The Importance of Youth Leadership

Here in the youth development office at nbCC, we talk quite a bit about the importance of young people developing the skills needed to be leaders within their communities. This philosophy is at the core of the majority of the work we do with young people. Oftentimes we speak about youth leadership in an offhand way, without taking the time to discuss why it is so important to our work, and why it takes such a central role.

The importance of young people taking active leadership roles in their communities is two-fold. First, and perhaps most obviously, allowing young people to exercise their leadership skills is incredibly beneficial to their development and growth as people. Giving someone the trust to be involved in decision making and leadership helps that person grow their sense of self-efficacy, an individual’s belief in their ability to achieve their goals and actively influence the world around them. 

Genuine decision making opportunities also show that a community values a young person’s input, which is likely to contribute to a sense of their own value and self-worth. Knowing that your input is being sought and valued should result in the understanding that you have unique skills, insights, and perspectives to offer. 

A community that provides leadership opportunities for young people also helps to instill the mindset that it is a community that cares. If you know that your input is valued and sought after, you are much more likely to feel supported and listened to by your community. 

The second layer of value that comes from youth leadership opportunities within a community is the positive impact on the community itself. The aforementioned benefits to young people are obviously an important buoy to young community members, but a community as a whole will benefit from genuine youth involvement in decision making.

Young people, like any population of people, have unique perspectives and insights. What better way to shape a supportive and welcoming community than to seek these perspectives and insights from youth themselves. In this way, community leaders (both young and old) can create policies and make decisions that benefit the largest possible number of community members. Young people should not be required to wait until adulthood to have their insights be valued. 

Genuine youth leadership is key to a thriving community, whether that community is a school, a town, or a country. The means for providing these sorts of leadership opportunities exist, they just need to be sought out and supported! With that in mind, we here at nbCC invite young people to find out more about our youth programs. We also invite all community members with an interest in supporting youth (be they youth themselves, or former youths!) to join us at our monthly Youth and Families Collaborative meetings, which take place here at nbCC on the final Wednesday of each month at 10:00 am. 

For more information about any of the opportunities mentioned above, please contact Tim Shiebler or Carrisa Sacherski at 413-663-7588, or email tshiebler@nbccoalition.org 

 ~Tim Shiebler, Youth Development Coordinator.

September was a busy month for the bike collective and bike-related events for Jessi, our Health & Wellness Coordinator. Despite a few rained out Downtown Bike Arounds and trail rides, the month was full of bike-related fun and activities. 

The month began with a Bike Rodeo coordinated with Safe Routes to School and the North Adams Public Schools. The event was open to all K-8th graders in the northern Berkshires, and took place at Greylock Elementary School. About a dozen children particpated with their families, learning about bike safety and practicing their skills.

On September 12th, the nbCC Bike Collective donated 42 kids bikes to Reid Middle School for an after school Biking Club. The collaboration was initiated by Nick Richert when he reached out to Jessi Byrne at nbCC to see if the Bike Collective could help in his search of finding enough kids bikes. Nick and Gary loaded up their moving truck with 42 bikes for the program.

Jessi also participated in a countywide event along the Ashuwillticook Bike Trail. This event focused on educating the community about bike safety and offering free bike safety equipment, including bells, reflectors, and helmets.

Every year we invite the community to come together to recognize and celebrate our many unsung community heroes that go above and beyond for their community. 

You can recognize someone for any of the following categories: 

Businesses & Groups Pulling Together - These agencies/businesses and groups have contributed to help a neighborhood or the wider community, working together for the benefit of others.

Youth Taking the Lead - These young people are making a positive difference in their community.

Family Support - This category celebrates those that have advocated and/or supported family units in a variety of ways.

Community Health and Wellness - This category celebrates those who have helped to make their community a healthier place to live.

Neighborly Acts - These neighbors go above and beyond for their community; helping others out in lots of different ways

SUBMISSIONS CAN BE MADE BY:

Calling the office at 413-663-7588

or

Filling the online google form at http://bit.ly/nbcc_2022_neighborlies

or

Stop by during office hours to fill out a form.

nbCC Events and Programming this Month

Saturday, October 8, 10:00 am - 11:00 am | Learn Through Play: All About Me

UNO Community Center, 157 River Street, North Adams

Activities and circle time will have a social-emotional focus.Snacks provided! Facilitated by Miss Emilee ECE and presented in collaboration with Child Care of theBerkshires. Best for ages 0-5 years. Registration required. Space is limited. Contact us at 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org 

Wednesday, Oct. 12, 12:00 - 1:00 pm | Lunchtime Chat with the Coalition!

