Professional Development

"It takes a village to raise a child ..."
—African proverb

The prophetic words of this proverb are carried with many, as a daily reminder of their "Why." This includes me: why I am a public servant, why I love afterschool and, most important, why I love our youth.

All children have role models. The question remains whom this responsibility lands on and if they are willing and prepared.

Youth need and deserve capable adults to create and sustain stimulating environments for them to grow and experience meaning in their lives. The current crises in our society make their youth voices even more compelling. What's becoming more visible during these crises is that human—as well as physical—resources are not sufficient to meet the growing demands placed on youth-serving organizations. Youth workers may be overwhelmed with demands without the guidance to provide affirmation to their service to youth.

The need for safety, support, and trusting reciprocal relationships becomes even more important now as we work to rebuild and return stronger than before COVID-19.

A new resource from American Institutes for Research describes the role afterschool and summer programs and systems can play and offers strategies for afterschool and summer programs and school leaders to work together in support of youth, families, and the community.