YOUTH LEGACY’s Post

True progress in child and family well-being requires collective effort. No single organization, policy, or program can address the complex challenges families face today. It’s when agencies, community groups, advocates, and families themselves work hand-in-hand that we create pathways to lasting change. When we engage as true partners—listening, learning, and building on each other’s strengths—we amplify our impact. I’ve committed my work to fostering this collaboration so that every child and family has the opportunity to thrive together. Let’s focus on breaking silos and building bridges.

This week #StrongCities will be sharing highlights from our #USMayoralRetreat in #Pittsburgh 🇺🇸. Mayors, officials and civil society organisations from almost 20 #US cities engaged on how cities can Put Communities First: Mayoral & City Leadership Against Hate, Extremism & Polarisation. Co-hosted by the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and with the Carnegie Mellon University - Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy, the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, the Eradicate Hate Global Summit, the National League of Cities and the Muhammad Ali Center, the #USRetreat provided a timely platform for city leaders & stakeholders to exchange concrete approaches & innovations for maintaining social cohesion amid rising hate. ◾ We heard from #Pittsburgh stakeholders who contributed to the 2018 Tree of Life response, including officials from #CityHall who underscored the importance of “listening to each other, learning from each other” and “fostering confidence to bring people together”. ◾ We also heard from the Eradicate Hate Global Summit, the LIGHT Education Initiative, the JCC Pittsburgh and the #TreeOfLifeInc on how crucial it was for then Mayor William Peduto and others to “show up & be there for communities” and in so doing “redefined and transformed the moment” from one of “victim of hate to resilience”. ◾ We learned how Pittsburgh’s private sector, including UPMC, The Andy Warhol Museum and the public-private sector Allegheny Conference on Community Development, continues to provide support and create spaces for Pittsburgh residents and communities to have difficult conversations. ◾ The city’s sports teams – Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates and Pittsburgh Steelers etc – shared how they helped #Pittsburgh return to normality under a banner of “Stronger Than Hate” & how the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation continues to invest in the city’s youth, wellness, community and education. Day 1 also officially launched Strong Cities’ new #NorthAmericaRegionalHub, which will work with cities of all sizes and contexts across #Canada 🇨🇦 and the United States 🇺🇸 to catalyse city-led prevention in response to today’s heightened threat environment. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4csC6Fr. Stay tuned this week for more highlights from our #USMayoralRetreat in #Pittsburgh and the launch of the North America Regional Hub! #StrongerTogether #StrongerThanHate

The Equity, Engagement, and Evaluation program at CETE, in partnership with organizations like the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and Ohio Head Start Association, allows us to offer strategic planning, logic model development, and comprehensive evaluations tailored to benefit our educators and youth. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are integral to our work, and we work to center the needs and voices of the communities we serve, through: 🤝 Equity and Inclusion: Providing equal access to opportunities and resources. 💪🏾 Empowerment: Creating clear access to opportunities for marginalized groups. 🏘️ Community Strengthening: Fostering an inclusive, resilient society. https://lnkd.in/dB5vHnng

For Native communities, child care is a vital link to preserving culture, fostering community, and empowering future generations. Jennifer Rackliff’s work centers on uplifting Native children and families by embedding history, values, and traditions into early childhood programs, ensuring children grow up proud of their identity and connected to their heritage. Read more about Jennifer and other Native American early childhood leaders in our latest blog, "Finding Our People: Educators Share Their Advocacy and Leadership Journeys." https://lnkd.in/gZkHxYy6

