Programs
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Through
its programs, Spirit of Youth reinforces the Developmental
Assets all young people need to succeed. The organization is governed
by a Board of Directors, and three of the directors are youth!
There are five programs within Spirit of Youth
- Positive Youth Media Campaign
- Alaska Teen Media Institute
- Youth Civic Engagement
- Youth Friendly Business Program
- Local Recognition
- Statewide Annual Awards Banquet
Positive Youth Media Campaign
Spirit
of Youth began in 1997 as a media-based project, to address the growing
negative image of teenagers. Since then, hundreds of positive
stories about Alaska youth have spread through television, radio and
local newspapers. Nominations are made by anyone wishing to recognize
a hard-working, inspiring young person. The Teen Action Council reviews
and makes recommendations on stories from across Alaska in eleven categories.
More about the Positive Youth Media Campaign...
Alaska Teen Media Institute (ATMI)
ATMI provides journalism training for youth and creates a distribution
point for teen-related news in Alaska. ATMI functions as a teen newsroom
where youth work as reporters, editors and producers, under the guidance
of experienced journalists. Currently, the stories are aired on radio,
printed in a regular newsletter and are available on the ATMI web site.
Monthly installments of “In Other News” air live on partner
station KNBA in Anchorage. ATMI also provides media skills training for
other teen groups.
For more information, visit http://www.alaskateenmedia.org/
Youth Civic Engagement
The
Teen Action Council is committed to helping
the community through a variety of service civic projects. For three seasons,
the Council has sponsored the Youth Vote project—to
increase civic engagement by teens. Youth Vote provides a non-partisan
venue for empowering youth to vote and become involved in the democratic
process. Gubernatorial (in 2002) and US Senate (in 2004) candidate debates
for students have also been sponsored in partnership with the League
of Women Voters.
Youth Friendly Business Program
A Youth
Friendly Business treats teenage customers with respect, hires
youth, encourages their school success and helps prepare them for
future careers. Nominations are made by anyone throughout the year, and
reviewed by the Teen Action Council. For–profit businesses that meet
the criteria and receive passing grades by local youth investigators
are awarded the Youth Friendly Business certificate, a window decal and
receive local media recognition.
More about the Youth Friendly Business Program...
Local
Recognition
Every teenager(ages 12-19) or youth group nominated for a Spirit of Youth
award receives a letter of congratulations and special recognition packet
including a CD case, keychain and thank you pin to give to someone special
in their life. A school board member or other local official presents
them with an official certificate of recognition signed by the Lt. Governor
of Alaska at a community meeting. Two winners from each award category
are then selected every year by our Teen Action Council. These winners
are brought to Anchorage for an annual awards banquet in March.
More about the Local Recognition Program...
Statewide Annual Awards Banquet
A
Teen Action Council reviews all of the nominations submitted throughout
the year in each of eleven award categories. Two winners are selected
in each category and brought to Anchorage for an annual awards banquet
in March. The annual awards banquet is underwritten by multiple sponsors
and donors.
More about the Statewide Annual Awards Banquet...
Home | Programs | Teen Action Council | Sponsors & Partners | Board of Directors | Contact Us
Spirit of Youth | PO Box 243721, Anchorage
Alaska 99524-3721 | (907) 566-7676