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| What Kind of Smart Are You? |
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In addition to IQ and EQ (Emotional Intelligence), there is another kind of smart.
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Classes,Workshops, and Trainings Visit Alternatives Trainings for a complete guide to our 2009 Winter/Spring Class Schedule
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Visit Our Web Site
Best of Alternatives is a quarterly enews publication featuring news and information in the field of youth development for friends of Alternatives.
Hampton Office:
2021B Cunningham Dr., Suite #5 Hampton, VA 23666
757-838-2330
Newport News Office:
12284 Warwick Blvd., Suite 2A
Newport News, VA 23606
757-597-2801
Copyright 2009, Alternatives, Inc. All rights reserved |
Its a FACT!
"Expecting respect is a social norm...A majority of adults both believe expecting respect is important and act on that belief."
Scales, Benson, and Roehlkepartain -2001 |
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Children's Art Enrichment Benefit AuctionComing Spring 2009
Mark Your Calendar
Saturday, April 4
Over 60 pieces of fine art will be auctioned at The Arbors in Port Warwick. Works go on display at JSL Fine Art Gallery in Port Warwick, one week prior to the April 4 live auction. Auction proceeds go to benefit the Monart Children's Art Enrichment program conducted by Alternatives.
If you want to contribute a work to be auctioned
click on the following link.
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More to Explore Featured LINKS |
See the artists who have donated fine works of art to be auctioned April 4 at Art Auction 2009
Check out the latest issue of WORD - our local youth magazine
Explore Monart art classes for you or your child
Check out the new Hampton Teen Center
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Focus On... Training
Facilitation Tips and Techniques
Professional facilitator Kathy Johnson shares her  tips and techniques to help you become an effective facilitator. Kathy is certified by the International Association of Facilitators. Through this workshop she will give you a thorough understanding of how to achieve high levels of participation and ensure people's time and energy are used purposefully towards a common goal.
In this training you will explore techniques to manage the event, the space and time, the process, and the learning.
March 18th, 9am - 4pm
Cost: $120/person
Contact: Evelyn Barnes
or sign up on line |
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Overheard from class participants |
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Creativity and Youth Engagement |
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"In the first session we talked about getting outside the box. Since then I have stepped so far out that I am almost ready to put the box in storage...I feel like I had had my head buried in the sand and finally have come up to see the beauty of the world."
-LaKeshia Whitehurst, TNCC student
"Reading the book and having to do homework really wasn't homework at all but an opportunity to reconnect to things that you had thought about but never really put into action."
-Felicia Howard, Norfolk Office of Youth Development
Advancing Youth Development
"After this class, I can effectively and skillfully perform my youth work with confidence, knowing that I am capable and equipped with the tools and skills to set realistic goals based on the capabilities, strengths, and developmental needs of the young people I work with daily."
-Robin Garrison, Aberdeen Gardens Historic and Civic Assoc. Inc.
"This class offers ideas, strategies, and methods that moves youth work up to an equal value scale with 'big business' and other professions who also offer - and frequently require - continued professional development studies. It elevates what we do from just a 'service' or 'volunteer activity' to a higher level worthy of being called a PROFESSION."
-Krista Manuel, Laurel Hill United Methodist Church
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Coming in the next
BEST of Alternatives
a Special Youth Issue
on LEADERSHIP
This issue of BEST of Alternatives has focused on IQ and EQ (Emotional Intelligence) as well as the kinds of intelligences people possess. What a gift for all of us to acknowledge our own potential as well as the potential of the youth we serve through meaningful opportunities.
Look for the next issue this Spring that will be written by young people and will focus on Leadership.
Bernie Tennyson
Alternatives
btennyson@altinc.org | |
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Greetings from Alternatives!
This year we celebrate 35 years as leaders in innovative youth development. Everything we do - from helping to revolutionize the way adults work with young people; to championing the role of young people in their communities; to building cutting-edge programs that help people expand their creative potential - is designed to build the specific assets that support young people as they grow into successful, caring, responsible adults. A big "Thank You" to those who have taken the journey along with us!
As we begin a new year, Alternatives is GOING GREEN!! We will be delivering news and information via email instead of through the regular mail. Please continue your journey with us by sending us your email contact information. This will ensure you receive our quarterly newsletter, the BEST of Alternatives and other information.
Click on "Join Our Mailing List" in the left column. Thanks, and we look forward to staying in touch with you.
 -Bernie Tennyson Editor |
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What is Your Emotional IQ?
 "Leadership is about empathy.It is about having the ability to relate and to connect with people for the purpose of inspiring and empowering their lives." - Oprah Winfrey
"The great gift of human beings is that we have the power of empathy." - Meryl Streep
Intellectual Ability (IQ) was once thought to be a predictor of one's success. But compelling research indicates Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is an even stronger predictor of success, particularly in the workplace.
