Forum Training

Core Training

The Forum’s Core Training is designed to change the paradigm in the field of youth development from a deficits frame to an assets frame. This is the first strategic intention engaged by the Forum. The goals of our Core Training are too:

• To promote understanding and acceptance of the principles of Positive Youth Development;
• To support programming aligned with essential elements of quality PYD;
• To develop skills to identify and advocate for policies and programs to support positive youth and community development.

Over the past five years, the Forum has undertaken this work in three phases:

Phase I: Develop the Core

• Train Forum staff, volunteers
• Train RPO VISTAs, staff, volunteers
• Training Youth Alliance members, mentors, and legislators.

Phase II: Broadening Constituencies, Expanding the Field

• Train the Trainers
• Strategic Training Partnerships with other PYD organizations
• Annual Youth Practitioners Summit

Phase III: Professionalizing the Youth Development Field

• Statewide, local government systems adopt Positive Youth Development, RFA’s/RFP’s reflect Positive Youth Development Principles.

• Professional certificate programs for practitioners engaging in Positive Youth Development.

• Academic programs and pathways for youth entering the youth development field.

All of this training is about the big ideas that lead to changes in the culture of programs and organizations. As the culture changes, we begin to see youth in much more positive ways.

Customized Training

The Forum can also work with organizational leadership to design training that is customized to meet a specific programmatic or organizational need, as it relates to positive youth development. In these instances, Forum staff will meet with interested parties to determine programmatic and organizational strengths, assessment of needs, and program and organizational strategies for deployment. After this initial engagement, a plan will be developed and presented to help determine the best support that the Forum can offer.

In conjunction with our professional development opportunities, the Forum’s Core and Customized training is designed to move communities, programs, practitioners and organizations from paradigm shift to sustained quality practice.