Understanding Power Dynamics: Interview with Dr. Amanda Aguilera | Youth Empowerment Radio

Join Audrey on the Youth Empowerment Radio podcast as she interviews Dr. Amanda Aguilera, the Executive Director of the Right Use of Power Institute. In this insightful episode, Dr. Aguilera dives deep into the nuances of power dynamics, the importance of being 'power conscious,' and the significance of youth voice in today's society. Learn about the unique approach of the Right Use of Power Institute, how to cultivate a responsible relationship with power, and the impact of cultural differences on power. This episode is essential for anyone interested in understanding and navigating power with awareness and integrity.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

02:19 Understanding the Right Use of Power

04:42 Developing a Conscious Relationship with Power

06:31 The Importance of Youth Voice

09:18 Navigating Power with Awareness and Integrity

10:50 Examples of Positive Power Use

15:23 Challenges in Embracing Ethical Power

18:09 Global Impact and Cultural Differences in Power

22:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Empowering Youth Voices: Advocacy in Foster Care and Juvenile Justice Systems

This is part 1 in a 2-part series. In this episode of the Youth Empowerment Radio podcast by Youth Move Colorado, host Carmen kicks off a series on youth voice and advocacy. They are joined by Braden Babcock, Shelby Costello, and Dominique, three youth advocates with lived experiences in the juvenile justice and foster care systems. The discussion delves into how youth can utilize their voices for change, influence policy, and raise awareness about youth advocacy within organizations. The guests share their personal journeys into advocacy, highlight important initiatives like the Sibling Bill of Rights, and stress the critical role of adults in supporting and listening to young advocates. They also explore the complexities and nuances of advocating within different systems and the impact it has on creating meaningful changes.

00:00 Introduction to Youth Empowerment Radio
01:38 Meet the Youth Advocates
02:32 Shelby's Advocacy Journey
03:29 Al's Advocacy Work and Challenges
05:18 Understanding Youth Advocacy
07:03 Navigating the Juvenile Justice System
16:50 The Role of Adults in Youth Advocacy
18:47 Improving Support Systems for Youth
23:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In Episode 18 of Youth Empowerment Radio, Part Two of the special series on youth voice and advocacy, host Carmen speaks with Tori and Jordan about the importance of inspiring, amplifying, and utilizing youth voices to create meaningful change. The discussion highlights the issues of trauma and re-traumatization, the need for genuine listening, and the challenges youth face in advocacy spaces. They emphasize creating inclusive spaces by meeting youth where they are and offering diverse opportunities for participation, including both group and individual settings. The episode also addresses the importance of lived experience in advocacy roles, combating biases in child welfare, and the necessity for organizational preparation and intentionality in fostering youth advocacy.

00:00 Introduction to Youth Empowerment Radio

01:24 Challenges of Incorporating Youth Voice

03:18 The Importance of Lived Experience

08:35 Creating Inclusive Advocacy Opportunities

17:04 Advice for Organizations and Youth Advocates

22:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Empowering Youth Voices: Advocacy and Change in Colorado - Part 1 | Youth Empowerment Radio Ep. 17

Join us for Episode 17 of Youth Empowerment Radio, the first part of a special series on the power of youth voice and advocacy. Host Carmen sits down with advocates Tori Schuler and Jordan to explore how to inspire and amplify youth voices to drive meaningful changes in laws and policies. They share personal journeys from foster care to advocacy, discuss the importance of authentic youth engagement, and highlight the potential impact of true youth involvement in organizational decision-making and legislative reform. Tune in to be inspired by their stories and insight into how we can all help empower young people in our communities.

00:00 Introduction to Youth Empowerment Radio
01:27 Meet Jordan: From Foster Care to Advocacy
04:04 Tori's Journey: Empowering Foster Care Voices
09:43 The Importance of Authentic Youth Engagement
15:05 Youth Voice vs. Youth Advocacy
24:49 Challenges and Transparency in Youth Advocacy

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Empowering Youth Voices: Advocacy and Change in Colorado - Part 1 | Youth Empowerment Radio Ep. 17

Join us for Episode 17 of Youth Empowerment Radio, the first part of a special series on the power of youth voice and advocacy. Host Carmen sits down with advocates Tori Schuler and Jordan to explore how to inspire and amplify youth voices to drive meaningful changes in laws and policies. They share personal journeys from foster care to advocacy, discuss the importance of authentic youth engagement, and highlight the potential impact of true youth involvement in organizational decision-making and legislative reform. Tune in to be inspired by their stories and insight into how we can all help empower young people in our communities.