EQ is the ability to identify, assess, and manage the emotions of one's self and of others.
EQ increases:
- self-confidence and the ability to address personal challenges
- impulse control to think before acting
- trust and integrity
- passion and commitment for one's work
From a youth worker perspective, EQ is a necessary competency to help build rapport and positive relationships with young people. This is more than just a friendly smile. It is truly honoring and respecting young people for their uniqueness and individuality. It is listening attentively to young people to show understanding, and validating their emotions. It is being a positive role model for young people to increase their own EQ.
How do you increase your EQ? EQ can be learned and even enhanced. It takes patience and a willingness to accept coaching and feedback, because the part of the brain in charge of EQ requires repetition and practice until the new behavior is learned.
So, what's your EQ?
Source: BEST Youth Development Practitioner Apprenticeship Program, National Training Institute for Community Youth Work/National BEST Network
For More Information: Read Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman |
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Asset Corner In our Hampton Roads BEST Region, when we talk about youth development we include asset development. The 40 Developmental Assets have been identified by young people as necessary building blocks for their healthy growth and development through childhood, adolescence, and into adulthood. Building assets in young people is the act of helping them to develop their strengths intentionally.
You are an asset builder when you:
Expect Respect, and Show It Too!
A competent youth worker deserves respect (a trait of EQ) and so does every young person. It is the job of every youth worker to model respect, both verbal and non-verbal. You do this when you speak politely, make eye contact, listen attentively and validate what you hear, use good manners, and show empathy and caring. Sound simple? Young people can sense if you like what you do and mean what you say. Showing genuine respect will model what is expected, and you'll get it!
Source: TAG, YOU'RE IT! 50 Easy Ways to Connect with Young People by Kathleen Kimball-Baker, a Search Institute Publication, 2003.
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What Kind of Smart are You?
In addition to IQ and EQ (Emotional Intelligence), there is another kind of smart. Howard Gardner and Thomas Armstrong are noted for their theories involving the eight intelligences people possess though may strongly identify with only one or two. Below are the eight intelligences and suggestions for youth workers on how to influence the development of each in the youth they serve:
People with Linguistic Intelligence have a knack for written and spoken words, love tongue twisters, word games and storytelling, and are considered trivia experts. To develop this intelligence, encourage reading, writing, storytelling, the use of puns and tongue twisters. For older youth, challenge them to write a cover letter for a job they are interested in.
People with Logical or Mathematical Intelligence appreciate numbers and are able to reason and sequence. They like to figure out answers to problems and puzzles, and enjoy a rational outlook on life. To develop this intelligence, encourage the making of a weather chart of temperatures and weather conditions that compare with the newspaper weather report. For older youth, challenge them to explore the classified ads or Craig's List to find three things they would like to own, compute how much money they need, and plan a budget to save that amount.
People with Spatial Intelligence can read maps and enjoy thinking in pictures and images. They are detail oriented and can easily draw or sketch their ideas. To develop this intelligence, encourage drawing diagrams or house plans. For older youth, cut apart the front page of a newspaper and challenge them to come up with a new layout.
People with Musical Intelligence perceive, appreciate and produce rhythms easily. To develop this intelligence, encourage writing a song or rap about a picture in a magazine or creating rhythm instruments. For older youth, form a band or chorus and encourage the writing of original music.
People with Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence are well-coordinated and can control their body movements. They are 'hands-on' people who enjoy physical activity. To develop this intelligence, encourage looking at a picture or reading a story, and then acting out what would come next. For older youth, challenge them to create a dance that expresses personal feelings about a story or situation.
People with Interpersonal Intelligence have a good EQ. They have the ability to understand and work with others. They are sensitive to other people's needs and moods, and are able to see the world from another's perspective. To develop this intelligence with any age, encourage the planning, implementation and reflection on the experience of a service-learning activity addressing a genuine community need.
People with Intrapersonal Intelligence also have a good EQ. They are able to access, understand and control their own emotions. They are independent and self-disciplined. To develop this intelligence, practice a step-by-step decision-making process. For older youth, encourage the use of a journal to record thoughts and ideas.
People with Nature Intelligence have an interest in all things natural - plants, animals, rocks, etc. - and are environmentally conscious. To develop this intelligence with any age, encourage a recycling project, plant a garden, and record which plants grow best under certain conditions.
Suggested Reading:
In Their Own Way: Discovering and Encouraging Your Child's Multiple Intelligences by Thomas Armstrong
Eight Ways of Knowing: Teaching for Multiple Intelligences by David Lazear with Foreward by Howard Gardner
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Tell Your Friends & Colleagues!
