MnPDC Partner Organizations
Many of you may be aware that a number of people who participate in the work of the MnPDC also work with Youth Community Connections, Youth Community Connections is an advocacy alliance of public and private organizations that offer and support youth development. It promotes the positive development of Minnesota youth and is working on some initiatives that are similar to the work of the MnPDC.
The MnPDC coordinator meets with YCC staff on a quarterly basis to update each other and strategize about the best ways to share our knowledge and resources.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with the great work YCC is doing on behalf of youth and those who work with them, here is some of what YCC has to say about itself:
Youth Community Connections works to ensure all Minnesota communities have options for children and youth to learn, develop, and contribute during non-school hours.
Founded in 2001, our mission is to ensure that all Minnesota communities have options for children and youth to learn, develop, and contribute during non-school hours.
• In 2004, we joined with the University of Minnesota to sponsor the Minnesota Commission on Out-of-school Time. That group’s groundbreaking report, Journeys into Community, provides our partnership with a blueprint for action over the next few years.
• We commissioned Frameworks Institute, a national issue-framing firm, to pursue communications research on youth development. Their 2005 report and recommendations have been useful not only to Youth Community Connections, but to other organizations that advocate on behalf of youth.
Youth Development keeps Minnesota communities vital. We often talk about community development in terms of new houses and businesses, but the backbone of every city and town is human beings--solid, decent adults and youth who feel a sense of responsibility and a desire to contribute.
Today's young people are the adults we're going to depend on tomorrow--as workers, leaders, voters, friends, and neighbors. We'll call on them to help solve complex problems, make critical decisions, and care for us as we age. Right now, we should be doing everything we can to make sure they continue to grow into well rounded, successful citizens and family members. |
