Life Defined Event Series

We have been championing a new initiative which is geared towards furthering our commitment to youth engagement in the state of Delaware. "Life Defined" is a series of volunteer engagement events designed to facilitate mutually beneficial interactions between UWD board members and small groups of Delaware youth centered around the concept of a life map. When you share a life map, you are sharing and connecting with others in the most personal way by choosing to reveal your authentic self. The concept is simple, yet powerful - individuals from all walks of life and those young or young at heart thoughtfully talk about a handful of major, life-defining moments that have contributed to shaping them into he singularly unique person they are today. The board members have a wonderful opportunity to act as asset builders for the youth with whom they are fortunate enough to engage. In collaboration with several host organizations such as Christina Cultural Arts Center, Delaware Futures, YMCA Black Achievers, 4H Health Living Ambassadors, and One Village Alliance, UWD wanted to offer 5 two-hour events throughout March and April in New Castle, Kent, and Sussex County. Through using a tool called a "Life Map" our board members are able to recount major life experiences that have helped to shape the people they are today. This creates a satisfying experience for both the adults and youth involved as we focus on the similarities that inherently shape our lives rather than the issues that separate us. Our goal for the youth through this program focuses on keeping a emphasis on strengthening and acquiring assets rather than emphasizing deficits.   Throughout these "Life Defined" events we have been able to establish connections that make a lasting impact for our youth. Our board members have become well aware of the missions and programs offered by our host organizations and the daily impact they make. We have seen a variety of youth inspired by interacting with successful leaders from their community, and have shared their future aspirations with them. From these conversations relationships have been built and potentially lends itself to be a catalyst for future opportunities. Overall, these events have created authentic relationship between the adult and youth, and have thus far been a fruitful and productive collaboration.   Life Defined Events By County   New Castle UWD host Christiana Cultural Arts Center at UWD Offices on 3/9 UWD host Delaware Future's at UWD Officers on 3/16 YMCA Black Achiever's at Walnut Street YMCA on 3/20 One Village Alliance on 3/26     Sussex Minority Engineering Regional Incentive Training (M.E.R.IT.) at Western Sussex Boys & Girls Club on 4/13