What is the OurTown Youth Leadership Institute?
The OurTown Youth Leadership Institute, a program of Just Communities of NWA, is a unique residential program for high school age youth. OurTown’s goal is to prepare youth to be more effective leaders and change agents who are dedicated to fighting bias, bigotry, racism and other -isms. Youth participate in experiential learning activities and dialogue sessions designed to increase their understanding of human relations issues and of their own responsibility to create a community based on inclusion, trust, and mutual respect.
Is the Youth Leadership Institute like other summer residential programs?
No. OurTown is more of a personal growth experience than a traditional summer camp. Activities include discussion groups, role playing, learning exercises and presentations on human relations issues such as stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination, ethnic and racial identity, gender issues, sexual orientation, communication, family issues and more. While there is some recreational time each day, the majority of the time at OurTown is spent exploring the issues in various large and small discussion groups.
Who can apply to be on staff?
Anyone who is 18 years of age or older or a high school graduate. We encourage people of all racial, religious, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, class, cultural, physical ability, and other identity groups to apply. Please directly contact our program director to let us know how we can serve you better with any accommodations.
Is there training for staff members?
The Youth Leadership Institute requires a highly trained staff. To this point, Harmony requires all OurTown staff to complete a comprehensive training process. Training dates are listed in Part 1 of this application. The staff training is not only a vital piece of the OurTown staff experience, it’s also a valuable learning and personal growth experience itself. ATTENDANCE AT ALL TRAINING SESSIONS IS REQUIRED.
Staff Job Descriptions
General Staff Responsibilities: All Youth Leadership Institute staff members are responsible for implementing the Youth Leadership Institute program. This means facilitating exercises and a variety of small groups, supporting and supervising delegates, promoting a safe and respectful learning environment, bringing yourself (your unique background, experiences, ideas, etc.) to the program and to the delegates, offering yourself as a resource, and serving on specific staff committees or sub groups. Beyond these general staff responsibilities, certain staff positions have the following added responsibilities.
COUNSELOR: In addition to the general staff responsibilities above, Counselors are responsible for providing leadership in the sleeping areas. As the staff who sleep in the quarters with the participants, counselors play a vital role in supporting the participants during “off-hours.” Most of this support comes in the way of informal, real-time interventions to help delegates apply and internalize the learning that takes place during OurTown. In addition, counselors are responsible for making sure delegates get a good night’s sleep and come prepared for each day of the Institute.
Junior Counselor: In addition to the general staff responsibilities above, Junior Counselors are responsible for providing leadership in the sleeping areas. As the staff who sleep in the quarters with the participants, Junior Counselors play a vital role in supporting the participants during “off-hours.” Most of this support comes in the way of informal, real-time interventions to help delegates apply and internalize the learning that takes place during OurTown. In addition, Junior Counselors are responsible for making sure delegates get a good night’s sleep and come prepared for each day of the Institute.
ADVISOR: Unlike counselors, Advisors do not sleep in the quarters with delegates. As a result, advisors tend to have more distance from the participants, providing a different type of supportive relationship as well as a different perspective. In addition, advisors play a vital supportive role not only to delegates, but also to counselors who may need a place to come for advice, rest, or assistance. Advisors assist in the facilitation of afternoon and evening programs, and are also asked to take on additional administrative duties at Youth Leadership Institute, such as supply runs, logistical changes, and more.
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