Head to North Adams Ramuntos from 12-1PM, grab yourself a slice of pizza or something, sit and chat with us! How are you doing? What are you worried about? What are you looking forward to? We can’t wait to connect and talk about what issues are important to you. No registration needed.

Wednesdays, Oct. 12 - Nov. 9. 5:00 - 7:00 pm | FRC Parenting Workshop Series: Active Parenting of Teens

nbCC’s Family Resource Center Living Room, 61 Main Street, Suite 212, North Adams

Tips and tricks to get you through the teenage years.Learn how brain development affects teen behavior and decision-making. Improve discipline and communication. Learn about teens and technology. Learn about teen bullying, how to spot it and how to handle it. Snacks Provided! Transportation available with at least 24hrs notice. Registration required. Space is limited. Contact us at 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org 

Friday, October 14, 10:00 am-12:00 pm | Monthly Forum: Creating a Welcoming Community 

85 Main Street, North Adams.

This month’s conversation will be facilitated by the Northern Berkshire SPIRIT Council. This will be a conversation about the culmination of 3 years of work and conversations within northern Berkshire to create a welcoming and inclusive community. Be heard and listen to your friends and neighbors. Masks optional.

Saturday, Oct. 15, 6:00 - 7:30 pm | W.o.W. Workshop: Intro. to Baking 

UNO Community Center, 157 River Street, North Adams

Learn the fundamentals and basics of baking with Erika Bailey of Bailey’s Bakery in downtown North Adams. If you have ever had an interest in baking but not quite sure where to start, are unsure what certain ingredients are used for, or how to get more fluff in pancakes or what happens if you use too much butter, this is your chance to ask a professional. First, Erika will guide the group through making and measuring ingredients to take home for pumpkin bread. (Recipe card with directions and other added ingredients will be included.) Second, will be a sampling of the finished product. Third, is Q&A time so bring your baking questions! Space is limited so please register with nbCC at 413.663.7588 or email Jessi at jbyrne@nbccoalition.org. Deadline is 6pm Wednesday, October 12th. Please make it known of any food allergies when you register.

Thursday, Oct 20, 3:00 - 4:30 pm | FRC Parenting Workshop: All Babies Cry 

61 Main Street, Rm. 213, North Adams. 

A parenting workshop for expectant parents. In partnership with Child Care of the Berkshires. Strategies to calm & comfort babies. Learn what babies are communicating when they cry. Space is limited. REGISTRATION REQUIRED: 413.663.7588 

or email Nancy nkennedy@nbccoalition.org 

Saturday, Oct. 22, 11:30am | W.o.W. Workshop: Intro. to Photography, Hike & Picnic at Tannery Falls with Mayor Macksey & Brett Bullett 

Meeting at City Hall, 10 Main Street, North Adams

Join Mayor Macksey and Jessi Byrne for a Mayor’s Fitness Challenge encore event to Tannery Falls! Meet at City Hall to leave at 11:30am. Hop in the van or follow behind to caravan up to Tannery Falls. If you would like to ride in the van, please call the nbCC (413.663.7588). Please provide your name and the names of those in your party as seats are limited. Pack a lunch to picnic at the falls. Along the way, local photographer, Brett Bullett, will guide the group with tips and tricks for taking nature photography. Please wear layers, sturdy shoes (preferably that protect the ankles), a poncho or rain jacket, bring your camera or phone to capture the Berkshire foliage and one or two water bottles. The hike is a gentle trail and we will take a leisurely stride, however, be aware it is a more rugged path.

Friday, Oct. 28 , 4:30-6pm | Downtown Trick-or-Treat!

 At participating businesses downtown in North Adams

Northern Berkshire families are invited downtown in North Adams to enjoy trick-or-treating at the participating downtown businesses! Free and open to the public.

Community Rail Trail Rides! 

