#youth services

[faeriekit]

PRIDE stuff I recommend incorporating into a library/school storytime if your community is mildly uncomfy confronting that sometimes two men kiss, go!

Find a book that has a tangible story to it! For this storytime, I used Subway Baby, which is explicitly about two men who have a child together, but is more about the discovery of the child at a subway station in NYC and the process it takes to becomes a family. Heartwarming, a real story that happened to real people, and takes place in a familiar setting (for a bunch of NJ kids.) Another book I might use in place of this would be a book like Julián and the Wedding, which is about attending a wedding with two brides, but is centered instead in a story about what to wear to a wedding (and all the silliness fancy clothes cause.)

You can also pick books that aren't explicitly queer, even when the topics are: Except When They Don't, Fred Gets Dressed, and Princess Kevin are all titles that toy around with gender presentation and clothing without explicitly making the story about gender, making it obvious that 1) clothing is silly and 2) you should do what makes you happy. A boy is a princess. A girl is a football star. Your friends are astronauts dinosaur cowboys who live on Mars! All is well, be happy being you.

USE THE FLAGS! Every stripe has a meaning! Teaching the kids what every stripe in a flag stands for, and how to relate it to their own life makes the sight less intimidating and something more familiar. Since I read for real real real little ones, it's also a great chance to practice color recognition with them lol. "What color is this? Wow, you're so smart! This color stands for THIS big word, which means (longer explanation.)" I use this in Pride-Specific storytimes so there's a break between books.

Make the storytime about pride! ...No, like the emotion. Unless the kids have out people active in their life from a young age, they're probably not going to immediately understand what Queer and Pride and Gay and Trans and LGBT+ are or how they relate to them or each other or the fact that they could discover stuff about themselves later on in life...dumb it down. At most storytime ages, they're still in the process of building their self image and sense of well-being. Being proud is about being happy with yourself and what you do. You're a cool kid, and you should get to celebrate all the things about your life that you love! I ended my Pride storytime with teaching kids a new big word: ✨affirmations✨. Say one nice thing about yourself! This is something nice I say about you! Parents, affirmations are a great way to build self confidence and practice big vocab words. Try them out at home, reciting them in the mirror or putting them on stickey notes around the house.

Decorate your reading space. Hehehehehe rainbows 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈 No, seriously. The more fun the room is, the friendlier the topic feels.

And, of course, I end all storytimes with a hi five and good word to the kids' adults. Kid was energetic? They were so fun and excited today! Kid was zoned out? They were so well behaved! Two things can simultaneously be true.

Tips for non-librarians: for the coolest lgbt kids books, they're hiding in the nonfiction section. Seriously. Books about Gilbert Baker sewing the first flag and Marsha P Johnson and Stonewall and lgbt history around the world... In Nonfic. LAME. BOO. MOVE THEM TO MY COLLECTION INSTEAD HELLO. I WANT THEM. *grabby hands*

[allthecanadianpolitics]

The Quebec Cree nation wants to change youth protection laws and services to adapt them to  Eeyou values, traditions and culture. 

On Sept. 7, officials launched the aah chishtipistihch-uschiniichisiu sikischaayimuwiniyiu or Cree Youth Protection Commission, an extensive, several months-long consultation process to gather ideas on how to change youth protection and eventually the youth criminal justice system.

"What we are looking for are new solutions. New ideas on how we can change the law, but change the system too … [to change] youth protection to integrate Cree culture, Cree content," said Bertie Wapachee, the chairperson of the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay.

Wapachee said he hopes to commission will hear from everyone — elders, grandparents, parents, youth and children, as well as many of the Cree organizations, such as the Cree School Board, women's association, youth council and the Eeyou Eenou Police Force, among others.

Representatives from these organizations, as well as the Cree Nation Government, are also part of a task force set up to advise the board on the recommendations of the commission. [...]

Continue Reading.

Tagging: @politicsofcanada

[lesterpubliclibrary]

It's OK to be Different by Lester Public Library Via Flickr: Summer Reading Decorations at the Lester Public Library, Two Rivers, Wisconsin

[feckcops]

Who counts as a cyclist in London?

“BikeStormz regularly attracts hundreds of young, majority male cyclists – thousands when it comes to its annual central London ride against knife crime. The point of the project is to take kids away from where the blaze – the potential for violence – is hottest, Ferrari-Guy explains at one point in the film. This means physically removing people from hotspots where trouble can occur and bringing them into a community that offers respite and an alternative path forward. On a shoestring, BikeStormz is attempting to plug a gap left by the erosion of social services and spaces for young people. That’s not how the authorities see it, though. 

