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Save These Dates
February 11, 2014
Families Together
Legislative Lunch
with YP! Activites
April 6 and 7, 2014
Annual Conference with
YP! Track
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| 4 out of 5 Regional Centers of Excellence Teams have Youth Voice |
YP! is pleased to report that four of the five Regional Centers of Excellence Teams now have youth involvement. We are excited to collaborate with the Office of Mental Health and regional stakeholders to ensure that the young population is represented during this important phase of systems transformation. At this point, the Central Region is the only region that does not have authentic youth voice. YP! applauds the efforts of the community as well as individual Regional Youth Partners in advocating to participate on these teams.
Youth representatives on each of the teams is as follows:
Long Island: Nicole Giambalvo, Nassau County Family Support System of Care Youth Engagement Specialist
(631) 264-5438 x104 or youthengage@lift4kids.org
New York City: Pauline Gordon, YP! NYC Regional Youth Partner
(347)880-2735 or pgordon@youthpowerny.org
Hudson River: Carrie Holmes, YP! Hudson River Regional Youth Partner
(518) 432-0333 ext. 34 or cholmes@youthpowerny.org
Western Region: Jessica Hollins, YP! Western Regional Youth Partner
(585) 314-2452 or jhollins@youthpowerny.org
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Youth Policy Update
Changes to the GED Coming |
 The long standing GED test will be going away in several states starting next year. The familiar test was recently bought by Pearson's Inc. Since buying the test the new owners have made many changes to the test; all of which will take effect in 2014. The new version would have doubled in cost, been more difficult with content not yet taught in schools and done away with the use of pencil and paper.
Many states including New York have decided to choose a new test. Several different tests have been offered as alternatives. New York as well as Indiana have chosen the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC), which is developed by testing company CTB McGraw-Hill. Several other states chose to go with HiSET another test that has been offered through the Educational Testing Service (ETS) since the new pathway to a high school diploma was unveiled.
The new test keeps costs down, as New York pays the bill for people. The state did not want to decrease the number of people they were able to pay for. The time allotted for phase in for the harder content and the retention of the pencil and paper method will allow many more testing centers to remain open and functioning. Keeping these testing centers open and the price down are very important to making sure people have access to the test. As New York's pass rate is one of the lowest in the country, test takers are also going to have to go through prep programs to help increase pass rates.
Additionally anyone who needs to finish a GED test from the current GED, whether they are in a state to change their test or not must finish before January 1, 2014. If you do not have it completely finished before the end of year your test will not count and you will have to start over.
To learn more about changing testing requirements and pathways to high school graduation, contact Brett McMullin, YP! Systems Advocate at bmcmullin@youthpowerny.org or 1 (518) 432-0333 ext. 14.
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Important Causes Celebrated in October
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October is a time to recognize several events that affect our day to day life; without recognition or awareness it would be almost impossible to continue to see improvement.
National Youth Justice Awareness Month
Did you know that October is National Youth Justice Awareness Month? National Youth Justice Awareness Month, (Y-JAM) is a chance for people all over the country to raise awareness about the issue of youth being sentenced and incarcerated as adults. Various states in observation of Y-JAM are hosting community-led events to raise awareness of this cause. As advocates, we must get involved and educate ourselves about local campaigns challenging to reform our juvenile justice system for the better. 
Y-JAM was created by Tracey McClard, an advocate and parent whose 16 year old son, Jonathan McClard was tried and incarcerated as an adult in Missouri's criminal justice system. Jonathan had pleaded guilty for shooting an unarmed teenager three times at a local car wash in July, 2007. Several days after his 17th birthday, Jonathan was found dead in his prison cell. Jonathon had committed suicide.
