Alisha Olson develops new projects for Community Work Service youth
Friday, September 05, 2008 at 1:50 PM
Thanks to a very unique 4-H project, Community Work Service at the Youth Service Bureau (YSB) is taking on a new meaning. Youth, who are required to complete service hours, following an offense, can now put that energy into building leadership skills and community connections.
Alisha Olson, an active member of the Soil Savers 4H club, regularly submits leadership projects to the Washington County and Minnesota State Fair. Previous projects include soldier care packages for a local battalion stationed in Iraq and book drives for her church and the lobbies of local YSB service centers.
This year, Alisha earned Reserve Champion at the Washington County Fair and then went on to win a purple ribbon, the highest 4H honor, at the State Fair for her independent Community Work Service outlines. Using her outlines, youth can complete mandated service hours by creating a project for their own community.
Each outline includes project checklists, hints for a successful event, skill development ideas, verification logs and reflection guidelines. The five project outlines guide participants in talking with community leaders, connecting to those in need and engaging others in helping the community.
Youth assigned to complete Community Work Service hours in lieu of court can now select one of the projects instead of volunteering with a local nonprofit organization. Projects include conducting drives for books, coats, food or school supplies and organizing a soldier care program.
Alisha previously recruited a few YSB staffers to help with one of her soldier care projects. Cottage Grove staffer Jen Rockhill was one of those involved.
“Seeing a 15 year old with strong organizational and leadership skills and such deep passion for helping others made me wonder how we could create that same reaction with our youth,” said Rockhill. “After I shared that thought with Alisha, she decided to help the YSB by developing the kits.”
“I feel great when I send our soldiers a package full of treats from home or give a kid school supplies so they start out with the same chance as the other kids in their class. I really want all my peers to know how great that feels!” says Alisha about why she wanted to do this project.
Alisha sought YSB guidance and revisions as the projects evolved, but she really did the work. She created a basic format, making it easier to add projects in the future.
Two Woodbury seniors recently approached the YSB about volunteering at the agency. Over then next semester they will tryout each of the projects. Alisha is excited that two peers that she hasn’t met will actually help her field test, and perhaps refine and expand the projects. Meanwhile, several youth assigned to complete community work service are also selecting projects to do in their own neighborhood.
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