Each year, the Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council works with U.S. Department of State-sponsored leadership projects for teens. One of these programs is the Youth Ambassadors of Brazil.
It’s hard to describe everything a youth project incorporates. Take some inspiration, mix it with energy, throw in some training and cultural exchange, and you have the makings for a great youth program!
Our Brazilian young leaders participated in a three-part public speaking workshop, a leadership compass workshop, and in a civil rights workshop led by Dr. Eurydice Stanley. They spent time with Rachel Hendrix and students at the University of West Florida to discuss diversity, and Pensacola Council Member Sherri Myers led them in a conversation focused on social justice while Rick Outzen of the Independent Weekly challenged the teens to think critically.
They visited ARC Gateway where Dawn Von Stein explained the mission of their training center which helps adults with developmental disabilities reach their full potential and learned more about mentoring at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida where they met Krissy Smith, vice president of programs. At Manna Food Pantries Miranda Melvin held a discussion on volunteer management, and then the group volunteered at Manna to experience volunteerism themselves. They met with Louis Cooper of the Gay Grassroots of Northwest Florida, participated in a life skills experience clinic with the First Tee of Northwest Florida hosted by Marty Stanovich, and visited Escambia Boys Base to give presentations on Brazil.
Civic engagement was part of the itinerary as well. At the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office, Deputy Supervisor of Elections Sonya Daniel discussed governmental leadership and the role of local citizens. They spent time at the Pensacola Police Department where Lieutenant Jimmy Donohoe discussed the best practices in community engagement, and later in the week Maren DeWeese joined them for a student-led mock city council simulation.
At Gulf Breeze High School, the Brazilians shadowed local teens thanks to the hospitality of teacher Mary Montcalm, and at 4-H they shared their culture and volunteered with American students thanks to the coordination of Brian Estevez (Youth Development Agent) and Jereme Johnson (4-H Program Assistant). The teens even participated in a cross-cultural simulation with the Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council Youth Diplomats!
While the workshops and activities of a youth program are special, the real magic of citizen diplomacy happens with host families around the kitchen table and during the drive from the downtown meeting spot to home. We extend a heartfelt thank you to our special hosts of 2018: Lori Bane, Leigh & Kent DeSantis, Susan & Robert Hagan, Beverly & David Mayo, Magali & E. Ben Posey, Megan & Jerry Pratt, Jeannine Van Reeth, Enid & Sam Wilson, Leslie & Gerry Yandle. This project was a success due to their support!
