There is a huge untapped work resource in Marin that knows how to twitter for dollars, will run the Marin Human Race without breaking a sweat and can strategize, organize and execute an inspiring community event for 250 people.  This seemingly superhero volunteer force seems impossible, but it is within reach, and hungry to be a part of changing the world.  This amazing group of volunteers is Marin’s youth community.  Come to this workshop, to learn how to create an effective youth volunteer program within your organization.  You will gain the tools needed to effectively attract and work with youth in uplifting our community.  Through case studies, you will learn what makes effective youth programs and where the pitfalls lay.  You will also take away resources that will help you pinpoint the youth community you wish to tap as well as an understanding of the key factors that make great youth programs.  This workshop is powerful, for as we expose and nurture our youth within our organizations we are creating the next generation of changemakers.

Presenter Sally Matsuishi is the driving force behind Next Generation Scholars.  She has worked in Koreatown, South Central and East Los Angeles where Ms. Matsuishi developed an ethnic studies-based program which encouraged students to assume roles in the struggle for social justice. Upon returning home to Marin County, Ms. Matsuishi added student-run community uplift projects to teach students leadership and organizational skills and to show them they could already effect change within their communities.  Ms. Matsuishi also began providing wrap-around social services to ensure that downturns in the economy or family emergencies did not prevent students from succeeding in school.