The staff of the Youth Advocacy and Involvement Office is accustomed to collaborating with other agencies equally committed to helping youth succeed. But last week, we exchanged ideas and outreach with a surprise ally: a group of 10 educators and school administrators from Russia.
We were connected to this group through the International House of Charlotte, a sponsor of the Community Connections Program of the U.S. Agency for International Development. The delegation wanted to learn about our programs for youth, such as SADD and Youth Legislative Assembly, both of which actively engage teens in leadership roles. And they wanted to hear about our case advocacy efforts and relationships with non-profits.
They also were interested in our State Government Internship Program. There is very high unemployment in their area and they’re trying to better educate kids for the job world. They could see that what we do is a step beyond most internships. It’s real, practical, hands-on education.
To talk with people who speak a different language, but ultimately do the same thing to focus on helping youth, is a very positive thing. It was an honor to serve as a sort of ambassador for state government’s creativity and energy in helping our youth. The fact that visitors will come so far to talk to us about our programs is exciting and, I hope, evidence that we are doing things that truly make a difference.