The Youth Community Network

Maintaining bonds and reinforcing the strength of this network of future Mississippi leaders.

On the heels of the Summer Youth Institute’s success in 2012, we began to focus on deepening the sense of community among alumni from previous years. Supporting self-development (using mindfulness, time management, and stress management tools) and preparing for the next phase of life, especially college, have emerged as central to the network.

Multi-cohort reunions, social gatherings, book clubs, and virtual kickbacks are just a few ways The Alluvial Collective supports these young leaders in nurturing their community.

The Youth Community Network programming has several purposes:

• Maintain the strength of this network of future Mississippi leaders;
• Expand the curriculum of community engagement, relationship building, and equity ignited at Summer Youth Institute and other AC Youth Engagement experiences;
• Collaborate with the YCN to refine strategies and insights to share with communities and leaders;
• Strengthen the enduring effectiveness and impact of YCN members’ community projects and leadership by helping them establish action plans, evaluate their efforts, and explore processes for building momentum toward progress.

Alluvial Collective staff also seeks to establish relationships where they can be supportive and resourceful to participants as they transition from high school to college or career and deeper civic participation.

The Youth Community Network is emerging as a great opportunity for our alumni to cross-pollinate and strengthen each other through discussions of their successes and opportunities back home. Young leaders benefit from being in an emotionally and educationally safe space to brainstorm and build their knowledge bases and capacities to create the change they desire to see.