative:

Creating meaningful partnerships within and across sectors to effectively align our work.

Engaging youth as partners:

Ensuring intentional, meaningful, and sustained involvement of youth and equitable partners in the program, practices and policies that seek to impact them.

Grand County UpRISE

We have a full time Youth Development Coordinator, who facilitates youth prevention programs and activities in Grand County. During the school year, we provide UpRISE to West Grand High School students. UpRISE is a social justice based prevention program that uses education and skill building exercises to elevate voices of youth. UpRISE believes Youth voice is defined as “the active, distinct, and concentrated ways young people represent themselves throughout society.” (Fletcher, Washington Youth Voice Handbook, 2007). Young people have unique, critical perspectives of the world we live in and the ability to creatively think of solutions.

Another evidence based Social Emotional Learning program we have implemented with Grand Schools is Brainwise 10 Wise Ways to STOP and THINK, A proven evidence-based social and emotional learning program for teaching critical thinking and decision making skills. We also work with our youth partners and school districts to provide education and awareness events about the nationwide opioid epidemic.

Moffat County Youth Action Councils

Moffat County Youth Action Council is all about providing a voice to the youth within Moffat County. MCYAC members have the ability to organize and implement various activities, events, projects, and community outreach. We seek to create a healthy foundation for our youth advocates to use their potential and empower them to develop skills by providing a safe space for youth voice. To join MCYAC, please contact our Moffat County Youth Development Coordinator, Noah Blumenberg at Noah@grandfutures.org

Routt County Teen Council

Teen Council is a place where youth voices are heard! Teen Council is open to all youth in Routt County. We meet weekly during the school year on Thursdays 6:30pm-7:30pm. Teen Council is open to all Routt County youth. If you are interested in joining please complete the application form and reach out to info@grandfutures.org with any questions!