OCYS November '24 Issue : simplebooklet.com

VisionAbout UsThrough trust, transparency,equity, and inclusion, the Cityof San Diego, Office of Childand Youth Success willcoordinate a network ofcommunity stakeholders thatwill provide a sharedframework to deliver high-impact solutions to challengingcircumstances for youngpeople empowering them tothrive in the community theyserve.The Office of Child &Youth Success willserve as a navigationand connection pointfor residents seekingsupportive servicesand programming foryouth ages 24 andbelow.MissionThe Office of Child andYouth Success isdedicated toprioritizing San Diego’syoungest communityby providing access toresources, services andhigh-quality programsto improve social,health, andeducational outcomes.CreatorsEach of our monthlynewsletters is createdby the OCYS Interns:Tianna FairAmy GianettoAlisha SupanekarKwincy LambertTessa Garrison2

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Gianetto, AmeliaSupanekar, AlishaFair, TiannaLambert, KwincyGarrison, TessaRyan, TaraENGAGING ACTIVITIESQ2:Accessibility: The youth want to expand programs inmarginalized areas and improve access at under-resourced recreation centers.Awareness: They recognize the need to spreadawareness and enhance transportation options.Outreach: They plan to use social media and flyers toinform the community about programs.School Collaboration: They aim to work with schoolsto ensure students are aware of available programs.Community Engagement: They want to promoteprograms during back-to-school nights and PTAmeetings, targeting parents for involvement.What are the benefits of recreational and literacyprograms in community centers and libraries foryouth? How can we make these resources moreaccessible across different neighborhoods?Q6:What do you consider an engaging activity? What typesof activities would you like to see available now, or whatwould you have liked during high school?Community Building: Start activities with questions (e.g.,favorite movie) to foster connections and expand to largergroups.Engagement Activities: Highlight experiences from a highschool sophomore and a 21-year-old daughter in sports toemphasize feeling part of something larger.Social Connections: Ensure youth engage in communityactivities (clubs, sports) that promote social bonds.Physical Engagement: Encourage participation in activitiesoutside school, like volunteering and awareness-raising ingreen spaces, instead of passive presentations.Q1:HERE’S WHAT THE YOUTH COUNCIL HAD TO SAY ABOUT FOCUSAREA ONE OUTLINED IN THE CHILD AND YOUTH PLAN:Q3:We’ve struggled to engage youth and boost attendance.What would motivate young people to join fun activities?Free Offerings: They focused on inviting youth to the center,but attendance remained low.Event Example: They organized an ice cream social with foodat the end of events, as well as free movies and game nights,providing fun activities.Partner Programs: Programs like SHIFT for ages 12-18 aimedto empower youth, helping them recognize that they had avoice.Safe Space: Focus on creating a safe space for youth to expressthemselves and engage with one another.Q4:Think of a fun event you’ve participated in (orheard about). Was it accessible, affordable, andinclusive? What did you like or dislike?Comfort Through Participation: Youth at the SanDiego Native American Health Center felt morecomfortable as they engaged in activities.Event Example: They participated in activities likeraffles, bike giveaways, free food, and park events.Youth Change-Makers Summit: This eventempowered youth to engage with their communityand envision positive changes, offering freeparticipation.Cost Considerations: It's important to recognize thatevent and sports tickets can be expensive,highlighting the need for accessibility.Transportation Access: Youth emphasized theimportance of public transportation for attendingevents.Q5:Collaboration with City Departments: The youth aimto work with existing city departments to enhancecommunity programs.Spreading Awareness: They want to increaseawareness of various events happening within thecity.Based on City policy and priorities, what ideas doyou have to support this focus area?What organizations are you aware of that offer engagingactivities? What activities do you know of that theyprovide? Mid City Can: Meets Fridays to discuss youth issues in CityHeights.Chrysalis: Provides accessible classes for the Barrio Logancommunity.SHIFT Program: For ages 12-18, it uses performing arts forself-expression, with sessions Tuesday and Thursday and aFamily Friday program.3

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OCYS Team Spotlightsandiego.gov/child-youth-success@SDChildYouthSuccessOCYS@SanDiego.govOctober Youth NewsletterAlisha has been a managementintern with OCYS since January2024, and in CouncilmemberCampillo’s office before that!Youth Changemakers SummitOCYS sponsored the event,presented about our work, andshared resources and engagementopportunities it the youth andyouth allies in attendance.Update: CYPThe CYP, developed with stakeholderinput, including youth, was unanimouslyadopted by City Council in July 2024. OCYSnow focuses on implementing strategiestoward its five focus areas.NLC Early Learning Nation OCYS joined San Diego partners (YMCACRS, Educational Enrichment Systems,and more) at the National League ofCities Earl Learning Nation CA CohortSummit in Sacramento in Sept.And So Much More . . . We Choose CareWhere OCYS joined the ChildrenFirst Collective and other partners,families, early care and educationproviders, local officials, advocates,and community members. Child Care ProgramsOCYS launched year 2 of the MunicipalChild Care Benefit Pilot Program,which provides support to Cityemployees for the cost of childcare. OCYS interns create a monthlyyouth newsletter, full of currenttopics, resources, events, and more! What’s Happening Within OCYS andWhat Upcoming Events Are HostedBy OCYSOCYS Connections provides a regularupdate about the City of San Diego’s Officeof Child and Youth Success for City andcommunity partners.OCYSConnectionsSign Up Here!6Topics from the October issue:

