Quality Task Force

WHAT HAS THE ALLIANCE COMMITTED TO?

  • Developing and framing our work using the quality framework in training Fellows and host sites
  • Using the quality framework in our host site application process and in recognizing the work of our partners
  • Connecting the quality framework discussion to our regional gatherings and networks, disseminate it through online and print resources

WHAT DO WE MEAN BY QUALITY?

Quality can be defined as: “the ongoing process of building and sustaining relationships by assessing, anticipating, and fulfilling stated and implied needs”. It’s basically why we try to do the right thing right, on time and every time. Webster’s defines it as a degree of excellence. When it comes to quality youth development, we are looking at three things:

  • Quality of the program
  • Skills of the youth worker
  • Youth engagement in opportunities (to connect to their spark/learning/service, etc)

Quality allows us to use a common language around our work, determine systems and methods for accountability, and identify new directions to explore.

WHAT DO OUR COMMITMENTS MEAN FOR THE RESOURCE SHARING OF STATEWIDE PARTNERS?

The Alliance will be working to frame training and resources around the characteristics outlined by the Quality Task Force initiative.  In particular, we are asking SPNs to think about their own Resource Sharing Plans and how it could support efforts around professional development of youth workers, quality youth programs, and youth engagement.  We will be organizing training around these areas and tracking to see how Fellows use these resources in practice and in their programs. Because our training and technical support is structured to include community learning circles, skill-specific training, small workshops, and networking opportunities, we believe we offer Fellows and sites a variety of methods to access the quality initiative information.

WHAT ARE COMMON INDICATORS OF QUALITY?

There are several characteristics of quality that the Alliance will use to review the success of our training and resources. In particular:

Characteristics of a Quality Youth Program

Core Competencies for Quality Youth Workers

Rings of Engagement for Youth
Safety & Appropriate Structure Applies human development principles Participation: feeling connected
Supportive Relationships Develops positive relationships Passion: the “spark” youth recognize as part of their learning; they commit to it
Opportunities to Belong Uses effective program design and delivery methods Voice: youth actively have input in what they experience and do
Positive Social Norms Promotes inclusiveness Collective Action: collective leadership, opportunities created with and by youth–shared power
Support for efficacy and mattering Encourages youth engagement
Opportunities to skill building Connects to family and community
Integration of family, school, and community efforts Attends to health and safety
Demonstrates Professionalism

The question for our Statewide Partners becomes: how will your resources and training support developing competencies for individuals and organizations around these indicators of quality? The characteristics listed above can be found in the White Paper and from the Core Assets and Capacities for Youth Workers report.

REVIEW THE QUALITY TASK FORCE WHITE PAPER – “Once We Know It, We Can Grow It: A Framework for Quality Nonformal Learning Opportunities and Youth Work Practice!”

We are asking SPN sites to articulate how a particular resource supports the development of quality programs, youth workers, and youth engagement on their updated Resource Sharing Plans. An updated version of the Resource Sharing plan now includes a section for sites to indicate which characteristic or competency a particular resource or training will address.

We look forward to working with you as we explore the ways in which resources and tools can help develop strong programs, strong youth workers, and many more engagement opportunities for all young people in Minnesota.