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The Use of Rewards
Dealing with Limited Time
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Thanks to our Sponsors!
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United Way of Central Iowa
Chrysalis Foundation
Principal Financial Group
AmeriCorps Learn and Serve Reach Out Iowa
Metro Waste Authority
Staples Foundation
Iowa Dept. of Public Health
Iowa Dept. of Education
Home Depot
Citi
Downtown Kiwanis Club
Sodexo Foundation
Variety Club of Central Iowa |
Coming up....
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Trainings...check out our calendar to register. |
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Greetings!
If you're like CYC staff, autumn is one of your favorite times of year. Whether it's the crisp air, the brilliant leaves, or an excuse to curl up with a warm sweater and a good book, fall stirs in us a desire to change up the routine. We're mixing up the routine around here with some new programs, partnerships, and our place (stop by to see our renovated space!). This week, we were reminded of the way service learning can change up the routine for students. Youth working on the Scavo Urban Garden had this to say in a presentation about the experience:
"We would never hang out with each other, but because of this garden we've been able to get to know each other, work together, and really have a good time doing it. It's like tearing down social boundaries. I never thought I would like it. But it's pretty cool."
"I never thought I'd enjoy this. I just started coming to get out of class. Then I got to doing some work, and now here I am, actually enjoying what I'm doing and the people I've been working with. I hope I can join them again in the spring."
We hope you find your own way to explore something new and different this fall! Sincerely, Amy, Julie, Danny, Amelia, and Michelle
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New and Continuing Programs
Soon, CYC will kickoff this year's Cowles Collectors program at Cowles Montessori. This weekly after school service program focuses on the collection of items for donation and engages 5th-8th graders. Contact Danny at 243-4292 to register or for more information.
In September, CYC started a new program at Woodside Middle School called FBI Women (Fabulous, Beautiful, Independent Women). This gender-specific program is funded by the Chrysalis Foundation and supports girls to develop leadership, connectedness, economic empowerment, and resilience. Know a young woman from Woodside who could benefit? Contact Amelia at 243-4292 for more info.
CYC starts a new collaboration with the Des Moines Police Department in October for the Jr. Police Explorer Program. The program introduces metro middle school students to police work and will incorporate service projects, which is where CYC comes in. We're looking for volunteers to help once per month at a variety of metro sites. Contact us for more information at [email protected] or 243-4292. |
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Superheroes... Landing in Des Moines Soon!
Is your inner Wolverine or Wonder Woman just itching to become a Marvel or DC staple? You're in luck! On April 19, 2012, hundreds of area youth and community members will convene at the Des Moines Playhouse to unveil ten youth and five adult superheroes at the 2011 TEDxYouth Conference, Superheroes: Overcoming, Becoming, and Beyond. The planning committee is currently recruiting speakers and entertainers between the ages of 8 and 25 who have stories, ideas, and talents to share with our community and the world. To nominate yourself or someone you know to be a speaker or entertainer, please visit this link. Submit your idea soon - nominations are due November 15!
TED has become a nexus for a global community of individuals who believe in the power of ideas worth spreading. A TEDxYouth Conference is an independently organized event that helps introduce some of the most fascinating young thinkers and doers to a world stage. In the last two years, more than 1,200 TEDx events were held in 42 languages in 96 countries. The presentations from these events are then shared throughout the world through the www.TED.com website.
Community! Youth Concepts is excited to be a part of the planning process for this great event. If you're interested in assisting with sponsorship, fundraising, or art and design, contact us at [email protected] or 243-4292.
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Ways to Give Back this Fall
Are you looking for a way to give back to your community in the next few months? CYC has received a grant from the Sodexo Foundation to raise awareness about hunger and homelessness. We'll be helping local food pantries organize Sack Saturday donation drives at area grocery stores. We'll also engage youth to create a coloring book to raise awareness of hunger and homelessness. Do you want to help, or do you have your own idea of how to affect these issues? Contact Danny at 243-4292. |
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Thank You, Volunteers!
On September 15, groups of volunteers from Aviva, Nationwide, and Wells Fargo helped us make our expanded space more liveable by painting, staining wood, and cleaning. What took a dozen people a few hours would have taken us weeks! Thank you!
Last Friday, Drake University students volunteered to assist the KWAKers in making their eco-friendly KWAKer Kleaner to sell. Thanks to everyone who helped! |
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9/11 Service Recap
Many of us remember where we were when 9/11 occurred. For our younger generations, however, 9/11 is a historical event that seems irrelevant to their lives. CYC staff members partnered with the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service to help celebrate the heroism that occurred in the wake of the devastation. Youth created remembrance pieces, designed quilt squares for veterans, and shared their appreciation with local first responders. Blair Liveringhouse, a 4th grade student, created a poem that she has graciously agreed to share with our readers:
9-11 Attacks
By Blair Liveringhouse
The bomb doth bursts,
Like the world is cursed,
The people are screaming,
The fire is gleaming,
It's like the world is over for now.
People are crying,
Debris is flying,
All the dust and rubble,
The world is in trouble,
He destroyed many things, but how.
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Community Events and Training
Do More Outdoors on Sunday, October 16, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Fort Des Moines Park. This free event will include kayaking, hiking, yoga, geocaching, a pond study, and games. For more information, visit www.domoreoutdoorsiowa.org.
The Urbandale School District and Urbandale Citizen Action Network will host a Life in a Second Language Simulation on Monday, October 24th at 6:30 pm at Webster Elementary School (12955 Aurora Avenue, Urbandale). To register, please contact Jan Stewart in the Administrative Office of the Urbandale Community School District. The number is 457-5050. Deadline to register Monday, October 17th at 12:00 noon.
The NAACP Youth Council College Prep Day will be held November 5th at the Drake University Olmsted Center. Register today at www.naacpdesmoines.org by clicking on the Youth Works tab and then College Prep Day registration.
Interested in being trained in Mental Health First Aid? The 12-hour training will be held October 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. For more information and registration forms, contact Jessica Krough at [email protected] or 515-725-3068.
The State Treasurer's Office hosts the free 5th Annual Iowa Women and Money Conference at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines on Saturday, October 8, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m. Conference sessions will focus on money management for women of all economic backgrounds, ages, and levels of financial knowledge. An impressive line-up of speakers and financial experts will discuss money basics, investing, buying a home and more. Register today at www.iowawomenandmoney.com.
Kiwanis is holding its 57th Kiwanis Pancake Festival on Saturday, October 15th from 7 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Fairgrounds. Come for all you can eat pancakes for $5.00, and kids under 5 are free. The proceeds will benefit the Kiwanis Miracle League. For tickets, contact Amy at 243-4292.
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