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NATIVE AMERICANHERITAGE MONTHWhy Celebrate?HistoryResourcesNative American Heritage Month is celebrated nationally during Novemberand recognizes the contributions and influence of Native American history,culture and advancement. It is a time to celebrate the traditions, languagesand stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliatedIsland communities and ensure their rich histories and contributions continueto thrive with each passing generation. This November and every month, wecelebrate the culture and heritage of these remarkable Americans who deeplyenrich the quality and character of our Nation. We celebrate Indian Countrywith its remarkable diversity of American Indian and Alaska Native culturesand peoples while remembering and honoring our veterans who havesacrificed so much to defend our Nation.National American Indian Heritage Month traces its origins to 1986 whenCongress passed a law establishing "American Indian Week" from November23-30. President Reagan issued a proclamation recognizing American Indiansas the original inhabitants of the U.S. and highlighting their contributions toAmerican society. In 1990, Congress expanded the observance, designatingNovember as National American Indian Heritage Month. November waschosen as it marks the end of the traditional harvest season, a time ofthanksgiving and celebration for many American Indian cultures.San Diego AmericanIndian Health CenterEvents CalendarUC San DiegoIntertribal ResourceCenter Database7

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Many people cite their parentsas being their number one rolemodels. But there are manymentorship opportunities thatcan be just as valuable, asmentors can become lifelongrelationships.What is it about?This is a month to celebrate the people in our liveswho we look up to and inspire us. They set apositive example of what we want to follow. Rolemodels are important for everyone, but they areespecially important for teenagers as they aredeveloping their identity. A role model can bepersonal, professional, or both.Think about who your role model is. Who do you lookup to, who inspires you, who do you aspire to be like?If this is someone you know personally, whether youare very close with them or you are just on friendlyterms, you can:Tell them why they’re your role model and howthey’ve changed, impacted, or helped your life.1.Thank them for being the amazing person theyare and for how they’ve helped you!2.This can seem uncomfortable or intimidating, buteveryone loves to feel appreciated and will be gratefulfor your kind words! Read more here.Resources/OpportunitiesHow to CelebrateMentoring Coalition of San Diego County:Program List Boys to Men Mentoring NetworkBig Brothers Big SistersJIT Foster Youth ProgramSay San Diego mentoring programs for justice-involved youthGirls Rising (2 mentorship programs)Become a mentee or mentor (for girls 8-17)Women Emerging (for women ages 18-24) 8

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VETERANS DAYN O V E M B E R 1 1 T HROTC (Reserve Officers' TrainingCorps) programs are college-based,officer commissioning programs fortraining commissioned officers inthe U.S. Armed Forces. ROTCprograms instill leadership skills,discipline, and a strong sense ofresponsibility in youth, preparingthem for future challenges. Theyalso foster a sense of communityand teamwork, helping participantsdevelop lifelong friendships andconnections. Many of the university’sin San Diego offer varying branchesof ROTC programs. The Student Volunteer Program atVA medical centers offers youth theopportunity to gain valuable medicalexperience and training, which canhelp with college and jobapplications. Student volunteers areactively involved with the treatmentteam, serving as liaisons with theircommunities while caring forVeterans.ROTC PROGRAMSThe observance of November 11th each year is tocommemorate and honor all United States militaryVeterans for their service and sacrifice. This holidaywas established originally as Armistice Day, at theend of World War I. After World War II, the U.SCongress changed the holiday’s name to what weknow it as now, Veterans Day. STUDENT VOLUNTEER PROGRAMFleet Week San Diego is an annualevent that celebrates the U.S.military and its service members,featuring ship tours, livedemonstrations, and variouscommunity activities. 9

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PROFESSIONALDEVELOPMENTEffective StrategiesWhat is ProfessionalDevelopment?Why is professionaldevelopment important?Sharpening and strengthening yourprofessional development will cultivatethe opportunity for career advancementand success. Having a wide range ofskills and experience will allow you tostand out from a crowd of applicants.Furthering your professionaldevelopment will cause you to learnnew schools and hone in on old ones. According to an article published by the HarvardBusiness School, “Professional developmentgoals are short- and long-term benchmarks thatencourage career growth, increase productivity,and support your personal and professionalinterests,”. Apprenticeships!Apprenticeships provide hands-on, practicaltraining that allows individuals to gain industry-specific skills under the guidance and supervisionof experienced professionals.Free Online Courses for SkillDevelopment!10

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Learning styles are the ways individuals absorb and retaininformation. Recognizing these differences in educationhelps tailor communication, enhancing engagement andcomprehension.Use Your Learning Style EffectivelyLearning Styles:Take A Free Learning Style Quiz:How Do You Learn?How Do You Learn?VisualIndividuals whoprefer to absorb andprocess informationthrough visual aids(i.e., maps, graphs,diagrams, etc.)Individuals whoprefer to learn bydoing. They enjoy ahands-on experience.AuditoryIndividuals who learnbetter when they takein information inauditory form when itis heard or spoken.Reading/WritingIndividuals consumeinformation best whenit’s in words, whetherthat’s by writing itdown or reading it.Kinesthetic Highlighting key concepts, terms, and categories withdifferent colors can help create visual associations,making it easier to recall information later.When studying or reviewing notes, read the materialaloud. Hearing yourself say the words can help withcomprehension and retention.After reading a textbook or article, rewrite the keyconcepts in your own words. This practice deepenscomprehension and helps you retain the material.Repeatedly practicing a skill or task can help solidifyyour understanding. This could be through physicalexercises, drills, or real-life applications.Best suited events include Workshops, Hands-OnLearning Sessions, Art Exhibitions, and Science Fairsor Technology Expos etc. Best suited events include Debate Clubs or PublicSpeaking Events, Lectures and Seminars, Podcastsand Live Discussions, and Networking Events etc. Best suited events include Workshops on Notetakingand Study Skills, Workshops with Handouts, CreativeWriting Events, and Book Clubs or Reading Groupsetc. Best suited events include Workshops and Labs,Interactive Exhibits or Demonstrations, Theater orPerformance Workshops, and Physical Activities orSports Clinics etc. Learn More Here!Learn More Here!Learn More Here!Learn More Here!Learn More Here!Learn More Here!Learn More Here!Learn More Here!11

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YOUTH LEADERSHIP TEAMThe Live Well San Diego Youth SectorTeam is hiring! Interested in workingwith a dedicated team who advise,educate, and organize around youthneeds in San Diego County? Youthand young adults ages 16-24 areencouraged to apply. Visit our websitefor more information!Applications are due November 11,2024 at 11:59PM. For questions,contact us atLiveWellYouth@sdcounty.ca.govTown HallsGoals Amplify diverse and marginalized youthvoices1.Build understanding of youth issues andpriorities2.Provide opportunities for young people toshare experiences and network3.Bridge intergenerational gaps betweenyouth, community stakeholders, andmembers of local government4.Establish a call to action5.Food Insecurity: Youth inAction Town HallEach Attendee will have an opportunity to win agift card!Join to learn about food insecurity and challengesin San Diego, share your lived experience relatedto the access to nutritious food, and encouragethe shaping of community-driven solutions forfood equity.SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27TH, 202411:00 AM - 12:30 PMJoin the YouthSector!12

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This day encourages usto become more awareof stress, its causes, andits effects. It's anopportunity to open adialogue about mentalhealth and to seeksolutions for reducingstress both individuallyand collectively.STRESSAWARENESSDAYSTRESSAWARENESSDAYStress affects both themind and the body. Alittle bit of stress isgood and can help usperform dailyactivities. Too muchstress can causephysical and mentalhealth problems.Learning how tocope with stress canhelp us feel lessoverwhelmed andsupport our mentaland physical well-being. Support them to seek helpHelp with causes of stressTake A BreakSlow DownStay ActiveREMEMBER:REMEMBER:Help them relaxReassure themHOW TO SUPPORT:HOW TO SUPPORT:Help identify their triggersCrying spells or bursts of angerCOMMON SIGNS:COMMON SIGNS:Difficulty eatingLosing interest in daily activitiesIncreasing physical distress symptoms(i.e., headaches or stomach pains)FatigueAvoiding family and friendsFeeling guilty, helpless, or hopelessCLICK HERE FORMORE INFORMATIONAND TIPS WHEN ITCOMES TO STRESS!CLICK HERE FORMORE INFORMATIONAND TIPS WHEN ITCOMES TO STRESS!13

