
The Youth Leadership Initiative (YLI) is a multicultural program designed to help youth develop strong, effective leadership skill to work in diverse community settings. The program assists youth in learning about themselves, working with others, and engaging in meaningful action. The six building blocks of YLI are learning, community, action, culture, character, and leadership.
Sixty youth between the ages of 14-18 will participate in a year long commitment, which consist of four quarterly encampments, cultural exploration sessions, and action teams. Each encampment lasts three days, two nights. The encampment includes cultural and historical experiences, team-building activities, workshops on various leadership and social skills. Cultural exploration session youth will explore their cultural and heritage and its impact on their leadership style and personal development. Action teams learn about topics such as understanding community, facilitation meetings, and planning projects. Each team develops serivce project in the community around their passions.
Youth ages 14 - 18 living in St. Paul or east metro area willing to make a year commitment. Youth must agree to attend and participate in the retreats, cultural exploration sessions, and action teams.
The program is free to the participants.
Learning Retreats:
Cultural Exploration Sessions
(Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.):
Meet once a week from 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm. Actions Teams begin first week in November.
Youth will discuss the importance of education, set school improvement goals, learn about higher education, and are provided with structured support based on individual needs.
PDF: Youth Leadership Initiative General Information Brochure
YLI Informational Sheet and Application Packet
(Application Deadline - October 8, 2010)