WHAT IS THE POSITIVE YOUTH INITIATIVE:

Positive Youth Initiative (PYI) is a multicultural leadership program designed to help youth develop strong, effective leadership skills to work in diverse communities settings. The program assists youth in learning about them, working with others, and engaging in meaningful action. The six building blocks of PYI are LEARNING, COMMUNITY, ACTION, CULTURE, CHARACTER, AND LEADERSHIP.

Program Goals Include:

Develop youth's understanding of themselves and their cultures

1. Equip youth with the knowledge, skills and qualities needed for leadership.
2. Encourage youth's appreciation for the culture of others and promote cross

Cultural leadership.

1. Build youth leadership through meaningful engagement in real community issues.

Training Topics:

A range of topics are covered over the course of the program. We use an experiential training approach where participants engage in interactive learning activities, learn from one another, and reflect on the process. The topics include:

Communication/cross-cultural communication

• Inclusion/Cross-cultural understanding
• Problem solving/conflict resolution
• Project planning
• Academic success

Program Activities:

• Leadership Retreats- During multicultural retreats, youth explore concepts of leadership, strengthen cross cultural relationships, and participate in experiential learning activities that focus on working effectively with others;


• Cultural Exploration Sessions – During these sessions, youth meet in cultural groups to explore their culture and heritage and its impact on their leadership style and personal development;


• Action Teams – Youth attend once a week team meetings centered on learning about topics of interest to the youth. Each team develops service projects in the community around their passion;


• School Support – Youth discuss the importance of education, set school improvement goals, learn about higher education, and are provided with structured support based on individual needs;

Participants Criteria:

The program requires a school year commitment. Youth are expected to attend and participate in the leadership retreats, cultural exploration sessions and action teams. Graduation from the program is determined by active participation in all program components and demonstrated commitment to PYI, learning, and personal development.

Youth Participants:

• 14-20 of age
• Live in Philadelphia and Delaware Counties
• Be reflective of the diversity of the community

Program Support

The program is run by LIBHS staff members. Additional facilitators and cultural coaches are recruited from community partners.

Youth Mentors

Mentors are youth who can be role model through demonstrated leadership qualities and a clear commitment to self improvement that exemplifies PYI values. Mentors develop, implement, and deliver program curriculum for the multicultural retreats.

For more information or an application, please contact Deborah Kabakole at 610-348-278 or dkabakole@libhs.org .