Days and times vary from week to week: TUES 10/4, 3-5PM; WED. 10/12, 1-2PM; THURS 10/20, 10AM-12PM;  FRI. 9/30, 9-11PM

 Are you looking to get more comfortable riding your bike? Want to ride the Rail Trail, but not sure where to start? Want to take advantage of a midweek adventure? Join Jessi for these weekly trail rides. For more info: 413-663-7588 or jbyrne@nbccoalition.org

WEEKLY EVENTS/PROGRAMS

* There will be no programming on Monday, October 10th. Our offices will be CLOSED in observation of Columbus / Indigenous Peoples Day.

nbCC Bike Collective Open Hours

Mondays, 3:30-5:30pm, The Armory, 206 Ashland St., North Adams 

Bring your own bike or work on a bike at the bike collective. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from other community members on basic bike fixes, or team up with more experienced bike mechanics to rebuild a bike. Tools and stands are provided. All NB residents are welcome! For more info, call us at 413-663-7588.

nbCC Youth Empowerment Program *Starts Oct. 17

Mondays, 5:00-6:30 PM, 61 Main Street, Rm. 213, North Adams. 

Free and open to youth, 6-8th grade, who live in or attend school in North Berkshire. A weekly group to talk about school, emotions, navigating teen years, making friends and more. Snacks provided; transportation available. Register online: bit.ly/nbCCyouth or call 413-663-7588

Downtown Bike Around 

Mondays, 5:30 pm- 6:00 pm, Meeting at the Armory, 206 Ashland Street, North Adams (check FB for weather cancelations)

Join us for the return of the Downtown Bike Around, a free, weekly, community group bike ride, suitable for all ages. Meeting at the Armory garage lot. Weather permitting. Bikes available if needed. Call us at 413-663-7588 or jbyrne@nbccoalition.org

Drop-in Art Club *Programming pause after October 11th and restart in Spring 2023

Tuesdays, 3:30 pm-4:30 pm, UNO Community Center, 157 River Street, North Adams

This will be a weekly after school drop-in Art Club, for youth, ages 8-19. Supplies and snacks provided. No registration required. Caregivers do not need to attend, but the program facilitators are not responsible for child care. Call us at 413-663-7588 for more information.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 4:00pm - 6:00pm. nbCC’s FRC living room, 61 Main St., Suite 212, North Adams

This is a group for grandparents who are actively parenting their grandchildren giving them a safe and confidential space to share similar experiences with other grandparents. Free pizza and childcare are provided, but you must register beforehand.663-7588 or email dsenecal@nbccoalition.org. 

Youth Leadership Program *Starts Oct. 11

Tuesdays, 5:00pm - 7:00pm. nbCC’s Conf. Room, 61 Main St., Suite 213, North Adams

Free and open to youth ages 14-19 who live in or attend school in North Berkshire. Young people are changing the world and you can too. Make a positive change in yourself and the world around you. Develop leadership skills, discuss what drives you, meet other young leaders and plan projects in your community. Snacks provided; transportation available with 24 hrs. notice.

FRC 24/7 Dads Parenting Support Group * Starts Oct. 12

Wednesdays, 10:00 am -11:00 am, UNO Center, 157 River Street, North Adams.

 A support group for dads. Children need their fathers. Fathers need their children. Discuss difficult issues and develop more effective coping techniques.

Teen Writing Workshop * Starts Oct. 12

Wednesdays, 5:00pm - 7:00pm, 61 Main St., Rm. 213, North Adams. 

Free and open to youth ages 13-19 who live in or attend school in North Berkshire. Aspiring writers and poets! Join this incredibly supportive group and get 1-on-1 help from a professional with your writing and performance style. Opportunities to perform and be published. Snacks and supplies provided; transportation available. Register online: bit.ly/nbCCyouth or call 413-663-7588 

Family Resource Center Peer Parenting Group: 

2nd & 4th Thursdays, 9:30 am -10:30 am, UNO Center, 157 River Street, North Adams.

A peer-driven/peer-supported group in a judgement-free, confidential space. Snacks provided. Children welcome. 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org

UNO Community Center Coffee Time

Fridays, 1:00pm - 4:00 pm, 157 River St., North Adams 

 Come on over and join the UNO neighbors for coffee and conversation. All are welcome. 

Click here to see what's going on at nbCC in October!