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Let’s TalkSavingsBANK ACCOUNTTips for saving so you can besuccessful!TipsSavings AccountsWhy Save?Keep track of yoursavings! Knowexactly how muchyou have saved andset goals foryourself.Set aside a portion of your incomeinto a savings account everypaycheck. This can start small andgrow as you deem necessary. Saving is a key ingredient to creating andmaintaining a healthy financial future.Practicing money saving habits can allow youto hold more peace of mind and broaden youropportunities for success. The sooner you begin tovalue savings the sooneryour assets will begin togrow. Start today byinvesting in your financialfuture and taking controlof your finances.A savings account is usually held with a creditunion or bank of your choosing that is createdfor the sole purpose of holding and saving yourmoney. Oftentimes a savings account will pay ayield of interest overtime, some savingsaccounts have a higher yield pay than others. These accounts allow forconvenient moneysavings, as well as accessto your savings if neededin an emergencysituation.16

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POST HIGHSCHOOL PLANSPOST HIGHSCHOOL PLANS4 Year Institution Community CollegeTrade School ApprenticeshipsEssay and Test Prep Low CostResourcesFinancial Aid17University of California (UC) college systemThe California State University (CSU)Private college educationLearn more about the Common ApplicationCalifornia Community CollegesEvery year roughly 80,000 students transferto the UCs or CSUsIs community college right for me?Is trade school right for me?Dental hygienist, electrician,plumber, HVAC mechanicA trade school is a postsecondary institutionwhere students learn technical skills for successin specific occupations. Apprenticeships Fact SheetYouth apprenticeshipApprenticeship vs Trade school?An apprenticeship is an employer-led programcombining paid work with classroom training,leading to a nationally-recognized credential.Financial aid is any money being given to astudent pursuing a higher education after highschoolFAFSAScholarships and Opportunities2024 Annual Statewide Financial AidWorkshopsSpecific universities will host workshopsMake sure to reach out to your counselor tosee what resources your school hasHow to write a college application essayCollegeboard test prepKhan Academy test prepResourcesYouth volunteer opportunities Library homework help Mental health support

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You Saved Me Foundation - ACESprogram (meant for low incomeyouth)Junior Achievement of San DiegoCountyCLASS OPPORTUNITIES:WIT (offers college-credit classes formiddle and high schoolers)The Entrepreneurship Academy (aschool program for middle and highschoolers)FOR TEENAGE GIRLS/YOUNG WOMEN:DETOUR FancyMana de San Diego - HermanitasWomen EmergingWOMEN’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP DAYWOMEN’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP DAY NOVEMBER 19THAccording to this article, “Anentrepreneur is someone whodevelops an enterprise aroundan innovation. They managethe business and assume therisk for its success.”Women’s Entrepreneurship day was started by the non-profit Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization(WEDO). The day is all about highlighting the importanceof women entrepreneurs in bringing about positivechange. It aims to celebrate, honor, support, andempower women and girls globally. It is about a vision of“a world where all women and girls can contribute to andreap the rewards of global economic growth fully,meaningfully, and equally.” Read more here.Founder & CEO at Maya’s CookiesMAYA MADSENWOMAN ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT:OPPORTUNITIES AND PROGRAMSI started Maya's Cookies because I couldn't find agourmet vegan cookie on the market so I had tocreate it myself! I was also facing double tuitionbills as 2 of my sons were attending college at thesame time and needed to bring in extra money forthe family to support them. My side hustle out ofmy home kitchen has since grown to becomeAmerica's #1 Black owned gourmet vegan cookiecompany in America! My community has beeninstrumental in supporting Maya's Cookies and Iam proud to be able to give back in meaningfulways as my business grows.18

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2024UpcomingEventsNovemberNOV23Come enjoy a FREE yoga class from Fit Athletic! This "Bootcamp Yoga" session will be led byViktoria Talbot at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, so be ready to WORK! Fit Athletic Yoga at the Rady Shell NOV2-3San Diego’s Dia de los Muertos Celebration This family friendly Cultural event will transform Gaslamp into a bustling mercadowith artisan makers, vibrant décor, dozens of dining options, bountiful margaritaselections, and live performances throughout the weekend.Children’s StorytimeBring your children or grandchildren to the Athenaeum's free Children's Storytimeat 3 and 3:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Great for children ages 1 through 9. This is a freeevent. Reservations are not necessary.NOV620Winer Family Community Room Come and buy some books from the San Carlos Friends of the Library (SCFOL)! We havehardbacks, paperbacks, books on CD, children’s books, and more! Funds help the San CarlosBranch Library purchase books, programs, and equipment.2NOVNOVNOV2-3Exposure 2024: Women's SkateboardingCompetitionExposure Skate is dedicated to empowering women, girls and nonbinary individuals throughskateboarding and teaching compassion through service.Ocean Beach Certified Farmers' MarketThis farmer's market in Ocean Beach offers an array of groceries and goodies. Featureditems include fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, seafood, dairy products, dry goods,prepared foods, and specialty treats.27

OCYS November '24 Issue

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