Please join Aaron Gilbert, Dana Mandolesi, Teresa Nauer, Bill Vanark, and the Youth Development Peer Network for the launch of the Youth Worker Brown Bags.

The purpose of Youth Worker Brown Bags are to offer youth workers an opportunity to explore specific topics that affect our work and our youth as well as provide networking, personal, and professional development. At each Brown Bag we offer an opportunity for smaller affinity groups to meet. Affinity groups are led by the wonderful Aaron Gilbert, Dana Mandolesi, Teresa Nauer, and Bill Vanark.

Affinity Group Descriptions

Outdoor Educators (Aaron Gilbert): Calling all outdoor and environmental educators, this is an opportunity to connect and share with other youth workers who are bringing their youth into the outdoors.

Collaboratives (Dana Mandolesi): The Collaborative Affinity Group creates a space for those youth workers who work ‘on behalf of youth’ by running the networking or outreach component of a service organization, or those who work for intermediaries , collaboratives or networks. We strive to question the complexities of being youth workers who may work more with other organizations than the youth themselves.

Transitioning Youth to Youth Workers (Teresa Nauer): My affinity group is based around youth workers transitioning into an adult positions. I understand the process could sometimes be overwhelming, and that's why I encourage you to join me and learn.

Program Directors (Bill Vanark): This affinity group is meant to support youth workers that are in director level positions. We know that there are unique challenges and opportunities for Directors that are distinct from those working directly with children and youth, this id

November's topic is ACTIVITIES. More specifically, we will be providing an opportunity for youth workers to exchange activities and resources! And click here to share activities resources.

CHECK BACK FOR AGENDA!