To celebrate our newly published book, The Heartbeat of the Youth Development Field: Professional Journeys of Growth, Connection, and Transformation, the National Institute on Out-of-School Time (NIOST), a program of WCW, launched the Journeys in Youth Development podcast series with host Georgia Hall, Ph.D., director of NIOST and co-editor of the book.
In this third episode of the podcast, Georgia hosts Brittany Jacobs, Library Director at the Burlington Public Library in Iowa, and Edward Franklin, President and CEO of Voice of Hope Ministries in Texas. Brittany and Edward talk about the essays they contributed to the book, which explore the relationship building that allows OST programs to go beyond short-term benefits to sustained and transformative influence for individuals and communities.
Brittany reads from her essay “Sanctuary,” about how libraries can offer out-of-the-box learning opportunities for youth. She talks about an anxious fifth grader who came to the library looking for help with his math homework and soon became a library regular, and her experience empowering elementary schoolers by connecting them with young inventors through social media.
Edward reads from his essay “Afterschool as Mission,” about his personal experience finding autonomy and responsibility as a young person in his church community. He discusses his work with young people during the out-of-school time hours, as a youth minister, "to extend grace" and keep youth on successful life trajectories.
From early literacy in the morning to homework help and telling ghost stories in the afternoon, librarians are part of the OST workforce helping to support youth in unique and long-lasting ways.
About Journeys in Youth Development Podcast
Brittany and Edward’s essays appear in the book co-edited by NIOST, The Heartbeat of the Youth Development Field: Professional Journeys of Growth, Connection, and Transformation. Through both research and personal essays, the book shines a light on the intricate connections between research and practice, touching upon both the vulnerability and triumph of youth development work. The passionate voices of youth workers in this volume lead to the inescapable conclusion that programs and policies for youth must be informed by these same voices and the values they express.
You can find the Journeys in Youth Development podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeart Radio. Follow the podcast on your favorite platform to get notified when new episodes are released monthly.
February 27, 2023
