LEADERSHIP Year TWO

1 - Continuing Personal Development

Building on their experience of the year 1 programme the R-CITY participants at Year 2 level are expected to take their personal development journey to the next level. Staff and young people work through a process of reflection and affirmation, enabling each participant to take stock of the skills they have developed, experiences they have had and the changes in their lives from entering the programme. For many the process of affirmation, from peers and staff is a very enlightening experience, as they hear how they are viewed by others. Throughout the year 2 programme, facilitated sessions ensure that they have the opportunity to continue to develop.

2 - Goal Setting: Review, Reset, Revamp

Looking back at what they have accomplished within the first year of the programme, the participants on the year 2 programme review if they have achieved everything they had set out. The young people are encouraged to reset their goals, acknowledging that their aspirations may have changed over time and the pathway they have chosen may be different. Revamping their goals they are supported to set renewed goals for the next year and outline some of the steps needed to get there.

3 - Leadership & Skills Development

Working through the final stages of their Leadership for Life training along Foroige, the participants achieve their formal qualification and secure 65 UCAS points to support their ongoing educational opportunities. Additional workshops and training opportunities are offered throughout the year 2 programme to enhance the skills that the young people develop. These have included First Aid, Safe Talk for Suicide prevention and Conflict Resolution.

4 - Social Action Projects

Within the R-CITY year 2 programme, participants are expected to take the lead on a number of social action project such as charity and fundraising events and awareness raising sessions on various topics. Each year the young people designate a chosen charity to be the recipient of their fundraising efforts. Events have included sponsored walks, sponsored stay awakes, raising vital funds for organisations such as Clic Sergeant, NI Children’s Hospice and some local groups within their own communities.

5 - Advocacy

A crucial role for the R-CITY Year 2’s is beginning to take on the role of advocating on behalf of youth within their communities. Ensuring that are showcasing themselves as positives roles models for younger people in their areas and spending time highlighting not only the work they are doing but that of their peers is vital removing the negative stereotype that can exist around young and creating a positive image.

R-CITY participants are expected to attend a range of community, voluntary, statutory and political events to share their experiences of the R-CITY programme and at times their personal journeys. This has been a huge achievement of many of the young people who previously may have struggled with their self confidence.

Year 2 young people advocate also to their peers encouraging others to become involved with the various R-CITY opportunities that become available.

6 - Volunteering

Each young person on the R-CITY Year 2 programme is expected to spend time volunteering within their own community/youth club. This is to ensure the skills they are developing have the chance to be utilised and refined with experience. It is their chance to give back to their area as well act as a role model for other young people. R-CITY encourages all those involved to develop their sense of civic responsibility.