I started a new weekly teen group!
Mission Statement
Encouraging young adults to become life-long library users through the promotion of participation in library programs and community engagement, and to assist the library in developing and implementing programs which serve local young adults.
Vision Statement
YAAS’ vision is to provide the youth of Mesa with community service opportunities inside and outside the library so that the youth feel engaged in their community and empowered with leadership skills.
Who, What, and Why?
The idea came from several different sources. First, I wanted to cut down on my one-time programs in 2019 in an effort to lighten my workload and make the programs I do present extra great. Second, I wanted to get more teens and emerging adults into our library since our Teen Advisory Board disbanded in early 2018 due to low or no participation for months on end. Third, I have been volunteering at One N Ten for over a year and noticed that the structure of their weekly satellite location meetings really works and keeps the youth coming back week after week. A lesser reason is, I hate when 18-year-olds have their magic birthday and are suddenly expected to be Adults 100% of the time. I had no clue how to be a grownup when I was 18, and don't expect our teens to either. They can still benefit from the guidance and camaraderie that programs like this provide, even if they are "grown" in the eyes of society.
Vision Statement
YAAS’ vision is to provide the youth of Mesa with community service opportunities inside and outside the library so that the youth feel engaged in their community and empowered with leadership skills.
Who, What, and Why?
The idea came from several different sources. First, I wanted to cut down on my one-time programs in 2019 in an effort to lighten my workload and make the programs I do present extra great. Second, I wanted to get more teens and emerging adults into our library since our Teen Advisory Board disbanded in early 2018 due to low or no participation for months on end. Third, I have been volunteering at One N Ten for over a year and noticed that the structure of their weekly satellite location meetings really works and keeps the youth coming back week after week. A lesser reason is, I hate when 18-year-olds have their magic birthday and are suddenly expected to be Adults 100% of the time. I had no clue how to be a grownup when I was 18, and don't expect our teens to either. They can still benefit from the guidance and camaraderie that programs like this provide, even if they are "grown" in the eyes of society.
Each month, I try to have at least one week focus on each of the following broad topics:
- Librarian-lead library program
- National day of recognition
- Community service and outreach
- Group discussion
I also hope to host at least one guest presenter per month. I have already confirmed two guest presenters for January, February, March, and April (and they're all FREE except one!). The guest presenters are especially necessary for the national days of recognition (Black History Month, Women's History Month, LGBTQ+ Pride Month, National Pet Day, etc.) because these are subjects I am not necessarily an expert on. I wouldn't feel right presenting on behalf of a culture I don't belong to; I'd rather bring in a guest who is immersed in that culture and can talk about it with authority.
Running this program weekly has proven to be a huge undertaking, but I'm so happy with the direction the planning has taken. I can't wait to get a core group of YA's involved and write about the program each week!
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