Principles behind the Big Picture (Youth, Community, Change)

This volume pulls together a range of reflections from members of the International Learning Group (ILG) members, Latin American friends and staff. The bulk of the volume is devoted to the individual and collective essays, interviews, statements and reports written or inspired by the ILG members during and after the Latin American visit.

This guide provides a roadmap through many documents and several years of work on the Community and Youth Development Series that was published with the support of the Ford Foundation in an effort to consolidate answers to basic questions.

This report explores three important trends and their implications: 1) Our understanding of how to best address the problems and needs of youth, 2) there is interest within the field that provides fresh impetus for youth as change agents, and 3) youth are increasingly tackling challenges in their community.

There are numerous child and youth development frameworks being used by youth serving organizations and government entities.

Summary of Columbus, IN, Ready by 21® strategic planning process and how youth are: Learning, Working, Thriving, Connecting, Contributing.

(NOTE: Print back to back on 8 1/2 x 11" paper for best reading results,)

By Karen Pittman, April 2003

While the debate over whether after-school programs make a difference in academic achievement takes shape inside the Washington Beltway, more good news has been deposited on the bridge where research, policy and practice meet.

By Karen Pittman, July 2003

We're getting close.

On June 5, 50 hand-picked researchers, practitioners and policy experts from academia and youth development gathered in Washington at the behest of the U.S. Department of Education to prioritize youth performance indicators used to assess after-school programs the department funds. The stakes were high. The discussions were surprisingly good.

By Karen Pittman, October 2003