Mrs. McClard gave a compelling testimony before the House Committee on Education and Labor Full Committee Hearing on "Reforming the Juvenile Justice System to Improve Children's Lives and Public Safety." Mrs. McClard spoke of the horrific circumstances her son faced in the adult prison system. "He was a 140 lb., slight built, 16 year old child among much older, bigger men." During one of her visits to meet her son, McClard describes that "Jonathan had cuts and bruises all over his face, ears, and head. His hair was shaved off and he had a tattoo under his eye. He was told by the other inmates in the facility he needed the tattoo to survive." According to Jonathon, every day was a fight for survival in the prison. Although gang violence wasn't allowed in the prison, it seemed to be a regular lifestyle for the inmates. While in the adult prison system both of Jonathon's medical and educational needs were neglected. As co chair of Y-JAM, Mrs. McClard advocates that no child, regardless of the crime, should be tried as an adult.
As a community we commit a bigger crime than our "juvenile offenders" when we fail to provide appropriate services to rehabilitate our troubled youth. It is saddening that instead of rehabilitation services, we erase the innocence of our children and force them to live in inhumane conditions. To commemorate Y-JAM it's important to shed light on the story of George Stinney Jr. In 1944, George Stinney Jr. was the youngest American to be sentenced to capital punishment at the tender age of 14. In North Carolina during the rise of Jim Crow Laws, George Stinney Jr. was found guilty for the killing of two white girls. The case to this day is deemed controversial because there was insufficient or barely any evidence to prove he committed the crime.
Bullying Prevention Awareness Month
 Bullying Prevention Awareness is among October's recognition list; bullying has always been present through the years but now with social media so readily available bullying has become an increasing problem. It's time to help those who have been or are being bullied, it's time to stand up against bullies and put an end to bullying; October brings the chance to make your voice be heard and raise awareness that bullying is a crime. YOUTH POWER! not only acknowledges "bullying as discrimination [and] will not be tolerated [we also acknowledge] victims deserve the highest level of respect and protection. Furthermore, we feel bullies need youth-driven support and positive interventions. We call on every person in New York State to address this important community problem. It's important to support bullying prevention and intervention programs not only in schools but across state systems, in local communities and on the Internet. Peer mediation programs should be available in all school settings."
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
 Held each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a national campaign that raises awareness about disability employment issues and celebrates the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. The theme for 2013 is "Because We Are EQUAL to the Task." The awareness first started back in 1945 when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October-later changed to a month-"National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." However, in 1962 "physically" was removed to include a broader pool of disabled individuals. Then, in 2001 the law was changed to "National Disability Employment Awareness Month." It's held through the years and it's only right we continue using October to raise awareness.
Youth History Month
Hardly recognized, barely remembered October is Youth History Month, a month of educating youth on past successes of other youth. It is not only meant to be a reminder but also an inspiration, a if only a speck of hope for youth now who know the impossible is indeed possible. Some familiar and not so familiar youth worthy of reorganization and remembrance have touched our history in many different aspects. History (Eliza Lucas age 16 took over her father's South Carolina plantation and became one of the wealthiest business leaders in the American colonies); culture (Jane Austin age 14 when she wrote Love and Friendship); literature (S.E. Hinton age 15 when she wrote The Outsiders); literacy (Louis Braille age 15 when he created the Braille writing system); math and science (Évariste Galois who by the age of 20 created an entire branch of Algebra). If there ever was a time to recognize the past youth successes the month of October would be it, their stories and accomplishments are histories worth repeating.
Pauline Gordon, New York City Regional Youth Partner and Terri Lewis, Network Assistant, contributed to this story.
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YP! Co-Sponsors Albany Training
Tools for Reducing Stress In Your Work and Daily Life
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 When: October 25, 2013
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Where: Albany NY
The College of St Rose
Events and Athletic Center
Standish Room, 2nd Floor
What: In this training, participants will learn about the amazing diversity of tools available to use to reduce stress in their work and to maintain their own optimal wellness.
If you are stressed at work or at home, this is the training for you. If you work with individuals who are living stressful lives, this is the training for you.
Come join us and learn about tools and techniques that you can start to use immediately or slowly work into your daily life.
$85 includes continental breakfast, lunch and materials, register here.
For additional information, please contact Lorraine McMullin at mcmullil@strose.edu or call 518-944-0737.
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First Youth Involvement Conference in Syracuse
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 On Saturday, September 28th, at the Hillside Phoenix Center in Syracuse, sixty youth gathered for the first ever Onondaga Youth Involvement Conference. The conference was organized by the Center for Community Alternatives and a planning team that included Central Regional Youth Partner Colleen Deitrich, as well as several local and regional youth.
