Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy Newsletter | |
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It's Fall, ya'll! Okay, so most of us at the office do not have an accent like that, but it's just fun to say! Summer has passed, and it was a busy one for us. KYEA has a lot going on! Read about all of it in this issue!
Our topic of the month is civic engagement. This is a big word, but it's an important one. We have an election coming up, and it has reminded us how important it is to care about our communities. Learn how you can do just that through reading this newsletter. YOU can make a difference! Don't forget that!
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KYEA News
KYEA is in a period of full speed ahead! We are still on a high from this summer's KSYLF, and are celebrating a new group of alumni! We are also starting our workshops back up with a fresh new look, reviving Disability Mentoring Day in Shawnee County, and adding staff. Check out all of this news...
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KSYLF 2024 Launches New Youth Leaders: 24 Delegates Blast Off Into Future With Goals, Resources, and New Support System
Twenty-four young adult leaders with disabilities in our state have officially blasted off into their leadership future after attending the 2024 Kansas Youth Leadership Forum! Our theme for the week was “Blast Off! Launching the Leader in You!” The week was definitely a launch of personalities, goals, new friendships, possibilities, and so much more. What a week it was! Everyone who was involved was positively impacted in some way, and now our KSYLF family has grown to be 513 alumni strong!
Delegates from across the state gathered at Washburn University in Topeka from July 16-20, 2024, for this 23rd annual Forum. The 24 delegates came from a wide variety of different cities, with the furthest delegates traveling from Grinnell and Liberal. With our theme, delegates learned that, just like Americans landed on the moon many years ago, anything is possible with the right attitude, resources, and support. Delegates were encouraged to think big, make plans for their future, and embrace their unique selves. These delegates blasted off throughout the week and have now embarked on an exciting leadership and life journey, authored by them.
This year, we had 32 staff members, including 9 alumni who returned to serve in a mentor role. THANK YOU to our awesome volunteers/staff who made the week the best it could be! As always, the week was full of lasting memories, new friendships, exciting experiences, laughter, celebration, energy, and so much growth. The week included the usual large and small group sessions, Day at the Capital, Mentor Luncheon, wheelchair basketball, barbecue, resource fair, Real Life Affair, talent show, dance, and graduation ceremony. Our Mentor Luncheon keynote speaker, this year, was Kelsey Tainsh, professional speaker and para snowboarder from Boston, MA. Kelsey shared an empowering message of pushing through obstacles and unexpected moments to reach your goals and be active.
We are so excited to welcome our 24 new alumni to the KSYLF family! You all rock! We are proud to know you and look forward to supporting your leadership launch!
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Our Mentor Luncheon is always our opportunity to recognize awesome people in our state who are furthering the youth empowerment movement! We gave away two awards at our Mentor Luncheon this year to people who mean a lot to our organization. | |
The Justin Cosco Award was presented to Shane Lewis, 2019 KSYLF Alumni and 2020 Faces of Change Alumni. Shane currently works for the Self-Advocate Coalition of Kansas, has become a sought-after youth leader and advocate in our state, and is involved with KYEA in a variety of ways. | |
The Spirit of Hope Award, in memory of John Peterson, was given to Cathy Fitzgerald, seven-year volunteer of the KSYLF. Cathy has also worked in the education field, mostly with students with disabilities, for almost 40 years. She currently works as a Special Education Teacher/Vocational Careers Instructor at Salina Central High School. | | |
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The KSYLF would not be possible each year without our sponsors! Thank you to our many 2024 KSYLF sponsors who are committed to the success of this program. We are grateful to this entire group of businesses and organizations who believe in building youth leaders with disabilities in our state. Your investment has launched the leadership journey of 24 young people in Kansas. Thank you!!
Visit our 2024 Sponsor page for a full list of this year’s KSYLF sponsors.
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New Season of Empower Me! Workshops Launches New Look
Guess what? The new season of Empower Me! Workshops just dropped!
We are gearing up for another amazing year of partnering with Pre-Employment Transition Services of Kansas (Pre-ETS) to travel the state and present workshops on employment for youth with disabilities.
