Youth leaders enhance community and themselves. (Tip-Off).

Young people who learn how to become strong leaders develop the skills needed to be successful individuals. Acknowledging the importance of creating such leaders, NRPA has developed a partnership with the Points of Light Foundation to offer the Prudential Youth Leadership Institute curriculum to youth workers. The Prudential Youth Leadership Institute curriculum is an innovative, interactive curriculum for youth ages 13-18. It features a challenging series of lessons and exercises on community needs analysis, decision making and other leadership dynamics. The curriculum culminates in a service project, created and implemented by the youth who participate, and a final graduation ceremony recognizing the completion of the program.

NRPA is training interested youth leaders to train local youth in the curriculum. Skilled youth leaders become the backbone of many successful recreation programs, and become successful adults as well. On March 10-14, NRPA held its second Adult Leadership Workshop, where adults had the opportunity to experience the curriculum as both participant and instructor.

After leaving the workshop, these dedicated youth leaders began to adopt and implement the NRPA National Youth Congress program in its entirety back home within the next year, and annually thereafter. The first phase of the NRPA National Youth Congress is the Town Hall Forum (held by June 2003). The second phase, Action Council, will be held two months after the Town Hall Forum (by August 2003). The final phase of the program is Internships, to help youth develop job skills and learn about career opportunities in parks and recreation.

Internships are available immediately following the Action Councils. Evaluation methods are given to each participant to implement with the youth in the program, in order to track success.

NRPA isn't alone in this important movement to educate and empower youth. Millions of young people participate in tens of thousands of service and service-learning projects on National Youth Service Day. For 15 years, this event has brought youth and community leaders together to advance the quality of life and support families and the environment. This year, a 15th anniversary celebration will be held on April 11-13. For information on how you can get involved, go to www.ysa.org/ nysd, or contact 202-296-2992 or [e-mail].

If you would like more information about this program, contact NRPA's Office of Youth Services at 703-858-2185 or [e-mail] or [e-mail].