The African American Youth Leadership Conference (AAYLC) wants to stay connected with you! Enjoy interesting facts, educational information, highlights and upcoming events. Have a question or comment? Please contact us at info@aaylc-co.org. | | |
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Spring Cleaning symbolizes a new beginning. It embodies an opportunity to clear not only physical clutter but affords a chance to cleanse the mind of any mistakes or regrets. | |
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Executive Director's Corner
Self-care advice seems to be everywhere lately, which is a good thing, especially for people like me. I've always been a strong, independent, and busy girl. This has resulted in many positives and accomplishments in my life. It has also been a hindrance on several occasions, particularly when it comes to taking care of myself.
As parents, guardians, leaders, business owners, etc., it can be difficult to prioritize self-care. However, doing so not only benefits our own mental health but also allows us to better care for our families and loved ones.
Self-care entails making time to do things that help us live well and improve our physical and mental health. In terms of mental health, self-care can help us manage stress, reduce our risk of illness, and boost our energy.
Let us make self-care a priority as we navigate this life with all of its demands. Try a relaxing activity, get outside for some exercise, re-engage in a hobby that makes you happy, prioritize sleep, spend time with friends and loved ones you enjoy, and seek help if necessary.
Sincerely,
Shantelle Bridges
Executive Director
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Why Spring Cleaning Is Good for Your Health & Wellness | It's that time of year again: Winter comes to an end, signs of spring emerge... and it's time for our annual deep clean! Many of us use the term "spring cleaning" loosely, but it's an actual practice (dating back centuries) that also has some specific health benefits. | | | | |
Student of the Month - Jade Schaf | | |
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“She has been taking the lead since she was 4 years old,” said the mom of this incredible Odyssey Early College and Career Options senior. Jade has lived her life as a leader and servant to her community. This dedication may be in her blood given that her family has served in the military since WWII! Jade is a member of Air Force JROTC and has wanted to be a pilot since she was in seventh grade. She promised herself the first time she looked up and saw F-16s flying over her head "I don't care how difficult it is, I'm going to do that!" Jade has completed 60 hours toward her pilot license and hopes to be accepted this year into the Naval Academy.
Learn more about this exceptional student
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Matters of the Mind
When people hear the mental health buzzword “self-care” an image of essential oils, bubble baths, and face masks may come to mind, but it is so much more than that. This month is all about discovering and celebrating the value self-care has in our daily lives. Consistent and varied activities can empower each of us to meet emotional, physical, and cognitive needs that may be more tiring, stressful, or upsetting. Through committed and deliberate self-care plans, you can develop reliable practices to reduce the impact of life’s stresses and challenges. Read More
Sincerely,
Alice Miles
Counselor at Mt. Carmel Veteran Service Center and AAYLC Board Director
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Across the Board
When I consider self-care, I recall my days as a teenager in Colorado Springs. As high school students in the 1990s, we faced several challenges. There were numerous crossroads that could impact our way of life. As I saw it, going to jail, becoming a young parent, dropping out of high school, or being a member of a gang was the way of life. I needed to find ways to keep my mental health intact. This took the form of self-care. Working as a bagger at the commissary was one of my many outlets. This was not only a way for me to avoid roads that could lead me down a dark path in life, but it also taught me life lessons. I had to learn how to get personal with people outside of my circle, how to budget my earnings, and how to help others.
Another approach in which I would use self-care practices was my interest in airplanes. I could hear an airplane six miles up at any time, and I would literally stop what I was doing and stare into the sky. Looking back on how I maintained my mental health as a teenager, I find that I am still using those lessons learned and self-care practices today. Even though my practices have evolved, the main principles I used back then continue to resonate with me, and I try to teach them to my friends and family. Everyone's self-care routine will be different from mine, but the most important thing is to figure out the best way to care for yourself and find a way to escape your daily routines.
Sincerely,
Paul Wiggins
Board Director
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2/25/23 - 30th Anniversary Gala | |
We threw caution to the wind and rolled the dice (literally) to commemorate the African American Youth Leadership Conference's 30th anniversary. We were ecstatic to celebrate this achievement with over 200 community leaders, sponsors, volunteers, supporters, and team members. The casino games, music, dancing, networking, prizes, and silent auction were all well received. We were also able to honor our founders, long-time supporters from Colorado College, Mike Edmonds and Rochelle Dickey, and Shantelle Bridges, Executive Director. Thank you to everyone who helped make this evening so festive, special, and joyful. | |
3/4/23 - 30th Anniversary Conference | |
We achieved success! The African American Youth Leadership Conference at Colorado College on Saturday, March 4th, was a resounding success! Over 500 students, 60 presenters, and 200 volunteers attended our in-person conference. Our annual event will continue to develop diverse student leaders in their communities and beyond. Our sessions provided students with innovative, creative, and diverse options to inspire empowerment, knowledge, opportunity, growth, and connections. Our conference demonstrated that students are part of Generation Now and are Emerging Leaders! We'd like to thank everyone who came out and helped make this event a success. | |
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Safeway Foundation
A special THANK YOU to the Safeway Foundation for becoming a first-time conference sponsor! They presented us with a check on February 24th. We are grateful for their support and generosity! Tonya Brooks, AAYLC Planning Committee member, is to be commended for her efforts in making this possible!
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Iota Eta Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.
On March 2nd, the AAYLC received the Humanitarian Award from the Iota Eta Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority Incorporated. We were truly honored to have been selected for this special award. We would like to thank this wonderful organization for all of their community service and for considering the AAYLC.
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Leadership defined as Influence -Odyssey Early College and Career Options
Shantelle Bridges, our Executive Director, had the honor of sharing the stage on February 7th with the incredible Dr. MelindaJoy Mingo and a brilliant young man from Odyssey Early College and Career Options. Her passion is to inspire young people and their families to achieve their full potential. She was grateful for the opportunity to speak at this event about leadership and our conference.
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Celebrating Black History at Sand Creek High School
As part of Black History Month, our very own Board Director, Dr. Paul Wiggins, spoke to students at Sand Creek High School about the importance of excellence and unity. Amy Sanchez-Martinez, the principal, was looking for community leaders who could inspire her students. There were approximately 35 students in attendance. We are grateful for the opportunity to take part in such an important event.
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Thank YOU to Our Sponsors! | | | | |
