YMCA of Oakville Youth Leadership Engagement Strategy & Programs
Summary
The YMCA of Oakville Youth Leadership Engagement Strategy is designed to create a pathway for youth, teenagers, and young adults to develop personally and professionally becoming contributing members and effective leaders in the community. The various programs and curriculums within the Youth Leadership Engagement Strategy focus on providing participants with the opportunity to not only build leadership skills, but also develop resiliency, self-efficacy, wellness, and a positive sense of self. As a charitable organization, the YMCA of Oakville understands the importance of giving back and encourages youth to be active members of the YMCA and the greater community. Each level will include the opportunity for community service and connection with other young leaders internally at the YMCA and externally in the community. The Youth Leadership Engagement Strategy supports youth in identifying their strengths, interests, and values, setting personal and professional goals, and developing the confidence, motivation, resources, and skills to reach them. The programs are designed to serve the unique needs and interests of youth leading to the development of skills, knowledge, and competencies relevant to their future success in life. Through participation, youth will gain skills necessary to guide others, advocate for positive change and act as positive role models to others.
Beyond the basic cognitive, developmental, and social needs that a typical youth development program meets, by focusing on leadership development, our strategy seeks to prepare and encourage youth to be leaders in their community, school, workplace and in their future endeavors. The strategy meets participants where they are at and allows individuals of all abilities and needs to participate. It is designed in a 3-level structure, allowing youth to join the tier and program that best fits their needs, abilities, and interests. Each tier has a focus area and builds upon the previous:
- Level 1 – Foundations of Leadership, introduces the basics of leadership and leadership development;
- Level 2 – Comprehension of Leadership, emphasizes participants honing their skills and applying them through community service projects; and
- Level 3 – Mastery of Leadership, concentrates on professional development, skill mastery, and employment.
Outcomes
Throughout participation in the programs within the YMCA of Oakville Youth Leadership Engagement Strategy youth will:
- Realize and appreciate their abilities, skills, and potential.
- Enhance their skills, abilities, and attributes for success in diverse environments.
- Discover ideas, programs, opportunities, and people that fully engage their energy, skill, and passion for learning and development.
- Acquire the knowledge and skills to make a positive and meaningful impact on the community.
- Obtain a clear path and understanding of their leadership pathway and future.
Choose a Leadership Level
Level 1 – Foundations of Leadership
Summary
Level 1 programs are designed to allow participants to gain an understanding of leadership, discover their leadership potential, skills, and abilities. Programs within this level offer youth opportunities to embark on their personal leadership journey. Participants will learn and develop leadership skills that they can use in all aspects of their lives, at school, home, on a sports team, or club, etc. Level 1 is created to unleash participants potential to develop into positive members of society and leaders within the community.
Outcomes
Throughout participation in Level 1 Foundations of Leadership programs youth will:
- Gain a positive sense of self and self-confidence and realize their potential.
- Acquire a basic understanding and application of foundational leadership skills.
- Build a sense of belonging and community, connecting with positive adult role models and peers that will support their leadership journey.
- Be introduced to how they can apply their skills to positively impact the community.
- Develop an understanding and action plan of what their personal leadership journey will entail.
Key Skills
- Communication
- Empathy
- Teamwork
- Problem Solving
- Self-Awareness
- Decision Making
- Adaptability
- Motivation
Programs
Level 2 – Comprehension of Leadership
Summary
Level 2 programs are designed to build on the foundations of leadership through an activity-based approach, allowing participants to interact with their peers and develop new skills through hands-on interactive and engaging activities. Programs within this level focus primarily on youth development through participation in community service and volunteering. Programs are designed to foster opportunities for participants to collaborate with their peers and further develop personal, professional, technical, and soft skills through project and activity-based learning. Youth will increase their confidence, develop a powerful sense of responsibility, discover what they excel at, improve communication skills, and develop problem-solving skills. Participants receive volunteer hours for their active involvement and commitment to the program.
Outcomes
Throughout participation in Level 2 Comprehension of Leadership programs youth will:
- Gain a powerful sense of self, responsibility, and personal potential.
- Develop and improve key leadership skills increasing a sense of purpose and future.
- Build a sense of belonging and connection through community service and volunteering, fostering health, well-being, and strong communities.
- Develop an understanding of their role as leaders in their communities.
- Obtain a better understanding of their personal and professional goals and how to achieve them.
Key Skills
- Relationship Building
- Emotional Intelligence
- Collaboration
- Critical Thinking
- Integrity
- Project Planning
- Creativity
- Goal Setting
Programs
Level 3 – Mastery of Leadership
Summary
Level 3 programs are designed to provide the opportunity for individuals to acquire professional employment skills, build professional networks, and enhance their abilities and confidence. Programs within this level are designed to equip participants for future professional leadership roles and responsibilities by providing them with the knowledge, skills, and connections to help accelerate their development. Each program supports participants development and challenges them so they can gain valuable perspectives, insights, and experiences. An aspect of mentorship is incorporated into each program further supporting participants development. Level 3 programs will prepare participants for both leadership and employment opportunities.
Outcomes
Throughout participation in Level 3 Leadership & Employment programs youth will:
- Improve confidence, and self-awareness increasing resiliency, motivation, and satisfaction.
- Srengthen their leaderships skills and deepen their comprehension of core topics.
- Build positive professional networks and connections with peers and mentors.
- Demonstrate the impact they can have on the greater community and importance of giving back.
- Obtain a clear understanding and path for future employment, career, and career advancement.
Key Skills
- Networking
- Mediation
- Mentoring
- Conflict Resolution
- Self-Management
- Strategic Planning
- Innovation & Originality
- Action Planning
Programs
To learn more, please email Manager, Community Outreach, Teresa Rinaldi at [email protected]
