The Incredible Exchange

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A positive youth development program authorized
by the St. Louis County Board of Commissioners
Presented by Carol Dinius, Community Program
Associate University of Minnesota Extension
Service St. Louis County
YOUth U XI Conference St. Cloud, MN
January 31, 2006
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What is ?
A positive
youth development program for youth 12-15 years
of ageto volunteer their time and talents in the
community, for 25 to 50 hours,in exchange for
participation in recreational or cultural
activities.
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A Partnership
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Goals of

• Increase the number of youth volunteering and the
  hours they spend volunteering
• Increase opportunities for youth to build
  positive relationships with adults
• Provide opportunities for youth to get involved
  in constructive free-time activities

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The Incredible Exchange fits within the
overarching goal of The Center For 4-H Youth
Development efforts of the University of
Minnesota Extension Service . . .
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• . . . Making a measurable difference in
  improving the quality, availability and impact of
  out-of school time for youth.

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Where Do YouthVolunteer?

• There is a wide range of settings to select from
  and many different groups of people to impact
  through volunteering.
• Volunteers choose exchange sites that best suit
  their interests and personalities.

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Volunteer Site Options -
?Hospitals ?Nursing Homes ?Assisted
Living ?Childcare Centers
?Youth/Community Centers ?Parks Recreation
?Outdoor/Nature Settings ?People with
Disabilities ?Working with Animals ?Indoors/Outdo
ors ?With Youth/Seniors/Tourists
?Medical Setting ?Office Work ?Technical
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Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Assisted Living
Mt. Royal Pines III Assisted Living
Benedictine Health Center
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Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Assisted Living -
Lake Haven Manor
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Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Assisted Living
St. Anns Residence
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Childcare Centers
Benedictine Early Childhood Program
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Youth Centers
Valley Youth Center
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Community Centers -
Kids Café
Gnesen Community Center
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Parks and Recreation -
Endion
Portman
Chester Bowl
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Outdoor / Nature settings -
Hartley Nature Center
Stowe Nature Trail
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Assisting People With Disabilities -
North Country RIDE
Duluth Community Sailing Association
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Working with Animals -
Animal Allies
Lake Superior Zoo
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Summer Camps -
Duluth Art Institute Camps
YMCA Camp Kitchigami
East Hillside Theater
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Other -
Duluth Childrens Museum
Trac 7 Cable Access TV
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Making University Connections -
University of Minnesota Duluth Aquatics
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Making University Connections -
Glensheen Gardens
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Impact of Volunteers -

• 2011 completed Youth Exchange Agreements have
  been recorded.
• 108,200 documented hours have been given to the
  community by these youth.
• Over one-half of the participants are first-time
  volunteers.
• 53 girls and 47 boys participate in The
  Incredible Exchange.

Through Summer 2005
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A Mentor . . .

• The Incredible Exchange utilizes mentors. A
  mentor can be a volunteer supervisor, or other
  dedicated staff person at the volunteer site who
  is comfortable working with youth and volunteers.
• The mentor agrees to supervise, teach, and
  support each youth volunteer.
• Meets our 2nd Goal Increase opportunities for
  youth to build positive relationships with
  adults

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A Mentor . . .

• Every child deserves to have a person in their
  life whom they can count on to be there during
  childhood successes and struggles . . . someone
  who will take the time to listen, to help develop
  a positive self-image, enhance their sense of
  well-being and provide hope and encouragement.
  For many, but not nearly enough, that special
  someone is a mentor.
• source unknown

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Key Elements of a Positive Volunteer Experience -
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Exchange Sites -

• Sites must have experience working with
  volunteers.
• -or-
• Sites must have experience working with youth.
• Over 50 sites participate during the summer
  session, and 25-30 participate during the winter
  session.

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What Can Youth Exchange For?

• Ski Season Passes

• Music, Dance, or Gymnastics Lessons

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What Can Youth Exchange For?

• YMCA Passes
• Art Classes

• Horseback Riding Lessons

• Martial Arts Lessons

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Quotes from Youth

• It was a life altering experience.
• lt volunteer at a Nursing Home gt
• I was given experience that will be vital when I
  start working.
• lt volunteer at a Theatre Camp gt
• I learned to work with people who are different
  than me.
• lt volunteer at a Nursing Home gt

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Quotes

• She started off quiet and shy, but soon felt
  comfortable around others. She definitely grew
  more confident each time she volunteered.
• -- Mentor at Youth Center
• He is still spending two days a week at the
  nursing home because he likes being there.
  Without your program he may never have discovered
  that.
• -- Parent

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For more information

• Carol Dinius [phone]
• Kathy Tuominen [phone]
• Address 320 W. 2nd St. Suite 111
• Duluth, MN 55802
• E-mail theincredibleexchange_at_hotmail.com
• Web site www.theincredibleexchange.org

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Thank You!
HAVE AN INCREDIBLE DAY!