Fact Fib or Future For Youth Workers

Fact Fib or Future For Youth Workers.

A few ways to play.

A) Play with large group and include physical movement:

• Have a moderator set up the space and lead the activity by reading each prompt and allowing time for people to respond.

• Tape four large chart papers on the wall. Label each. 1. Fact 2. Fib 3. Debunk 4.Future. Players respond to each prompt by either writing your response directly on the appropriate chart paper or by writing your response on a post it note and then posting the note on the corresponding chart paper. Physically moving through each prompt adds a valuable layer to the exercise.

B) Play with small group and keep it conversational: Have a moderator facilitate by reading each prompt. People can share their response out loud or take a few minutes to write it down and then read it out loud.

C) Play alone. Read each prompt. Reflect. Write your response and review what emerges.

Ready to play? Here we go!

FACT

What is true about youth work?

Examples:

Youth work is necessary for developing healthy, thriving communities

Youth work is hard

Youth work is rewarding

Youth work makes a positive difference in society

FIB

What is untrue about youth work?

Examples:

Youth work is not a respectable, reasonable or viable career choice

Youth work is easy

Youth work provides immediate gratification

Youth work is about helping kids become more like me

Youth work is irrelevant and or unfruitful

Youth work is only for teachers, coaches or educational experts

DEBUNK

What evidence debunks the fibs you sometimes believe about youth work?

Examples:

People and orgs have flourished professionally in the field of youth work.

Quantitative and qualitative evidence exists that show the positive impact youth work has on children and communities

I know people who (or I myself) have been positively impacted as a child by a person who was not a teacher, coach or educational expert.

FUTURE

What future is possible for you as a youth worker or for the youth you serve?

Examples:

Incorporate new practices and habits that facilitate positive youth outcomes

Start or grow a flourishing youth program, innovation or organization

Greatly impact someones life through youth work

Experience satisfaction and gratification though investing in youth

Youth gain greater social networks and engage in positive experiences that lead to healthier mindset

FACT

What is true about you as a youth worker?

Examples:

I am especially good at connecting with youth through...

I enjoy youth work because...

My story and experience uniquely position me to reach a particular community of youth that others may not be able to reach

FIB

What is untrue about you as a youth worker?

Examples:

I'm the best

I'm the worst

I'm not good enough

I'm not making a difference

I am responsible for what happens in a child's life

I'm alone

I don't have the resources to make a difference

DEBUNK

What evidence debunks the fibs you sometimes believe about yourself as a creative?

There's always someone I can learn from

There's always someone I can help or teach

I am not my work. What I do does not necessarily define me or determine my value

Youth work has brought me satisfaction, joy and fulfillment

Youth work has brought others  satisfaction, joy and fulfillment

Youth have expressed the difference my presence has made in their lives

Reflection:

How am I investing in myself as a mentor, youth worker, educator, leader etc.?

How can I reframe youth work to see and approach it from a healthy perspective?

Based on the fact, fib and future exercise what steps can I take this week to engage youth work intentionality, integrity and care?

Please share your feedback here. Thanks fo rplaying!