Rally for Youth Reminder: 3-3-2011

Happy New Year, everyone! From all of us at MN YIPA, we hope 2010 ended on a positive note, and that you’re as enthused as we are to begin fresh in 2011! We’re taking part in planning some really exciting events this year, including but not limited to the 2011 Rally for Youth Day at the Capitol! By now, all YIPA members and other youth-serving organizations across the state of Minnesota should have received the application materials needed to participate in this event. If you haven’t, feel free to check out the Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota’s website to download the materials. And again, if you have any questions now or at any time before the event on March 3, 2011, do not hesitate to be in touch with a representative at any of the Youth Policy Alliance (YPA) organizations.

If you have taken part in the rally in the past, you will notice a couple changes that have been made for the 2011 rally. The first major change is that participants will not be meeting at the Kelly Inn for pre-rally training; instead, rally preparations will be communicated to adult leaders through live webinar and it is the responsibility of those leaders to disseminate this information to their youth. The second major change is that applicants are given three options for ways to arrange meetings with legislators:
1. Arrange the meeting on your own. This option is for those who have personal relationships established with their legislators and would prefer working directly with them as opposed to using an intermediary.

2. Arranging your own meeting with legislators with assistance from the rally committee. This option is for those who are confident they will be able to organize a meeting with a little guidance from experts.

3. Have the meeting arranged for you. This option is for constituents who may not be familiar with their legislators and would feel more confident and conformable having an intermediary contact their legislator and plan their meeting.

Some important information to remember:

January 21, 2011 – All applications are due

Mailed or emailed applications can be sent to:

Lindsey Carlson * Attn: Rally for Youth

7350 Chesham Lane

Woodbury, MN 55125

Lindsey.carlson08@gmail.com

Faxed applications can be sent to:

Carolyn Herman * HIRED

Attn: Rally for Youth

651-999-5641

January 28, 2011 – Rally applicants will be notified of acceptance

February 9, 2011 – Live webinar to prepare adult leaders will be streamed from 2pm-1pm.

Additionally, there will be an informational video available during the month of February, which will highlight youth who have personal experience utilizing services in the six focus areas of the rally: Homelessness Prevention, Mentoring, Out-of-School Time, Youth Intervention, Workforce Development and Juvenile Justice. We are still looking for youth with experience in these core areas, who are able and willing to share their story both in video form, and at the actual event at the Capitol on March 3, 2011. If you are connected with youth who feel confident sharing their experiences with others, feel free to email me (Rachel) at promisefellow@mnyipa.org or leave a comment on this blog.