Personal and Professional Advancement Opportunities for Adults
2009 CLASS, WORKSHOP & TRAINING SCHEDULE
To register and pay for any of the classes, workshops or trainings click here.
College Classes
HMS 170: Creativity and Youth Engagement
This 3-credit hour class provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and relevant theories of creativity and its application to working with youth. Explore the creative process and leave equipped to enhance both the quality of your program and the young person's engagement. Imagine the possibilities!
Spring 2009 Schedule (must attend all days)
Friday, Feb 27, 4pm-7pm
Saturday, Feb 28, 9am-4pm
Friday, Apr 17, 4pm-7pm
Saturday, Apr 18, 9am-4pm
Cost: $275, includes tuition, fees and materials
HMS 171: Advancing Youth Development
Continue your professional development with this 2-credit hour class. HMS 171 provides an overview of the principles of youth development research and the impact on the youth work field. Explore these principles for a better understanding of young people and your role in helping youth reach their full potential.
Spring 2009 Schedule
(must attend both days)
Saturday, Mar 7, 9am-4pm
Saturday, Mar 28, 9am-4pm
Cost: $200, includes tuition, fees and materials
To register, contact BernieTennyson,757- 838-2330, btennyson@altinc.org
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Workshops
Exclusively for Classroom Teachers
Draw and Learn I
This is a MONART class that teaches how to incorporate the MONART drawing method into classroom curricula. During this workshop participants will be introduced to the MONART philosophy and methodology, increase knowledge of classroom management using the MONART method, use the 5 basic elements of shape in guided drawing experiences, understand age appropriate drawing lessons for the classroom, and understand the essential components of a MONART Drawing environment. MONART is a valuable teaching tool since students are motivated and automatically learn while they are having fun.
March 14 or June 30, 9am-4pm
Cost: $120/person
Draw and Learn II
Advanced drawing methods and expanded understanding of classroom applications of the Monart method. (Draw and Learn I is a prerequisite)
May 2, 9am - 4pm
Cost: $120/person
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Training of Facilitators - K.I.C.K. -Kids Involved in Community Kindness
Teach young people how they can make a difference in their communities NOW! KICK is designated a High-Quality Complementary Learning Program by Learning Point Associates. The 3 multi-session service-learning curricula gives young people in early childhood, upper elementary and middle grades the opportunity to discover the joy and satisfaction of service to others.
February 7, 9am - 4pm
Cost: $150/person
Curriculum: $275
Facilitation Tips and Techniques
Professional facilitator Kathy Johnson shares her tips and techniques to help you become an effective facilitator. Kathy is a member of the International Association of Facilitators. Learn how to achieve high levels of participation and ensure people's time and energy are used purposefully towards a common goal.
March 18, 9am - 4pm
Supervising Youth Development Practice
(For supervisors of youth workers) Increase your understanding of key concepts of Youth Development and explore best practices in the supervision of youth work in order to strengthen your programs and organization.
April 22, 9am - 4pm Cost: $150/person
Curriculum: $250
Training of Facilitators - Youth Power
Youth Power is a "how to" manual for engaging older youth in a service project around a community issue. Learn how to recruit and organize a group, plan and facilitate "youth friendly" meetings, and step by step guidelines to implement a successful service project.
April 25, 9am - 4pm Cost: $150/person
Curriculum: $250
Creativity: A Tool for Personal Insight Some of the competencies of a good youth worker are to know oneself, have a personal vision, and have the ability to evaluate and seek feedback about oneself. Through creative tools, this training will promote these competencies. Pre-requisite:HMS 170- Creativity and Youth Engagement
May 16, 9am - 4pm
Cost: $120/person | |
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| Special SPRING Introductory Offer
Save 20%
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Parents, SAVE on Monart Drawing Lessons for your child.
MONART drawing classes teach children as young as 4 how to draw. Leading educators recognize MONART as a way students can learn skills such as:
- focus and concentration
- decision making
- problem solving
- sequencing
- eye-hand coordination
Getting Ready (1 hour) 5-7 y/o
Save 20% off the regular fee of $187.50 for all 10 weeks or $23.50/class, 5 class minimum; Spring Classes: April 14 - June 16
4:00p.m - 5:00 p.m.
An introduction to representational drawing created specifically for the attention span and coordination of this age group. This class offers age-appropriate projects designed to help children begin to recognize the five Elements of Shape and combine them to draw from their imaginations, observation, photographs, and illustrations. In addition, the Getting Ready class prepares young children for the classroom setting by providing a supportive environment in which to gain experience listening, observing, and practicing fine motor skills. |
| Offer Expires: 4/14/2009 | |
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