These workshops have an exciting new look: You’ll learn to level up your employment game through interactive presentations and activities designed to capture the essence of video games you know and love, while laying the foundation of the skills you need to get and keep a job.
We’re launching this new version of our workshops with our classic goals in mind, that every youth attending will believe they can work, be empowered to want to work, begin to discover how their interests can connect to their employment future, and gain the skills they need to be successful working. At KYEA, we believe that Employment is rated E for Everyone: Everyone can work with the right resources and accommodations!
Our quest to reach this mission will bring us to Lawrence on October 22nd and Wichita on October 29th with 5 more in-person workshops and 3 virtual workshops on the map for the 2024-25 season.
If you are a Pre-ETS consumer and would like to attend an Empower Me! Workshop, talk to your Pre-ETS Specialist to learn more about the next one coming to your area and get signed up. If you are interested in opportunities to volunteer, including helping us prepare for workshops or speaking on an employment panel at a workshop, please contact Kirstianna at kirstiannag@kyea.org.
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Searching for Youth Applicants for 2025 Kansas Youth Leadership Forum!
It's that time again! KYEA is currently searching for potential youth leaders to attend our 24th Annual Kansas Youth Leadership Forum (KSYLF).
Are you a youth with a disability who has an interest in leadership, who wants to become a better advocate, or who would like to meet other youth leaders with disabilities? Then consider applying to the KSYLF! The 2025 KSYLF will be held July 14-19 at Washburn University in Topeka.
All students who are interested in attending the KSYLF must meet the following criteria:
- reside in Kansas
- have a disability as defined with the Americans With Disabilities Act
- be in the 11th or 12th grade as of December 31, 2024 (or be in an 18-21 transition program)
- have demonstrated leadership potential in school and/or the community
Interested students must fill out an application that will be reviewed through a competitive selection process. The application deadline for the 2025 forum is December 15, 2024.
Don’t miss out on this amazing week of empowerment, leadership growth, new experiences, and making new friends!
Learn more and apply
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KYEA Bringing Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) Back to Shawnee County, Events Held in Other Cities | |
Disability Mentoring Day began in 1999 with fewer than three dozen student participants as part of a White House effort to increase the profile of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), celebrated every October. Twenty-five years later, Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) is a large program across the United States, territories, and abroad.
Goals for Disability Mentoring Day include:
- enhance employment opportunities for people with disabilities,
- promote disability as a central component of diversity recruitment for a more inclusive workforce,
- dispel employers' fears about hiring people with disabilities,
- and increase confidence among students and job seekers with disabilities.
KYEA is bringing Disability Mentoring Day back to Shawnee County! This event is scheduled for October 23 from 9:00 am-12:00 pm at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. The event is for 15 to 25-year-olds with a disability who are currently seeking, or will soon be seeking, employment.
The event will open with a panel of individuals who have a disability and are employed. Next will be breakout sessions that will include resume building, interview tips, accommodation requests, disability rights, and more. Finally, there will be a job fair where event attendees can meet with Topeka employers who are hiring.
Shawnee County Disability Mentoring Day is still looking for volunteers, as well as businesses and organizations that are hiring to attend the job fair. Potential volunteers and hiring businesses and organizations can email jen@kyea.org for questions and to be added to the list.
To attend as a participant, just show up on the day of the event and enjoy all of the helpful resources! Click the flyer above for full details. Also, for more information, visit www.sncodmd.com.
Other DMD events in Kansas are happening in the month of October. Each event will offer a different style but will have the same goals. Some of these events are located in: Hutchison, Kansas City, Pratt, Beloit, Wamego, Atchison, Junction City, Osage City, Butler County, and Great Bend.
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Meet Our Newest Staff Member!
Chris
Employment Coordinator
Why did you want to work for KYEA?
The work we do is genuine, community driven, and comes from a place of sincerity. We go the distance to act out what we believe – that youth with disabilities deserve to live their lives in a manner consistent with their choosing – to have successful careers and live meaningful lives.
What are your disabilities?
I wear glasses when I’m on the road, reading, or watching television. They allow things which are farther away to appear clearer, which is especially important while driving. Aside from the stylistic appeal, I like wearing glasses because they make you feel sophisticated. Wearing glasses gives people the impression that you’re privy to some inside information—something nobody else would know.
