REACH coming to Facebook!
We’ve enjoyed sharing news and information with the REACH community through this e-newsletter the past two years, and we hope the stories have been inspiring! This is the last issue of REACH e-news, but we invite you to check out the new REACH page on Facebook in January! Using the social networking site, youth and adults in the REACH program will have a dynamic way to Communicate, Collaborate and Connect.
• Communicate: Share information, discuss issues, post event information and stay in touch with friends.
• Collaborate: Use Facebook to organize community efforts with other coalitions, communities and groups.
• Connect: Youth can increase their involvement in meaningful relationships and community efforts, and they can connect with youth who haven’t yet been a part of the REACH community.
The REACH Facebook page is a collaborative effort of Sierra Health Foundation and the UC Davis Center for Community School Partnerships.
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REACH coalition annual reports highlight accomplishments
The original seven REACH Community Action coalitions in the implementation phase of their work have put the finishing touches on their 2008-2009 annual reports. These unique, colorful documents highlight the goals and accomplishments of the coalitions’ second year of implementing their youth action plans. The coalitions now are distributing the documents to educate community members about their work to improve the health and well-being of young people in their communities, and to increase coalition membership and support. Check out the annual reports on the REACH Web site.
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Vacaville Youth Round Table honors outstanding teen
by Carrie Dettmer, Senior Program Coordinator – REACH
Vacaville Police Department
Carlos Barajas received the City of Vacaville’s Youth Round Table (YRT) Youth Recognition Award for 2009. This is the first year there has been a Youth Round Table Youth Recognition Award. The development of a youth award is a reflection of the work REACH has done with the YRT on the importance of incorporating youth on the YRT and increasing youth voice in the community.
Carlos has been active with the YRT as the REACH representative this year. He has made positive changes in his life and sets a good example for other youth in the community. Carlos received a framed certificate from the City of Vacaville and a Certificate of Recognition from the California State Assembly. The awards were presented to Carlos at the Dec. 18 Youth Round Table meeting at City Hall by Vacaville Mayor Len Augustine and City Manager Laura Kuhn.
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Vacaville youth interns take part in Festival of Trees
Joining in the holiday spirit and supporting their community, four Vacaville Youth Round Table REACH Coalition interns decorated a tree to be auctioned off at the Festival of Trees, an annual fundraiser benefiting the Opportunity House homeless shelter. The interns – Carlos Barajas, Tammy Buntman, Heather Prusak and Brandon Koutnik – named their tree Estrellita (Little Star) and included gift cards from local businesses under the tree and attached a note that read, “With the purchase of this tree, it is our hope that you will use the gifts to support the youth of the community.”
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Youth stars shine in El Dorado Hills
In an evening filled with inspiring stories and an impressive show of community support, the Vision Coalition of El Dorado Hills recognized 45 young people at the Youth STAR Awards on Dec. 4. The youth truly were stars at the event, where they received awards for their contributions to community through youth leadership, peer mentoring, civic participation and volunteerism. The room was filled with family, friends, coalition members and board members of El Dorado Hills Community Vision, Inc., who presented an award to each “Youth Star.” The recipients also were honored with a California Assembly certificate, presented by Anne Baird on behalf of Assemblymember Alyson Huber.
Pictured left to right are Bill Wild, EDH Community Vision, Inc. board member; Spencer Reed, one of 45 youth stars; and Anne Baird, representative for Assemblymember Alyson Huber.
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Opportunities
The California Health Incentives Improvement Project invites youth with disabilities to attend the California Workforce Association’s Youth Conference Jan. 19-21. A limited number of conference scholarships for travel, registration and per diem costs are available. The deadline to apply for conference scholarships is Jan. 4. E-mail Catherine Campisi or Rachel Stewart
for more information.
The Human Rights Watch International Film Festival in partnership with Adobe Youth Voices seeks youth-produced film, video and animated works on human rights issues made by youth ages 19 and under for its third annual Youth Producing Change program. Submissions are due by Jan. 15. Get more information on the Human Rights Watch Web site.
The LegiSchool Project invites 11th- and 12th-graders in California to compete in its annual essay contest. This year’s topic is The Future of Education in California. Students are asked to answer the question: What does the future hold for California’s public schools? Entries must be postmarked no later than Jan. 22. Details and essay contest rules are on the Sacramento State Web site.
The LegiSchool Project is a civic education collaboration of Sacramento State and the State Legislature, administered by the Center for California Studies.
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CalendarJan. 5
El Dorado GABY grant applications due
Information is on the EDGABY Web site.
Jan. 11
Youth Development Network will present Service Learning 101: Creating Strategies to Engage Youth in the Community. See the YDN Web site for information.
Feb. 2
Youth Development Network will present Service Learning 202: Taking the Next Steps with Service Learning. See the YDN Web site for information.
E-mail story ideas, funding opportunities, resources and calendar items to us at REACH.
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