“Captured on camera is the real-time attempt to criminalise BikeStormz riders by various authorities. In one scene, Ferrari-Guy is shown in a meeting with an unnamed Met police branch discussing complaints made about BikeStormz. A white, middle-aged male officer reels off grievances. The size of BikeStormz rides is creating ‘significant community tensions’, he says. Youngsters on their bikes are ‘intimidating’, and their behaviour ‘bordering on the criminal’. He cites graffiti, littering, and even wheelies as problems. 

“Repeatedly, the officer emphasises the distress BikeStormz is causing to ‘members of the public’. The young cyclists participating in the ride, it’s clearly conveyed, don’t belong to this group. Instead, they threaten it – and wider social order.”

[himissjulie]

The Freedom to Be Totally Ignorant

The Freedom to Be Totally Ignorant

“I’m not afraid anymore so go for it.” — Jane Elliot The Oprah episode above aired in 1992. Jane Elliott first did her blue eyes/brown eyes experiment the day after MLK was assassinated. (Note, that transcript contains offensive racial terms.) (If you’re not familiar, in brief, Jane did a lesson in prejudice with her class of white children by dividing them by eye color. One day the blue eyed…

[fightingforovertime]

Fighting For Overtime Ep: 2 - The trials and tribulations of helping our Kids choose between multiple sports at a very young age. Why is it so stressful?

[ultrajustjo]

Of Loving Grace

Word of the day: Covenant

I am deviating from my exploration of visual and aural art to share this sermon mini-series -- a dive into the art of preaching. What follows is a youth sermon, the readings, and a sermon and prayer for the first Sunday of Lent.

Youth

[Before beginning, I distributed shakers and bells to the youth. Unfortunately, that day only adults attended, so I walked among them and asked for volunteer children. I found many! Adults without shakers or bells were invited to use jazz hands or to use ASL for “excited!” or “yay!” when I said the word “Alleluiah.”]

Welcome friends. Brr, it’s cold out today. Can you tell me what season we are in? Winter! Winter will end next month, but we are definitely in the middle of winter right now. We know all four season? Fall, spring, summer, winter. Do you have a favorite, or do you like them all?

Most Christians around the world also follow a church calendar which has different seasons. The church seasons are Advent before Christmas, then Christmas season, after that we have ordinary time, Lent, Easter season, and then ordinary time, again, in the summer. This last Wednesday, we entered the season of Lent. It’s kind of a sad and quiet season because we are preparing our hearts to think about how Jesus died before he came back from the dead. When someone dies, it is sad and we do miss them. But, we have hope that the sad time does not last forever and that we will live with God. The reason we have that hope is because of Easter! On Easter, we celebrate Jesus rising from the dead! Not only did he die then come back, Jesus kept teaching us about God, and now he still lives at the right hand of God. Easter is a happy time for the church! We say Alleluiah! (shake bells)

Here is a quick fact: Sundays are not part of the quiet season of Lent. On Sundays, we all come together to celebrate that Jesus, God’s son, was alive after he died and sits at the right hand of God. That makes each Sunday a little Easter. Today, like every Sunday, is a celebration! Even though the rest of the week is in the church season of Lent, today is the day we come together to thank God for loving us, and for sending Jesus to teach us about that love. And we all say, “Alleluia!” (shake bells)

Let’s pray together: Dear God (Dear God), thank you for loving us. Thank you for loving us when we’re sad. Thank you for sending Jesus to teach us. Amen.

Scripture for Feb. 18, 2024

First Reading Genesis 9:8-17

8Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, 9“As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, 10and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark. 11I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.”

12God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: 13I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, 15I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” 17God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.”

License: CC0 Public Domain

Anna Langova has released this “Rainbow” image under Public Domain license. It means that you can use and modify it for your personal and commercial projects.

Second Reading 1 Peter 3:18-22

18 For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight people, were saved through water.

21And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you — not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.

Baptism of Christ, Ethiopian Biblical Manuscript (20th Century) - Public Domain Orthodox Painting - Shalone Cason

Shalone Cason, January 7, 2023

Gospel of Mark 1:9-15

9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. 11And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

12 And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 He was in the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.

14Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

©tonktiti at stock.adobe.com

Sermon

This week’s readings contain a lot of symbolism, don’t they? We have rainbows, water that washes away sinners in the flood, water that washes away our sins in baptism being demonstrated by the baptism of Jesus who was sinless, and we have wild beasts in the wilderness. We also see convenental language, and by that I mean words and phrases for each symbol that signal to us a contractual relationship. These symbols really drive home an understanding of God’s connection with us, and God’s promises for us.