The morning was filled with motivational speakers, including DJ Maestro, a local radio DJ on station HOT 107.9, Amelia Ryan, a fourteen year old girl who gained national recognition for an essay she wrote about her experiences , and YOUTH POWER!'s Executive Director Stephanie Orlando, who was the keynote speaker for the day.
DJ Maestro talked passionately about how important it is to overcome setbacks and to set goals for yourself. Amelia Ryan, having won an essay contest, talked about "how one small voice can teach the world a song," an inspiring idea that she learned while doing mission work in Africa. Stephanie Orlando spoke about her personal experiences with the mental health system, as well as how she overcome adversity and got to where she is today as, among other things, a Presidential Appointee to the National Council on Disability.
The rest of the day was filled with breakout sessions, where the youth went to different stations with topics that interested them. Stephanie Orlando led a session on changes in the systems and how they directly affect youth. In the afternoon, Colleen Deitrich presented on the concept of using art and Artivism to express your story. The day ended with a Mental Health-themed version of Family Feud.
"If we have enough success this year, we may make it even bigger next year," says Bruce Brumsfeld, the Youth Engagement Director of the Center for Community Alternatives, and the head of the conference planning team. "Maybe expand it so it goes region-wide in a few years. But we wanted to test the waters first and keep it limited and close to Syracuse."
Colleen Deitrich is the Central Regional Youth Partner for YOUTH POWER!. For more information, contact Colleen at cdeitrich@youthpowerny.org or (315) 679-1476
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Birthday Cards for Homeless Shelters in Long Island
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 Do you still have a birthday card that made you feel special? We collected 50 special homemade Birthday Cards for children in homeless shelters in Long Island.Since July 30th people from all over the country have been making birthday cards to support the Do Something Birthday Mail Project. The project is to make birthday cards for children in homeless shelters. Sometimes birthdays are forgotten while a child is in the shelter; making birthday cards gave many people a chance to give back and makea birthday memorable for a young person. The Long Island Regional Team would to give special thanks to Pedderson Krag youth group called WAVE and Mrs. Greco 6th Grade Class from Islip middle school for helping usmake birthday cards for the Do Something Birthday Mail Project.Here are some facts about homeless from Dosomething.Org about homelessness1. Homelessness is an issue that affects people of all ages and backgrounds.2. Each year, about 3 million people in the U.S. find themselves homeless.3. Families make up 40% of the homeless population.4. Approximately 1 in 3 people experiencing homelessness is under the age of 18 and 1 in 6 people is under the age of 6.If you are interested in making a cards it's not too late to join thebirthday card making party the deadline is October the 11th. For moreinformation check out the Do Something.org Website.
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Systems of Care: The Poem
By Melanie Hecker
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 In silos we are weak, together we are strong;
This kind of communication should have happened all along;
The systems come together, all children we will serve
So anyone who's anyone needs to spread the word
Systems of Care's the way to go, to serve our families right;
But this kind of communication doesn't appear in one night
We must work together to make Systems of Care real
'Cause when we unite the systems, we get the best deal.
Please keep an eye out for more YOUTH POWER! poetry from Melanie Hecker, Youth Engagement Consultant.
To learn more about the Upstate Systems of Care Expansion project - including if your county is participating - contact Melanie Hecker at mhecker@youthpowerny.org or 518-432-0333 ext. 31.
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What I Like About RAMP
By Alex Hamm
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I have been a part of RAMP for four years. RAMP has benefited me in many different ways. I also have went to different places and went to meetings that a boy at my age or from my neighborhood would not have attended. I had opportunities to go to Washington D.C. to attend a meeting. RAMP has been more than beneficial for me. I don't think I would be the person I am if it wasn't for my mentors Zach and Elijah. I would suggest RAMP to all my peers. It is an outstanding and beautiful program for youth like me. I got a lot from RAMP. I can speak out now. I know I have a voice.
The Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program (RAMP) is a high-tech, career-focused mentoring program for youth with disabilities involved with or at risk of involvement with the juvenile justice system. RAMP is funded by a grant from the United States Department of Justice and led by the Institute for Educational Leadership.
If you would like to experience RAMP like Alex has, or know someone who would, please contact Elijah Fagan-Solis, YP!'s Mentoring Coordinator at 518-432-0333 ext. 19 or efagan@youthpowerny.org for more information.
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Meet the RAMP Intern
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 Hello everyone! My name is Simone Rodriguez and I am the new intern this semester working alongside Elijah Fagan-Solis with the Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program (RAMP). I started working here at the start of September and I am already in love with this job. I have met so many great influential people here already and I cannot wait to meet you all.
I am a currently a student at the Sage College of Albany. I am in my junior year of my undergrad and am studying Law and Society with a Psychology Pathway. I am originally from the Bronx, New York, and that is where the rest of my family resides.
I found out about RAMP last semester when I was looking for an internship site. I found a flyer on my campus looking for mentors for RAMP. After reading the flyer I did some background research and called Elijah Fagan-Solis as soon as possible. After talking, we set up a meeting a few months ago and here I am today!
The message that YOUTH POWER!/ RAMP sends is one that I feel needs to be heard. I love the fact that there are people who care enough to advocate for these youth, and present these youth with the resources to advocate for themselves. That's powerful!
My ultimate career goal in life is to become a family counselor. I know many people who have family problems at home and those problems have affected how they act in society. I believe that the solution starts from the home. Therefore, I want to help people with those problems that put them at risk, to assist them make positive contributions to society. All of the jobs I have had previously have helped me develop skills that will help me to become the best family counselor I can be. My internship here at YOUTH POWER! will do the same thing.
This job is the most hands-on I have ever been in working with youth so I expect to learn a lot. Thank you to everyone who has welcomed me thus far and I look forward to meeting the rest of you!!
Simone Rodriguez will be working with YP! Mentoring Coordinator Elijah Fagan-Solis on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through December, 2013.
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| Scandinavia Gets All the Good Stuff |
 We seem to complain about our mental health system so often and mental health care in New York and in the United States. So I looked around (the internet) to see if it is this miserable everywhere. It turns out that in some parts of the world life is better. In Finland mental health care does not involve hospitals. A West Lapland program recently showed off in Gainesville New York involves outpatient talk therapy and psychiatry. 85% of the people who go through this program make a full recovery and less than a third of them ever go on anti-psychotic medications. In this poorer area of the country this system is able to run on a shoe string budget and not only maintain high effective outcomes but help with mental health problems in the area actually get high rates of employment something unheard of in the U.S. where anyone with a disability is lucky to get a job at all.
In the U.S. we spend billions of dollars and often keep people who committed no crime locked up for life. Our system spends more on hospitals and drugs. It is usually feared by those who must use it rather than seen as a way to get help. We keep them in the system longer or forever and have much lower rates of success at treating them. Everyone here seems to end up on some kind of drug and most stay on them for life. It seems as if we are getting ripped off paying so much more and getting so much worse service.
Most of what happens in the Finland program seems to contradict everything that is generally thought about mental health care in America. The West Lapland program works wonders without putting anyone in a hospital. It appears that despite many people still shouting America is number one we have much to learn from other countries around the world.
Brett McMullin is the Systems Advocate for YOUTH POWER!. This article reflects the views of the author only and does not constitute an endorsement by YOUTH POWER!.
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| 7th Annual FLPN Teen Conference Approaching November 9, 2013 |
 7th Annual Teen ConferenceMillennial Trends
Presented by Finger Lakes Parenting Network
November 9, 2013
Held at Avoca Baptist Church
Don't forget to fill out the forms:
Get the conference brochure here
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Essay Contest
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Essay Question: What's the best piece of advice anyone ever gave you? Write about the advice, the person who gave it to you, why it was useful at the point in your life you heard it, and how it has helped you since. Deadline: November 22, 2013
Contest Rules:
- You must be 21 or under to enter.