00:00 Introduction to Youth Empowerment Radio

01:27 Meet Jordan: From Foster Care to Advocacy

04:04 Tori's Journey: Empowering Foster Care Voices

09:43 The Importance of Authentic Youth Engagement

15:05 Youth Voice vs. Youth Advocacy

24:49 Challenges and Transparency in Youth Advocacy

Understanding Mile High Behavioral Healthcare: Programs, Services, and Community Impact

In this episode, Audree steps in for Savannah to interview Bob Dorshimer, CEO of Mile High Behavioral Healthcare. Bob provides an in-depth overview of the organization's history, its specialized programs for various vulnerable groups, including gender-specific services, LGBTQ+ initiatives, and youth support services. He discusses the innovative Aspen Miracle Center, the Transcend program, and the comprehensive care offered through their new behavioral health drop-in center, The Hive. Bob sheds light on their efforts to serve marginalized communities, the importance of experiential therapy, and how the organization integrates lived experiences in recovery support. Audree and Bob also explore the broad definitions of family and recovery, emphasizing the importance of non-judgmental and individualized support. Finally, they discuss how community members can help support Mile High Behavioral Healthcare's mission to aid underserved populations and combat homelessness.

00:00 Introduction and Host Change
00:18 Overview of Mile High Behavioral Healthcare
01:09 Specialized Programs and Services
01:56 Support for LGBTQ+ Community
02:45 Reentry Programs and Transcend Program
03:48 Emergency Shelter Services
05:08 Focus on Youth in Crisis
07:01 Experiential Treatment Approaches
09:58 New Youth Drop-In Center: The Hive
14:53 Supporting Underserved Populations
22:35 Defining Family and Individuality
27:26 Embracing Self-Love and Authenticity
27:47 Supportive Recovery Services at Mile High
28:20 The Importance of Lived Experience in Recovery
28:53 Holistic Approach to Treatment
29:28 Personal Connections in Recovery
30:17 Broad Definition of Recovery Support
30:50 Youth and Community Involvement
34:25 Supporting Mile High Behavioral Healthcare
40:01 Incorporating Youth Voice in Programs
45:08 Understanding and Addressing Homelessness
48:08 Personal Definitions of Recovery
49:00 Conclusion and Gratitude

Elevating Connections: Supporting Siblings and Youth in Foster Care Through the Arts

In this episode, Savanaha interviews Stacey Sanders, the founder and executive director of Elevating Connections, an organization dedicated to reuniting siblings separated by the foster care system and empowering foster youth through artistic expression. Stacey discusses the organization's mission, its programs like Empowering Youth Expressions and Camp Connect, and various events and workshops that help foster youth reconnect and share their experiences. She also highlights the importance of trauma-informed care and community support in ensuring these youths are heard and acknowledged.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:23 Mission of Elevating Connections
01:26 Programs and Services Overview
02:25 Youth Access and No Age Limit Policy
04:59 Art Activities and Youth Voice Programming
09:41 Camp Connect Details
12:05 Volunteering and Community Support
13:56 Trauma-Informed Practices
21:05 Community Partnerships and Art Supplies
28:40 Impact and Reconnecting Siblings
31:47 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts

Youth Empowerment and Recovery: An Interview with Brendan, YPR Durango Chapter Lead

