This toolkit pulls together articles, resources and programs which can assist agencies in adopting a Positive Youth Development (PYD) approach to working with newcomer youth. Mainstream and newcomer service providers alike should benefit from these resources and examples of “promising practices” in youth programming. The Resource Charts are organized according to stages of the program development cycle, and include the following “Toolboxes”:
TOOLBOX #1: Background on Positive Youth Development
TOOLBOX #2: Assets and Needs Assessments
TOOLBOX #3: Program Planning
TOOLBOX #4: Program Design 1) Leadership/Empowerment 2) Afterschool 3) Mentoring 4) Employment
TOOLBOX #5: Fundraising
TOOLBOX #6: Program Implementation
TOOLBOX #7: Program Evaluation
TOOLBOX #8: “Promising Practices”
It is important to keep in mind that, although these sections are listed as discrete stages, they are actually integrated processes. For example, Program Evaluation is listed last; however, it should be integrated into Program Planning and every stage thereafter.3 The majority of the resources in this Toolkit are brief, practical, and available for free download to encourage ease of use by busy practitioners. BRYCS is providing this Toolkit to enable service providers to learn more about the Positive Youth Development approach, to develop new programs, and to enhance and sustain existing programs. Most of all, it is hoped that this effort will encourage and support the development of more effective programming for refugee and immigrant youth, so that all youth may reach their potential.