These readings are right up my alley. Thanks for asking me to be here today! This is a great week for me, and I hope, for you! (Woo!)

Does that sound odd, in the beginning of Lent, to be celebrating? We did talk earlier about how Sundays are Little Easters within the Lenten season. I would say that the solemn season of Lent moves us toward the celebration of resurrection and God’s ultimate covenant, and for that we can be excited!

Last Sunday, many of us read about the transfiguration on the mountain, where the radiance of Jesus nearly blinds James and Peter while they are surrounded by the cloud from which they hear the voice of God the Father.

This week, we read about the arch of light -- the rainbow-- that is set by God within the clouds in the vast sky, a symbol so large that Noah’s vision is filled with a sign he and God can see.

Friends, God’s magnificence radiates to us and we can’t miss it. God’s majesty reaches us in the clouds, in the light, on the mountains, in all of creation, in times when we are terrified of what we witness, and in times of storms that seem unending. God entered into relationship with creation and chose to limit God’s divine and majestic power to be in relationship with us. We see God choosing to limit divine power in 2 of our readings; in the covenant promise of the rainbow and in the presence of Jesus Christ who comes to us in a limited human body - a body that now walks through Lent toward the cross.

Let’s look at this symbolism a bit more. I want to share with you a Sunday School story for today that I’ve borrowed from Feasting on the Word curriculum in 2017. The story is called, “Rainbow People.”

“One day, a young mother was taking a walk with her small son and they saw a rainbow. The four-year-old boy looked up in wonder and said, ‘Mommy, can we take that home and put it in our house?’ His awestruck question prompted the mother to write a poem she titled, ‘A Rainbow in My House.’ She took her son’s question literally, imagining what it would be like to have a rainbow in their house, on their walls, emanating from the windows and doors, coming out the chimney. The house was transformed, and it could not contain the glory of the rainbow and its colors.”

We can’t miss it, we can’t avoid it. God’s covenant with Noah and with us radiates into every part of creation, including into us, into our very being.

What does that mean for you and me? Take that question home and wrestle with it if you need to, but don’t dismiss it. What does it mean for you, for your life and your mental health and for your inner soul, that God’s promises and God’s being radiates through creation and includes you?

Maybe you don't want to meditate on that -- some of us need to have it laid out for us. Just give it to me straight - level with me, Doc. You know what I mean? For those of you who want a straightforward answer, here it is: You are wonderful.

Yep. Even if you yelled at your kids or your dog this morning, and even if you had a bad shift at work, or if you flipped someone the bird on the road this week, or if you are watching on zoom from a prison cell. You, my friends, are part of creation. God has made a covenant with you and placed his open bow facing away from you and all parts of the earth so that you will be protected.

Scholar Dianne Bergant, in Exegetical Perspective, writes that the flood narrative is a story of deliverance and of relationship with God. The covenant is made with all of creation. Bergant’s word, “deliverance,” signals for us protective language.

The symbol of the rainbow in this story signifies the first covenant between God and God’s people. Our call to worship today was taken from Psalm 25 which refers to another covenant between God and God’s people, when the people left Egypt to follow the path God set them on. God’s promises continue and are everlasting, from generation to generation.

I will continue this look at why you are wonderful, and how God is faithful to God’s covenants, but first, let’s move quickly to Mark. Our gospel shows that, in Jesus’s baptism, Jesus willingly enters the “renewal movement” (Oxford Bible, p. 1793) begun by John to prepare God’s people for Jesus’s presence. At the end of our reading today in verse 15, Jesus proclaims the Good News of God and asks the people to turn to God and believe. In our reading, the word used is “repent,” but that’s what repent means, to turn. It doesn’t mean to embroil yourself in agony and guilt, and to then beg for mercy. That seems to be a common, modern understanding of the word. Actually, repent means to re-align yourself, to turn to God whose mercies are new every morning (does that sound familar? It’s a verse from the Old Testament in Lamentations).

Jesus, as the good news himself, has come to remind us of God’s covenants. We are to remember that God made a promise to us in a covenental way -- like a contract with two parties - God and creation, including us. Jesus says that the time is fulfilled and that the kingdom of God is near.

