The University of Minnesota Extension Service will be providing professional development and training on youth development practices and principles for supervisors, front line youth workers, volunteers and other adults in the community who work with and care about youth.

This program is called MN BEST: Promoting Youth Development. MN BEST provides interactive learning sessions in the philosophy, language and best practices of positive youth development that can be adapted to different organization needs.

The MN BEST program, developed and delivered by youth workers, brings hands-on activities, research based materials and a process of reflection and engagement that encourages youth workers to make direct connections to their daily work. Participants have opportunities to network with other youth workers and discover new ways to put their skills and abilities to work for the best in youth outcomes.

Promoting Youth Development covers the following topics:

– Understanding Positive Youth Development

– Knowing Youth in Context

– Supporting Youth Needs

– Intentional Opportunities and Outcomes

– Assumptions and Barriers to Participation

– Youth & Adults as Partners

– Youth Worker Roles & Characteristics

– Engaging the Community of Behalf of Youth

The fee for all sessions in the Southeastern Region of Minnesota will be $75. This fee includes the complete 24 hour course, handbook, and morning refreshments. Certificates of Completion will be awarded at the last session. College graduate credit is also available for the course through the University of Minnesota.

The next session available will be in Albert Lea at the Country Inn Suites. The training will be held four consecutive Tuesdays starting Feb. 6, and ending on Feb. 27, 2003.

he sessions will begin at 8:30 a.m. and continue till 2:30 p.m. with a short break for lunch.

Two other trainings will be held later in the year:

Red Wing, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Tuesdays, March 4-25, and Faribault, 9:00 a.m. to noon Thursdays, March 13 to May 1.

To register, please contact the University of Minnesota Extension Service Office or contact regional Community Youth Development Educator Ann Walter at 437-9552. Registrations are due by Jan. 24 for the training in Albert Lea.