- You may only enter the essay contest if you live in a group home, juvenile detention center, or with a foster family; or if you used to be in foster care. (Represent is a magazine written by and for young people in foster care.)
- All essays must be true stories written by you. This is a non-fiction essay contest; fictional entries or plagiarized entries will be disqualified and you will not be allowed to enter our contest again.
- If you win, your story will be published on our website and in our print issue. Tell us if you want your story to be printed anonymously-but you should still type in your full name and complete address so we know where to mail your check if you win.
- Current Represent or YCteen writers may not enter the essay contest.
- Essays may be edited by Youth Communication editors for brevity and clarity. All entries become property of Youth Communication.
First, second and third prize include:
1st: $150, 2nd: $75, 3rd: $50
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FosterClub's 2013 100 Outstanding Young Leaders Nominations
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Nominate Yourself or Someone You Know
What: FosterClub is now accepting nominations for our annual recognition program, 100 Outstanding Young Leaders. Our mission is to recognize the success and achievements of young people who have experienced foster care.
Who: Nominate yourself or someone you know! All 16-24 years old youth who experienced foster care in the United States are eligible. We are looking for young leaders who are engaged in local, state or national community service or advocacy. Youth panels, advisory committees, conferences and volunteer work are all types of activities that deserve to be recognized.
When: Nominations are open until October 1, 2013. Winners will be selected and announced in November 2013.
How: Visit Foster Club's website and follow the Outstanding Young Leaders link from home page, email ryan@fosterclub.com or call 503.717.1552
Complete the form online now.
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New York State Commission for the Blind
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 The New York State Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (CBVH) is now officially known as the "New York State Commission for the Blind" (NYSCB).
New York State Office of Children and Family Services Commission for the Blind Open Forums on Vocational Rehabilitation and Supported Employment Services.
The New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB) and the State Rehabilitation Council will soon begin preparing the State Plan for Vocational Rehabilitation and Supported Employment for Federal Fiscal Year 2015. We are looking for input about improving services to consumers. In particular, we are interested in your ideas about:
- Innovative ways to prepare people for today's job market
- Encouraging individuals from unserved and underserved populations to participate in VR services
- Getting ahead of the technology curve - keeping up with the rapidly changing world of technology
Consumers, family members, advocates, rehabilitation service providers and other interested individuals are invited to attend these meetings.
Albany
National Federation of the Blind NY Convention
October 4, 2013
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Best Western Sovereign Hotel
1228 Western Avenue
Albany, NY 12203
Phone: 1 (518) 489-2981
Albany
American Council of the Blind NY Convention
October 18, 2013
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Albany Ramada Plaza Hotel
3 Watervliet Avenue
Albany, NY 12206
Phone# (518) 438-8431
These meetings are being held at facilities that are accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Voice: 518-473-2346
TDD: 518-474-7501
Voice Relay: 1-800-421-1220
E-mail: Mike.Rose@ocfs.ny.gov
Regular Mail:
NYSCB
52 Washington Street, South Bldg. Rm. 201
Rensselaer, NY 12144
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Low Vision Technology Fair in Albany
October 16, 2013 |
 2013 Low Vision Technology Fair
Date: Wednesday October 16, 2013
Time: 10am-5pm
Location: Beltrone Living Center, Six Winters Circle, Albany NY
FREE TO THE PUBLIC!
- The latest in low vision technologies and resources for reading, computers, and adaptive living.
- Guest Speakers: Age-Related Macular Degeneration 10:30am Dr. Amjad Hammad, Opthalmologist, Saratoga Vitreo-Retina Specialist, Reinta Consultants, Slingerlands, NY
- Adaptive living experts on living successfully with low vision, vision loss and vision rehabilitation therapy and more!
For more information, contact Cheryl Lawyer (518) 463-1211 x234 or via email at clawyer@naba-visions.org
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| Senator Harkin Releases Report on the Americans with Disabilities Act and Young People |
 On September 26, 2013, Senator Harkin released a report, "High Expectations: Transforming the American Workforce as the ADA Generation Comes of Age." This report provides steps to improve employment opportunities for the "ADA Generation" - the young men and women who have come of age since the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)was enacted. Chairman Harkin was the Senate author of the landmark ADA.