We see more protective language in our gospel reading, but we have to look a little harder. In Mark, we see that Jesus is pushed to the wilderness, i.e. away from God our protector, and is tested with struggles and dangers like Satan and wild beasts. The language of Mark here refers us back to Psalm 7 and Psalm 91, prayers of the people seeking God’s protection from evils represented by wild animals. Jesus, according to Mark, personally acts out the Psalms by leaving God’s refuge, wrestling with temptations, and being cared for by angels from God. God’s covenant is great. God does not leave us to struggle alone.

That is why I declare to you, friends, that you are wonderful, because you are created by God, in covenant with God, and protected by God. You are invited to keep turning to God through this season of Lent and your season of life, preparing your heart not just for the wonder of divine love, but for the celebration of our eternal salvation through Christ.

Friends, Dr. Maya Angelou once recalled the people who had shown her kindness. She said, “I've had so many rainbows in my clouds." That, my friends, is a sign of God’s radiance. Kindness is one way that we can share the hope of the cross. Let us go forth today, trusting in the rainbows, and being rainbows to others, knowing that Jesus Christ is there before us, having led the way and having wrestled with - and beaten - all temptations, We go forth trusting that we are God’s covenant people. We remember that verse from Lamentations 3:22-23, “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; God’s mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Our Prayer for blessing:

Almighty God,

Grant that the words we have heard this day may, through your grace, both honor and praise you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[efredominic]

Working as a librarian:

"What have you been reading? Any good recommendations?"

Available answers:

A.) "We just got this AWESOME picture book in."

B.) "How do you feel about webcomics?"

C.) "Have you heard of AO3?"

D.) Awkward silence then, "Haha, I work with kids and teens, I'm afraid I don't read adult books very much anymore-I can tell you what other people have been reading!" 😅

[faeriekit]

"It's so hard to teach kids consent 🥺" WRONG! Library books be upon ye!

Yes Means Yes, by Elaine Tai: "The various, "everyday" scenarios include the desire to touch someone's hair, play that can frustrate or hurt someone, and how someone might feel uncomfortable being touched or approached. Children will learn the importance of using their voice and listening when others use theirs, and parents can use the scenes as a foundation for further conversation."

Connor Kissed Me, by Zehava: "After Connor kisses Miriam on the playground, she tells a number of people who have differing reactions to the incident, until her mother encourages her to listen to and stand up for her own feelings."

Talking to kids about important topics goes way easier when you give them a basic expectation of what these experiences and situations might look like!

Additionally:

Emphasize to children that barring all necessary medical or safety interventions, their body belongs to them, and shouldn't be touched without permission. Yes, this does mean the conversation about vaccinations is going to take longer than usual. Consider it a trade-off.

Emphasize the affirmation, not the rejection! Sometimes people say no, and we respect that, and sometimes friends say YES to hugs and cheek kisses, and we get to share that with them!

There are plenty of alternatives to hugs and kisses! Don't want a hug? How about a high five? How about a pinky-promise? If you can't hold hands, why don't you hold onto my jacket, or I can hold onto your sleeve? Teaching kids how to ask for and offer alternatives when their peer says "No" goes a long way.

Encourage little kids not to keep "body secrets" at the request of others from their parents. If someone is asking them to hide something about their body from their parent, that's a huge concern.

Ask before hugging. Ask before kissing. Make other adults— yes, even nosy relatives—ask your child before a hug or a kiss. You can even model asking for physical affection with the co-parent if you have one. Modeling respect is worth it.

Lots of daycares are working harder to teach consent to younger children at younger ages. Some daycares are very proactive. Some are not. If you are in a position where you are interviewing multiple facilities about whether or not to place your child there, it's something that you can ask. "Do you have a stance on hugging between children, or between children and adults? What does it look like? Do you encourage boundary setting?"

And I like to think that we're beyond telling children that their bullies are secretly interested in them or want their attention but stop telling children that the other children who are harassing them are showing interest. 🔪 Stop it.

Children deserve safe, strong, respected boundaries! 🫂

[nilporg]

Supporting Young Adults: The Importance of Independent Living Programs in Massachusetts

At the point when young adults are transitioning into freedom, it's fundamental to give them the right abilities and support to prevail in reality. Independent living programs in Massachusetts play a critical part in enabling these people and furnishing them with essential fundamental skills.

These programs mean to assist young adults with becoming independent and further develop their general prosperity. In this article, we will investigate why separate living programs are so significant for young adults in Massachusetts. We will likewise highlight the advantages of these programs and the different assets accessible to assist them with accomplishing independent living.

