Purple+Week+5

Consistent with your readings on youth development organizations and systems, I'd like you to consider the following questions:

1. Wheeler (2000) lays out a series of “emerging paradigms” that can help guide youth organizations in the future. To what extent do you believe the youth development field is already doing these things? Which ones haven’t we done effectively? Why? How do Wheeler’s “emerging paradigms” connect with the other organizational and system-wide perspectives (evaluation, funding, collaboration) that you’ve read this week? Examples please!

2. In your opinion - what impact is the current economic downturn over the past few years having on critical funding needs for youth services and programs? Find examples of this in the “real world” (based on your personal experience, or outside examples – provide citations, links, or sources!) How can youth organizations “negotiate their environments” to successfully position themselves as worthy of private or public funding? How might repositioning or repackaging youth services to meet funders’ needs affect the youth organization or the larger system of community youth development?

Focus on developing a response based on class readings, personal experiences, and any outside sources that you choose to bring in to the discussion. Acknowledge outside sources at the end of your post, and if you find any direct links to information or sources that support your positions, include these at the end of your post as well. **Post your responses to these questions (initial and followups) by Tuesday, 2/14/12 at 12:00pm to receive full credit.**