ESON and MSN: October Meeting Recap

​During this month’s Network Meeting, we focused on the meaning of quality staff and its importance for our programs and the communities we serve. Breaking out into four groups, we asked each group what key attributes they believe define a high-quality youth worker.

​The groups also had the chance to discuss: 
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• How do you assess whether a staff member is truly connecting with the youth they work with?
• How do you measure the impact of a staff member’s work on the overall success of youth programs?
• How do you ensure that staff members are up-to-date with best practices and evolving trends in youth work?
• How does a staff member’s ability to work collaboratively with colleagues influence their overall quality?

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Based on these colorful conversations, network members had the opportunity to create a visual representation of their quality team members. From stethoscopes to duckfeet, the drawings represented each group's unique vision of a quality team member. Check out the drawings below!

​Finally, we reviewed a few antiracism scenarios and discussed the key attributes that would help our quality team members respond effectively and appropriately to the situation.

Community Announcements

Connor Epsteinkraus - The Cambridge Public Health Department and Family Policy Council are forming a Youth Wellness Working Group to develop policy and program recommendations and a plan to ensure every young person in our community has the skills, supports, and opportunities they need to thrive. All the details are in this proposal and slideshow. They are hoping to get a diverse group of people with multiple perspectives to join us. If you or anyone you know might be interested, fill out this Google form: https://forms.gle/dXgZuDsqrmiCyGTy9

​Puja Kranz-Howe - The YWCA’s GOLD and GEY programs for 12-18 year olds are starting at the end of October at CRLS. The programs run once a week until May. Drop-ins are okay! See the flyers for more information. Participants can receive a $100 stipend or community service hours.

Jordan Harvey - Tutoring Plus has put together a monthly math digest for grades 4-8 to illustrate what’s happening in math classrooms.  Contact Jordan for more information: [email protected]​

Carol Urbano - Welcome Carol! Carol is new to the Network having recently been hired at the MIT Museum as the Teen Programs Coordinator. Feel free to reach out to Carol: [email protected]