The Importance of Independent Living Programs

Independent living programs are exceptionally crucial as they assist young adults with fostering their skills and confidence expected to explore grown-up life effectively. These programs offer support, direction, and resources that empower young people to become independent and benefit society. One of the vital benefits of independent living programs is their attention to fundamental abilities. Members master commonsense skills, for example, overseeing cash, tracking down a stable place to live, and dealing with their well-being. By acquiring this information and involved insight, young adults can go with informed choices and fabricate a strong starting point for their future.

Moreover, it focuses on self-awareness and emotional well-being. Independent Living Programs give counseling, workshops, and group exercises that address emotional well-being, connections, and self-awareness. These drives assist young adults with turning out to be stronger, help their confidence, and foster positive ways of adapting to difficulties, guaranteeing they are better prepared to confront life's high and low points.

Supporting Young Adults in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is committed to supporting young adults through different independent living programs. These programs are accessible for people aged 18 to 25 transitioning from child care, suffering from homelessness, or coming up short on a supportive family climate. One outstanding system in Massachusetts is the NILP Youth Services program, which offers various services to help young adults accomplish freedom.

NILP provides essential resources, including help finding housing, education and vocational training support, and mentoring. Stable housing is crucial for independence, ensuring that young adults can access different housing options, such as subsidized apartments or shared living arrangements. This not just provides them with a protected and stable place to call home yet, in addition, provides them with a feeling of safety and belonging.

Education assumes an imperative part in planning young adults for progress. Such services offer support programs that help individuals pursue higher education or vocational training. These programs ensure that young adults gain the necessary qualifications and skills for finding sustainable employment, paving the way for a brighter future.

Mentoring is another essential aspect of such programs in Massachusetts. The state perceives the significance of mentorship in directing young adults through the difficulties of adulthood. Tutors offer support, direction, and encouragement, acting as good examples and assisting young people with fostering the skills and flexibility to overcome obstacles. Building meaningful relationships through mentorship programs creates a robust support system, significantly increasing the chances of successful independent living outcomes.

Massachusetts provides a wide range of community resources that complement independent living programs. Job training centers, career counseling services, and healthcare clinics are readily available to support young adults' journey toward independence. These resources ensure that young individuals can address their needs comprehensively, covering various aspects of their lives and helping them thrive.

Conclusion

Independent living programs for young adults in Massachusetts play a crucial role in supporting young adults as they transition into independence. By providing essential life skills, promoting personal growth, and offering comprehensive resources, these programs empower young individuals to build a strong foundation for their future. Massachusetts's commitment to supporting young adults is evident through programs like MILI and the availability of community resources. By investing in the independence and well-being of young adults, Massachusetts is nurturing a generation of empowered individuals ready to contribute to society and achieve their full potential.

NILP Youth Services Program is an extraordinary drive explicitly intended to enable and support young adults in Massachusetts. With an emphasis on personalized support, mentoring, and access to vital resources, the program furnishes young adults with the fundamental skills for fruitful independent living. From helping with housing needs to offering educational help and vocational training opportunities, NILP guarantees that young adults have the tools and resources needed to flourish. By joining the NILP Youth Services Program, young adults leave on an excursion of personal growth, independence, and future achievement. This program offers an extraordinary experience, opening the capability of every person and preparing for a splendid and empowered future.

Source: https://nilporg.blogspot.com/2023/06/supporting-young-adults-importance-of.html

[lesterpubliclibrary]

Mouse Puppets by Lester Public Library Via Flickr: Get a sweet & tiny mouse puppet in the new Story Time To Go pack! Pick up at the front desk or drive-thru. Library card required to check out the BOOKS that accompany packs.Lester Public Library, Two Rivers, Wisconsin

[loveconsumerist]

Over sharing a bit 🤎 This year I took on a volunteer opportunity where I am teaching and mentoring youth. It brings me so much joy to help instill the importance of having high self esteem and discipline(especially for young girls). Stepping outside of my comfort zone has truly brought nothing but positivity in my life! These new experiences are helping me learn a lot about who I am.

[himissjulie]

Teens, Trauma, and the Future of Libraries

let's talk about teens, trauma, and the future of libraries

Imagine if a library closed its doors from 3-5 p.m. every day, which just happens to be when the Senior Center across the street lets out for leisure time, and heading to the library was a popular activity. Now those seniors need to go somewhere else during that time. Imagine if a library decided that they had too many behavior problems when disabled patrons were in the library, so they…

[indigenous-youth-and-depression]

Good2Talk is an excellent, confidential and free counselling and support services for Indigenous youth.

[elliotinablueroom]

Today a young girl came into the children’s area and asked me where the spell books were. She gleefully went home with a stack of books on science experiments and magic tricks.