Your Name and Title: Laura Adriance, PhD, Director of Professional Development
School or Organization Name: Global Classroom Program, World Affairs Council, Seattle
Co-Presenter Name(s): N/A
Area of the World from Which You Will Present: Seattle, Washington, USA
Language in Which You Will Present: English
Target Audience(s):
Teachers (middle and high school), Club advisors for global issues-related clubs at middle and high schools, Youth development leaders, Out-of-school time program leaders, Young people interested in global issues and leadership
Short Session Description (one line):
Opportunity to learn about the Global Youth Leadership Institute and to discuss your ideas for youth leadership programs related to global issues and global action.
Full Session Description (as long as you would like):
The World Affairs Council’s Global Youth Leadership Institute (GYLI), now in its fourth year, has been a powerful learning experience for all involved. This session will address the goals and format of the program as well as how the program has evolved over the first four years in response to lessons learned. This week-long summer institute for high school students includes an international career panel, speakers on a variety of global issues, workshop activities on youth leadership and global issues, and a field trip that includes a simulation activity on refugee issues.
During the institute, teen participants also write “Global Awareness Project” (GAP) plans that outline how they will raise global awareness among their peers at school the following school year. Student projects have included starting a global issues club, holding a fundraiser for a particular global development organization, bringing a speaker to the school, holding a film screening, and planning school-wide themed days such as “Bring Your Own Water Bottle to School Day.”
Over the first few years of the program, the level of student follow-through with implementing Global Awareness Projects increased from 26% to 70%.
Participants in this session will be encouraged to share their insights about what kinds of activities help teens understand global issues and perspectives, develop leadership skills, and persevere in taking action on the issues that interest them. This may be an opportunity to compare program models, highlight strong elements from different programs, and consider how to encourage more global learning and action among high school youth.
Session Format:
This session is intended not only as a presentation, but also as a forum for discussion of ideas around how to create effective global youth leadership programs. This will include a presentation of about 30 minutes, followed by 30 minutes for questions and discussions.
Websites / URLs Associated with Your Session:
http://www.world-affairs.org/global-youth-leadership-institute
http://www.world-affairs.org/resources/year-club-activities
http://www.world-affairs.org/resources/gyli-2011-student-resource-packet
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