“Can you tell me where the line starts?” “Go ask that guy, he’s got glasses.”
What are three words that you would use to describe yourself?
Hungry, curious, and funny!
What has been your favorite thing about your job so far?
Working with so many talented individuals has been such an inspiration. I have never seen a work environment staffed by a more capable group of people! Our office is a very positive place – the weeks just seem to fly by.
What is one thing that everyone should know about you?
Pineapple DOES belong on pizza!
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KYEA Merchandise Available!
Get Your One-of-a-Kind KSYLF, Faces, or KYEA Shirt
We are working on cleaning out our KYEA office and are making many of our past organization and program shirts available to YOU! Get yours while they last!
Would you like a one-of-a-kind Kansas Youth Leadership Forum shirt from over the years? How about a KYEA, Faces of Change, or Empower Me! Challenge shirt? Maybe you are just looking for a shirt with a motivational message on it. We have 24 options to choose from, and we even have some of our vintage KYEA Mentoring Matters notepads available.
Please note that we only have certain sizes of shirts available, so order soon if you want a specific size. You can pick up your items, or we can ship them to you. Suggested donation for all shirts is $10.00. Suggested donation for KYEA notepads is $3.00. The suggested donation amounts include shipping, if needed.
View items and ORDER:
https://www.kyea.org/show.php?contentid=213
Get your items while they last! All items will only be available through October 11, so get your order in before this date.
If the order form is not accessible to you, or you have questions, please contact Carrie at carrieg@kyea.org or 785-380-8163.
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civic engagement :
"Civic engagement describes how individuals become involved in their community to make a positive difference in the lives of their fellow citizens."
(from thoughtco.com)
That is the formal definition. What this basically means is caring about your community and doing things to help the people in it. Civic engagement can include voting, volunteering, group activities, advocacy, and much more! There are many issues in our communities that need addressed, including homelessness, pollution, lack of food, education about people with disabilities... among others.
How can YOU get involved? What issues are YOU passionate about? How can YOU really make a difference? Read on to find out!
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Spotlight On: Civic Engagement Through Advocacy and Community
Lola Kernell, Fairway
by Dallas Hathaway, Faces Alumni '16 and KYEA Board President
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Civic engagement can look like many things including political engagement, community service, volunteering, and advocacy. Lola Kernell, who lives in Fairway, embodies this idea while currently serving as the Advocacy Coordinator for the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities (KCDD).
Lola has been involved in many activities ever since high school. In high school, she was involved in theater all four years. She was also involved in the French club, National Honor Society, and the Campus Ministry. She is currently involved with the American heritage girls, which she describes as a Christian approach to Girl Scouts. She is currently working on her highest level in the program, the Stars and Stripes. She worked to reorganize her high school's prop room as her project to receive the honor.
As an individual with Down syndrome, Lola became involved with Down Syndrome Innovations. At a round table event, she met Sarah Hart Weir, the Executive Director of KCDD. Through this new connection, she was later invited to complete an internship for the organization. In advancing to the Advocacy Coordinator role, she “spends a lot of time doing what I dreamed of doing.” Lola is currently working on preparing for a self-advocacy conference. She has also had the opportunity to give presentations, work on slideshows, and participate in webinars.
Civic engagement is important to Lola because it gives her an opportunity to engage with an audience. She credits some of her success with presentations to taking a college public speaking class in high school. She is now in an interpersonal communication course, and she is not afraid of presenting in front of others.
Lola feels that there are many ways that young people can be more effective. She hopes that more people participate in random acts of kindness. Lola believes that one of the most important tools that young people can use while engaging with their communities is by using their voice.
“People need to know what we need, and we should ask for help when we need it,” she said.
Another important factor for Lola is compassion. She feels as though compassion is a way for others to change the world and make a positive impact.
Lola shared her perspective on how current leaders can better inspire youth, especially in the digital age.
“Leaders can make videos, participate in TED talks, complete podcasts, and even help the youth spend less time on their phones,” Lola said.