In episode 14 of Youth Empowerment Radio, host Audrey interviews Brendan, the lead of the Young People in Recovery (YPR) Durango chapter and program coordinator at Oak Tree Youth Resources. Brendan discusses the key takeaways for homeless youth seeking sobriety, the success stories from recovery groups, understanding and preventing relapse, and the rewards and challenges of leading a recovery program. Brendan shares personal experiences, the importance of community connection, and advice for others looking to start or lead similar programs. The episode also highlights the practical resources available for unhoused youth and the efforts to engage and support them through creative activities and outreach.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:42 Key Takeaways for Homeless Youth Seeking Sobriety
02:00 Success Stories and Recovery Group Dynamics
04:34 Understanding and Preventing Relapse
07:52 Gains After Recovery
10:59 Impact of Substance Use and Being Unhoused
13:39 Inspiration and Leadership in YPR
15:56 Challenges and Rewards of Leading a Recovery Program
23:04 Advice for Starting a Recovery Program
25:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Empowering Rural Workforce: Insights from Colorado Department of Labor and Employment

In this podcast episode, key representatives from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) discuss their roles and responsibilities in workforce development, particularly focused on rural communities. Susie Miller, Wendy Corley, and Steve Wright share their career journeys and emphasize the department's holistic approach to providing support and creating opportunities for job seekers and businesses in rural Colorado. They highlight specific programs like proud, PACE, and TECP that aim to assist marginalized populations such as the formerly incarcerated and SNAP recipients. They also discuss the increasing importance of digital and virtual services, sector partnerships, and apprenticeships in addressing the diverse needs of Colorado's labor force. The episode underscores the commitment of CDLE to foster equity, innovation, and community engagement in shaping a resilient workforce.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions
00:28 Roles and Responsibilities
01:30 Personal Journeys in Workforce Development
03:24 Youth Programs and Initiatives
17:57 Virtual Services and Digital Support
28:15 Workforce System and Community Resources
29:35 Local Control and Flexibility in Workforce Programs
30:36 Governor's Summer Job Hunt Program
35:20 Future Innovations and Trends in Workforce Development
38:52 Services Offered by Workforce Centers
43:39 Sector Partnerships and Workforce Strategies
45:06 Pathful Integration and Career Pathways
48:08 Specialized Programs and Apprenticeships
54:09 Final Thoughts and Advice for Youth

Exploring Colorado's Rich Civil Rights History with Terri Gentry

In this episode, Terri Gentry, the Engagement Manager for Black Communities at History Colorado, shares insights into her family’s remarkable contribution to civil rights history and the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. She discusses her family’s involvement in civil rights activism, including her uncle George, the first Black lieutenant governor of Colorado, her grandparents' dedication to education, and her father's role as a Denver police officer protecting Dr. King. Gentry highlights the significance of Martin Luther King Day, the need for continuous activism, the impact of historical laws, and how Colorado played an integral role in the civil rights movement. She also emphasizes the importance of young people getting involved in advocacy, the ongoing struggle for true equity, and details about various historical exhibitions and resources available at History Colorado and other local museums. Tune in to learn more about Colorado's rich and multifaceted civil rights history and ongoing efforts to foster community and equality.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:06 Guest Background and Family History
00:38 Inspiration from Martin Luther King Jr.
01:50 Impact of Martin Luther King Jr.'s Legacy
05:01 Lesser-Known Aspects of MLK's Life
09:19 Colorado's Role in the Civil Rights Movement
14:23 Challenges and Progress in Civil Rights
22:51 Advice for Young Civil Rights Advocates
28:38 Upcoming Events and Resources
32:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Supporting Foster Youth: Insights from Boulder County Chafee Program

In this episode, Savannah interviews Nicole, her supervisor at Boulder County Housing and Human Services. Nicole discusses her role in supervising caseworkers who help 16 to 26-year-olds with housing resources, advocacy, and mentorship for independent living. She explains the federally funded Chafee program, its purpose, and how it benefits foster youth and those who have emancipated from foster care. Furthermore, they talk about the Pathways Program, designed to intensify support for youth in a coaching model to achieve their goals. Nicole shares her career journey in human services and provides advice on how communities can help the unhoused population and advocate for youth in challenging situations.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:19 Meet Nicole: Supervisor at Boulder County Chafee Program
01:25 Understanding the Chafee Program
02:26 The Role of a Supervisor in the Chafee Program
05:02 The Pathways Program Explained
08:58 Nicole's Journey into Human Services
11:39 Advocating for the Unhoused Youth
14:42 Effective Advocacy for Youth in the System
16:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts