New program is aimed at improving communication, critical thinking, and understanding
United Way of Southeastern Connecticut is launching a pilot program with New London Youth Affairs (NLYA) called Your Voice Counts (YVC). The program is for high school students to listen and understand diverse viewpoints, which may differ from their own, held by others outside their circles of family and friends.
This is the first phase of YVC. New London Youth Affairs was selected by a volunteer review committee to be the first agency working with youth to participate. A grant in the amount of $10,000 was awarded, and it expands United Way’s current work under its Thriving Children impact area.
The initial program at NLYA aims to accept fifteen students. Public forums, publicity and partnerships will promote the ideas and examples of young adults to their teachers, families, community leaders, and the general public.
“On behalf of the teens we serve, the staff at New London Youth Affairs are excited about this new venture to implement the Your Voice Counts project,” said Ellen Kleckner, NLYA Youth Services Coordinator. “It is a great opportunity for young people to become involved in matters that directly relate to their lives. They will benefit from an ongoing hands-on experience that they contribute to shaping. Their enhanced communication skills will continue to be valuable when expressing their beliefs, and while understanding others representing different perspectives”
Your Voice Counts was inspired by a group of community members that include Harry White, Steve White, John Perry and Rich Cole, who approached United Way in early 2022, and who now serve as the program’s steering committee. They conducted listening sessions with community groups and individuals, and they noticed a need emerge for youth to develop the skills to engage in civic discourse and help create real, sustainable change.
Steering committee member Harry White describes the development and timeliness of YVC. “It’s a privilege to work with such capable and broadly and deeply experienced United Way and steering committee colleagues,” said White. “YVC is a once in a lifetime opportunity to protect and strengthen democracy. We are investing time, talent, and treasure to bridge society’s differences and to hear, understand, and respect other citizens’ viewpoints.”
Your Voice Counts is intended to strengthen and encourage civic engagement, thereby involving and supporting younger people in the democratic process. For this vision, YVC combines five features:
- A focus on high school juniors’ personal planning and influence with others;
- Partnerships with agencies that know youth’s extracurricular potentials;
- Conflict management, listening, and critical thinking training to allow for respectful and productive communication;
- Stipends, contests, and awards to incentivize students and promote their ideas; and
- A plan to design the program and evaluations to enable future replication of YVC
In terms of critical thinking, YVC will equip young adults for self-directed life journeys beyond the comfort zones of like-minded family and friends. Young adults can confidently assess issues and evolve how to express their own opinions while listening to those of others.
“United Way is thrilled to help support this pilot program,” commented Dina Sears-Graves, President and CEO of United Way of Southeastern Connecticut. “This program is focused on providing youth the skills needed to navigate conversations that often result in divisiveness. It will help make the world a kinder place, one which will contribute to a more positive community.
“This is something that United Way can get behind,” Sears-Graves continued. “It aligns with both our mission, to inspire and coordinate the generosity and commitment that sustains a united, thriving community and it also falls into one of our key impact areas, Thriving Children. Children are the future and United Way is committed to support the youth in our community in order for them to achieve their full potential.”
Ultimately, the goals of YVC are an increased trust in each other and constructive participation in democracy and reinforcement of important civic ideals. This includes listening to and understanding opposing viewpoints by demonstrating to others your voice counts.
