Winter Youth Leadership Programming
Girl World
Girl World is a leadership development program for girls, femmes and non-binary/gender diverse youth of color in middle school and high school. Program activities support participants as they cultivate self-esteem and self-advocacy, learn the power of teamwork, and promote awareness of social justice issues affecting them. Through these activities, Girl World participants develop leadership skills, explore their college and career pathways, and learn about the importance of positive decisions and healthy relationships.
Full Circle
Full Circle is a free 8-10 week restorative justice training for young adults. Participants learn and practice circle keeping, restorative justice, and community building. This training program prepares participants to practice restorative justice in their communities. Once completing this training participants will be eligible to apply for part-time employment at Alternatives as a Peace Ambassador
.
Just Us
Just Us is grounded in social justice principles and provides a space for middle school and high school youth of color to build community, discuss their identities, increase social justice awareness, and support each other in dealing with the challenges they face. Through these activities, Just Us participants develop leadership skills and learn about the importance of positive decisions and healthy behavior.
Peace Ambassadors
The Peace Ambassadors Program is a paid apprenticeship for young adults (17-24 years old) who have faced homelessness or are system involved. Participants learn to become professional Restorative Justice practitioners. This apprenticeship is designed to be one of the most intensive RJ trainings available in the city, with over 400 hours of training coupled with weekly real world practice facilitating programming in communities and schools.
.
Youth Advisory Committee
The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) helps Alternatives identify and define community needs. The YAC promotes restorative practices, more resources to support families, health, and human services, and more supportive school climates.
Compensation is provided for attending and participating in the Youth Advisory Committee. To be part of YAC, you must have been part of an Alternatives Youth Programming such as Just Us, Girl World, One Summer Chicago with Alternatives, Full Circle, or any other program at Alternatives. Must be 16-24 years old to join.
If you are interested in joining YAC, email ysandoval@alternativesyouth.org with “Interested in YAC” as the subject line.
** If you’re looking to bring youth leadership programming to your school,
contact Cherida Slater-Terrell (csterrell@alternativesyouth.org) **
