March 30: Second Day

8:00-9:30a.m. On a Grand Scale: The State Farm Youth Advisory Board
http://www.statefarmyab.com/index.php. The youth leaders gave an amazing presentation about the board, grants, and applications for youth associate boards. I take the process as an important example. Groups of 6 students rotated from group to group using about 5 minutes to explain and answer questions. They have an inspirational opening, a fun ice-breaker, an interactive 7-inning strecher, and an inspirational closing.

9:45-11:15 Plenary: Due to weather, Jackie Joyner-Kersee did not attend the conference. Kerry Strug, a former student of mine and 1996 Olympic games gold medallist in gymanstics introduces Robert Flores, Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. David Eisner, CEO of the Corporation of National Service followed. Youth Julia Sewell open for Verna Cornelia Price, with the peom, "I am a phenomenal woman" Mrs. Price gave an interactive and action charged speech. I bought her book, “The Power of People: Four Kinds of People Who Can Change Your Life.” She motivated the participants to action!
1:45-3:15: Six Billion Paths to Peace: What is yours? Harumitsu Inouye, http://www.sef.org/ Shinnyo-en Foundtion: Reflection for daily life. Service-Learning practices are paths to building a more harmonious world. Focusing our interconnectedness and reflecting on individual contributions, we can build peace in our local and global communities. This workshop was the most powerful reflective exercise I have done so far. I hope to be able to go to their training in California.

Exploring the Spiritual, Religious and Cultural Roots of Service

Marconi Conference Center Marshall, CA July 28-July 30, 2006-90 minutes from San Francisco: Eighth annual summer retreat which will bring together an intergenerational group of approximately sixty-five people to reflect and share ideas about the role of spirituality, religion and culture in lives dedicated to the service of others. (Marshall, CA is approximately 90 minutes north of San Francisco).
This retreat seeks to help nurture and rejuvenate people involved in youth service by providing a stimulating and trusting environment to explore personal value, expand collegial connections and deepen knowledge and self-understanding.

Youth Service California and the Shinnyo-en Foundation are working now to complete a rewarding retreat program, which will include four basic components. Everyone will:

• Select and take part in a small study group of seven or eight that will focus on a single topic and meet three or four times during the retreat. Topics will range from introductory and advanced meditation, spirituality through creative expression, the quest for social justice, and the joy of writing. The study group offers an opportunity to both explore an issue in depth and build personal relationships.

• Take part in optional activities that appeal to multiple intelligences, including a nature walk to the ocean, meditative kayaking on Tomales Bay, talking with the leaders of the Shinnyo-En Foundation and creating original crafts.

• Enjoy unscheduled time for personal savoring of the beautiful environment and the creation of spontaneous on site activities.

• Participate in large group activities that offer diverse perspectives and encourage community identity.

Retreat Details
Eligibility: Anyone involved in youth development work who is interested in the retreat focus is invited to attend. We seek diversity in culture, religion, age and social backgrounds. Youth in high school or college are especially welcome. Organizations may bring groups to the retreat to nurture deeper relationships and increase unity but the number is limited to five members unless extra space becomes available.

Registration and Costs: There is a $75 registration fee, which covers program, room and board for adults. Youth from 16 to 24 have a $25 registration fee that will cover their expenses except for travel.

Retreat Acceptance: The general policy will be to accept registrations on a first come, first served basis. A few spots will be reserved, however, to allow some consideration for ensuring participant diversity. Preference will be given to applications received by May1, 2006.

Accommodations and Amenities: The Marconi Conference Center offers simple but high quality rustic resort-like motel rooms and very tasty food in a sensational, natural setting that overlooks Tomales Bay. Participants will share a double or spacious triple room.
If you have additional questions, please contact:

Don Hill, Youth Service California, don@yscal.org, (650) 356-0288
— or —

Liane Louie-Badua, Shinnyo-en Foundation, llouie@sef.org (415) 777-1977


Hospice Mask Project: http://www.maskproject.com/detail.cfm?MID=25&year=2001 California College of the Arts
3:30-5:00: The Power of Arts Based Service-Learning: Virginia Commonwealth University: Joe Seipel and Jan Johnston; Californa College of Arts: Sonia Manjon and Anne Mettrick; All presenters gave us their reality. What did I learn?
1.We are in the right path with our arts empowerered global service-learning ideas.
2. When we finally travel to our partner schools, we need to bring experts to help us view more possibilities.
3. We need to develop a partnership with OKC University arts and business departments.

7:30-11:00 p.m. Project Ignition Awards: Two Oklahoma Schools: Ada and Louville were selected among the 10 finalist. Both won awards, but a school in Texas was best of the best.