"The enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 23 years ago, helped grant the promise of equality to Americans with disabilities. But today, more work remains to be done to knock down one of the last remaining barriers-the gap in workforce participation that exists for millions of young adults," Senator Harkin said.
Chairman Harkin's report identifies four key areas of opportunity to improve support for members of the ADA generation as they seek competitive employment. These areas are:
* Increasing support for high school students as they plan for their transition into the workforce;
* Improving the transition of the ADA generation as they enter postsecondary education and the labor market;
* Changing the assumptions in disability benefit programs that discourage young people with disabilities from working; and
* Leveraging employer demand, correcting misconceptions about employing people with disabilities, building strong pipelines from school to the competitive workforce, and establishing supportive workplaces.
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New Website: I Got Better
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"I Got Better," a new website aimed at destigmatizing mental illness and promoting recovery, is asking for video or written submissions outlining personal recovery stories to share with visitors to its website.
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Maintaining Mental and Physical Health During "Back to School"
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New York Disability Vote Network
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 Thanks to a grant from ACCES-VR, the New York Disability Vote Network (NYDVN) is possible. NYDVN is a two-year non-partisan voting initiative aimed at voters with disabilities. Our goal is to build and unify a disability voting bloc so that we can enact positive changes on a state level. One of the ways to do this is to collect relevant information on voters with disabilities and build a database. With the database, we can organize large-scale voting efforts and disseminate important information to people within the network. The Center for Disability Rights will be coordinating this grant.
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MHANYC: Two Youth Advocate Positions
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 The Mental Health Association of New York City is currently seeking to fill two 17.5 hours-per-week Youth Advocate positions at the FRC of Northern Bronx and at the FRC of Northern Manhattan.
JOB DESCRIPTION
DEPARTMENT / PROGRAM: Department of Children and Family / Family Resource Center
TITLE OF POSITION: Youth Advocate
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Youth Advocate will be responsible for engaging youth and their families in order to assist them in identifying their needs as well as achieving their goals. The Youth Advocate will be an integral part of the Family Resource Center staff and will participate in supportive, recreational and educational activities offered to youth and families. Responsibilities include:
* Work in collaboration with all FRC Family Advocates and Senior Family Advocate in engaging youth in planning their own care and having their voice heard.
* Engage and support youth connected to the Family Resource Center.
* Share personal knowledge and experiences about the youth serving system and resources available to youth.
* Provide support to youth at community meetings and other meetings as needed.
* Provide public education about youth mental health issues.
* Assist in the organization of social, recreational and educational activities for youth.
* Represent the interests of youth with emotional and behavioral challenges in a variety of public forums and advisory groups.
* Complete all data entry and documentation on a daily basis.
* Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
The Youth Advocate will be a young adult who has had emotional and/or behavioral challenges and experience receiving services from the children's mental health or other child-serving systems. Has completed / is currently completing a High School or a G.E.D program - some college preferred. Youth Advocate will receive basic training in empowerment, peer support, self-help, peer advocacy and systems advocacy 101 and 102 through YOUTH POWER's "Getting Started - Introductory Advocacy Trainings for Youth and Young People."
Please Submit your resume via fax or email or mail to:
Angela Mora-Vargas, LMSW
Supervisor - Family Resource Centers
The Mental Health Association of New York City, Inc.
975 Kelly Street, Suite 301
Bronx, New York 10459
Fax: 718-329-1092
Email: amora-vargas@mhaofnyc.org
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| YP! |
YOUTH POWER! is the New York State network of young people who have been labeled and are seeking change. Together, we have decided to speak up about our experiences because no one knows what it is like for us better than we do. Through peer-to-peer mentoring, we empower young people to be active citizens who are aware of government operations, their rights and the ability to use their voices to influence policies, practices, regulations and laws. We are young people helping other people, ensuring availability of self-help and peer support while changing systems so that young people get the support they need with the respect and dignity they deserve. Nothing About Us Without Us! | |
www.youthpowerny.org www.facebook.com/YOUTHPOWER.NY @YOUTHPOWERNY
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