🌟MOPS International: Equipping & Empowering Moms of All Ages w/ Jesus at the Front🌟 Karla Merrell is the Southeast network manager with MOPS International and shares some amazing updates about MOPS, now known as MomCo, and how they are equipping and empowering moms of all ages with Jesus at the forefront. Here are the key takeaways: 🌸 MOPS (MomCo) is Evolving: After 50 impactful years, MOPS International is rebranding as MomCo to better reflect its mission of supporting mothers beyond the preschool years. This change aims to serve mothers at every stage of motherhood, offering a community focused on spiritual growth and leadership empowerment. 🙏 Embracing Every Mom: MomCo provides a welcoming space for moms to connect, grow spiritually, and develop as leaders. The organization's focus on community, peer-to-peer interaction, and discussions centered on faith offers mothers a place to belong and find the support they need, no matter what stage of motherhood they're in. 🌼 Impacting Families and Generations: Through MomCo's programs, mothers not only find support and encouragement but also have the opportunity to influence their children's spiritual journey. Engaging with MomCo not only enriches the lives of mothers but has a positive ripple effect, impacting families and future generations. Let's support and empower mothers as they raise strong Christian kids! https://lnkd.in/eQbXdWEG

These past two years have been amazing - full of personal and professional growth, amazing partners and new relationships, and working with an all-star team! I can't wait to see what the next two years bring for Creating Community Consulting! #organizationalculture #communitydriven #collaboration #communitygrowth

I had the privilege of participating with a diverse group of speakers in Idaho Listens, a project by Boise State University. A lesson in the importance of sharing our values with respect and civility across different walks of life and in listening. In today's interconnected world, it's crucial that we approach interactions with empathy and respect, recognizing the inherent value in every individual's beliefs and experiences. Let's continue to prioritize respectful discourse and meaningful engagement, embracing diversity as a catalyst for growth and progress and most of all, remember to listen, really listen. https://lnkd.in/gbK-taVA

This powerful quote by Cesar Chavez serves as a crucial reminder that individual success is inextricably linked to the well-being of our communities. Striving for personal achievement in a vacuum holds limited value. By working towards a greater good and fostering the success of others, we pave the way for a more prosperous and equitable society for all. This concept extends beyond the traditional classroom setting. As professionals, we have a responsibility to consider the impact of our actions on the communities we serve. Whether it's volunteering our skills, advocating for social justice initiatives, or simply being mindful of our environmental footprint, there are countless ways to contribute to collective progress. Let's spark a conversation! Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below on how we, as professionals, can contribute to the advancement of our communities. #SocialResponsibility #CommunityDevelopment #CollectiveImpact #BeyondTheClassroom #PurposeDriven #Leadership #

Last Thursday, 1 August, Mark Wilson, Director of the Probation Service, launched our Statement of Strategy 2024-2026: ‘Changing Lives in Our Communities for Safer Futures’. The Strategy is constructed around five pillars:   1.      Enhancing Community Safety 2.      Empowering our Team 3.      Building collaboration and engagement 4.      Enabling Social Inclusion 5.      Future-proofing our Service 📽 You can watch Mark's speech below

🌟 Embracing Positive Leadership for a Brighter Future 🌟 In a world craving fresh perspectives and enthusiastic dedication, I believe it's time for a new generation of leadership to step forward. With a passion for positivity and a readiness to tackle challenges head-on, my mayoral campaign is built on these principals. Campaigning isn't just about vying for a seat—it's a beautiful, labor-intensive journey filled with highs and lows, enriching experiences, and opportunities for growth. I approach this endeavor with an intellectual curiosity to learn, coupled with the humility to acknowledge that no one has all the answers. However, I am determined to equip myself with the knowledge needed to serve our community effectively. My vision for leadership is rooted in positivity and inclusivity. I am committed to keeping my campaign focused on what I plan to achieve, rather than criticizing others. It's imperative that we set an example for our children and community by demonstrating unwavering enthusiasm and support for our city. My children deserve to see that true leadership is about empowering others and creating a thriving environment for all. Bringing others alongside you is what it’s all about. As a mayor, I see myself as the cheerleader for our community, building strong relationships and partnerships that will foster a bright future filled with endless opportunities. Together, let's embrace positivity, drive, and a shared commitment to building a stronger, more vibrant community. Join me in this journey towards a brighter future for the city of Lone Tree! Vote Marissa for Mayor May 7 by 7 PM! #PositiveLeadership #CommunityBuilding #BrighterFuture