TRAINING

YOUTH ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST

This comprehensive course is designed to equip (Specialist) with the skills and knowledge necessary to support and empower youth while developing leadership, self-discipline, and conflict resolution capabilities. It also includes practical training in running a 501(c)(3) organization, community violence interruption, and other essential components of community work.

Course Title: Empowering Specialist: Leadership and Community Building

Target Audience: Aspiring mentors, youth leaders, community organizers, and nonprofit professionals.
Duration: 8–10 sessions (2–3 hours per session)

Session 1: Foundations of Mentorship

Topics Covered:

• The role and responsibilities of a Youth Engagement Specialist.

• Building trust and rapport with youth.

• Active listening and effective communication skills.
  Activities:

• Role-playing mentorship scenarios.

• Discussing challenges mentors may face.

Session 2: Leadership Skills for Mentors

Topics Covered:

• Characteristics of effective leaders.

• Decision-making and problem-solving skills.

• Leading by example.
  Activities:

• Leadership style assessment.

• Group discussion on leadership challenges.

Session 3: Developing Self-Discipline

Topics Covered:

• The importance of self-discipline for mentors and mentees.

• Time management and goal-setting.

• Overcoming procrastination and distractions.
  Activities:

• Create a personal action plan for self-discipline.

• Practice SMART goal-setting techniques.

Session 4: Conflict Resolution

Topics Covered:

• Understanding the root causes of conflict.

• Techniques for resolving conflicts peacefully.

• Managing emotions during disagreements.
  Activities:

• Role-playing conflict scenarios.

• Group discussion on resolving real-life conflicts.

Session 5: Compassion and Self-Awareness

Topics Covered:

• Practicing empathy and understanding diverse perspectives.

• Recognizing personal biases and triggers.

• Building self-awareness as a mentor.
  Activities:

• Journaling exercise on personal values and biases.

• Compassion-building group activities.

Session 6: Running a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

Topics Covered:

• Legal requirements for starting and maintaining a 501(c)(3).

• Structuring a board of directors and defining roles.

• Financial management and reporting.
  Activities:

• Case study: Successful nonprofit models.

• Create a sample mission statement and budget.

Session 7: Community Violence Interruption

Topics Covered:

• Understanding community violence and its impact on youth.

• Strategies for violence interruption and prevention.

• Partnering with local organizations for community safety.
  Activities:

• Develop a community violence prevention plan.

• Role-play scenarios for de-escalating conflicts.

Session 8: Parent Leadership and Youth Council Participation

Topics Covered:

• Engaging parents as partners in youth development.

• Encouraging youth leadership through councils.

• Facilitating productive meetings and discussions.
  Activities:

• Draft a parent engagement strategy.

• Create a mock youth council meeting agenda.

Session 9: Grant Writing and Fundraising

Topics Covered:

• Basics of grant writing and identifying funding opportunities.

• Structuring a compelling grant proposal.

• Fundraising strategies for nonprofits.
  Activities:

• Write a sample grant application.

• Brainstorm fundraising ideas in small groups.

Session 10: Final Capstone Project

Project: Participants create a comprehensive mentorship plan, incorporating elements from each session. This includes a strategy for youth engagement, conflict resolution, leadership development, and community violence prevention.
Presentation: Each participant presents their plan to the group for feedback.

Course Materials

• Handouts and worksheets for each session.

• Sample templates for 501(c)(3) applications, grant proposals, and meeting agendas.

• Access to online resources and reading materials.