Hello Journey Fellows,

 

As hopefully you already know, next Thursday, May 7 is International Thank A Youth Worker Day around the globe.

 

We encourage you to get creative --but mostly get "thankful", and help spread the appreciation of youth workers within your organization and your community.  I know that some communities have been meeting to coordinate efforts...I believe Bloomington is having a big party in the evening --they are expecting 350 people to come and celebrate together!

 

This year we want to encourage you to use the INTERNET (or interwebs) to (1) post what you are doing in your organization or community AND (2) directly thank youth workers (make sure to include the hashtag  #thankayouthworkerday) with a comment, picture, video, etc..

 

Specifically, we invite you to:

 

1  MAKE A VIDEO (using your phone or webcam) thanking a youth worker or group of youth workers.

2  POST that video on the Thank A Youth Worker Day Facebook page, post it to your own site, tweet it, etc. ON MAY 7th.

3  Be sure to USE the hashtag   #thankayouthworkerday.

 

Looking for ideas about what or how to say it?  Here is a suggested template:

 

Part 1: Start with a statistic or statement of fact that educates about the work we do, the youth we serve, or the people who do the work

Part 2:  Make a statement of explanation and appreciation for a youth worker or group of youth workers

Part 3: Say "thank you"

 

 

Example 1:

"Every day after school has ended, children of all ages leave their classrooms, but many don't go home to their empty houses in the middle of the afternoon...instead they do things like join a kickball game, learn about rockets, get help with their homework and work on their socials skills. It's is the staff of the St. James Youth Center that make this possible, because each day, those children are taught and cared for by the after school program staff who call themselves youth workers.  THANK YOU Jenny, Logan, Jake and Carly, for making a difference every day."

 

Example 2:

"Most of us wish that, when the going gets tough, we had someone in our life who was in our corner, who had our back.  For over 200 young people each year, who find themselves in the juvenile court system in Richmond County, Cathy Merrit is that person.  Working as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA, she makes sure that some of our most vulnerable citizens--children, are protected and looked after.  THANK YOU Cathy, for volunteering your time and talent."

 

You might also consider thanking a youth worker who influenced you:

 

Example 3:

"The one thing I remember about Ed Roach, is that he wouldn't let me quit, even when I was tired, even when the other kids didn't cut me slack, even when it was 'too hot'.  20 years late, on Thank A Youth Worker Day, I just wanted to say THANK YOU to Ed, for making me the man I am today."

 

In addition to your own online spaces, here are links to where you can connect and post:

 

The Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/TAYWD

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/YouthWorkThanks

Website: www.thankayouthworkerday.org

 

 

Let's spread the word and the appreciation. 

 

THANKS for all YOU do and WHO you are.

 

The Journey Crew