Lola provided insight into what important issues youth with disabilities are facing today. She thinks that employment and education are some top issues for youth to be concerned about. She discussed how, earlier this year, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed into law Senate Bill 15, which creates more employment opportunities for Kansans with disabilities. She encourages youth to focus on things that they're passionate about.
Through all her activities, Lola has mastered the art of staying involved in her community. After hearing Lola’s story, I hope everyone think about the various ways that they can increase their engagement within their communities. I want to thank Lola again for taking the time to share her story with me and how she works to make a difference in the lives of others.
To learn more about the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities, read our Community Power article below.
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Straight From the Youth!
How have you been civically engaged in your community and why is this important?
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Josie Korenek, KSYLF Volunteer, Manhattan, KS
"I recently learned through a Civil Engagement conference the importance of being active in community upkeep. Through volunteering with AmeriCorps, I have worked to maintain the park by repairing signs, picking up sticks, and mowing grass.
It is important to be civically engaged to keep our resources working and effective and safe to use for everyone. Activities such as volunteering at your local park, community garden, and picking up trash as you see it are all a great way to do your part."
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Straight From the Youth!
Where do you volunteer and why do you like volunteering?
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Sean Sollenberger, KSYLF Alumni '23, Coffeyville, KS
"I do a little bit of volunteering with consulting.
I utilize my knowledge in business operations and functions to assist other visually impaired people with their ideas.
I turn dreams into reality; dirt and dust into brick and mortar. For example, a new author wants to publish his first book by January. We are absolutely on track to reach that goal. Another individual wants to invent a new way of transportation. Well, he is struggling with internal battles. However, as soon as he is back in the saddle, we will be on track to build that into a fully functional business by the middle of next year.
My mission is to empower thousands of blind and low vision people from the USA to not just obtain jobs, but to become innovators. I wish to convince blind and low vision people to push themselves into the world of creation, where dreams are unlimited.
I enjoy this mission due to the fact that I get to be in the first seat when watching a blind and low vision person make their first earned dollar. I love helping, and, along with spreading my mission, I wish to walk in faith with God and bring the word to blind people whom may not know God yet."
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Making a Difference in Expected AND Unexpected Ways
by Kirstianna Guerrero, KYEA Program Coordinator and KSYLF/Faces Alumna
There are so many ways to get involved in our communities and make a difference. When it comes to civic engagement, there are actions you can take that you may instantly think of and some that may surprise you!
View our comparison of "typical" ways to be civically engaged and, if those don't work, other ways to think outside of the box! Click the chart below to begin exploring...
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The Importance of Helping the Community and Standing Up For What's Right: An Interview with Liam Vesely
Interview by Carrie Greenwood, KYEA Program Coordinator
There are many youth out there who have a desire to help people in the community. Liam Vesely, of Topeka, is one of those youth! Liam, who is 16, has been volunteering at KYEA for a few months and has a great perspective as a young person with a disability. Liam thinks it's important to help others, and he wants to make a difference.
We sat down with Liam to ask him about his volunteer experiences, his interests when it comes to community issues, how giving back makes him feel, and why it's important to help the community. Learn more about Liam in the video below!
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Standing Up For Important Issues... Watch these tips! | Speaking up is hard. It is not something that comes easy for a lot of people. And that's okay. Making a difference can come through actions or words. If you prefer to advocate through words, there are many people to learn from! Listen to these great tips: | "How to Speak Up in Meetings (Hacks For Speaking Up With Confidence)" | "How to speak out on issues that matter" | "Saying the Hard Things: The Power of Speaking Up" | "Public Speaking Anxiety Tips: 6 Mindset Tips" | "How To Have A Difficult Conversation" | | |
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5 Tips for Community Engagement
Put your passions to work by giving back in various ways
by Chris, Employment Coordinator
So, where do you start if you want to be engaged and involved in bettering your community? The hardest part is sometimes deciding what activities fit you best AND what issues are most important to you. Our suggestion? Think about things that you want to change in your community. What would you like to help improve? What gets you excited to help change? Figure out what your top issues are and then find ways to make a difference in those areas. If you are needing some suggestions, check out the five tips below. Do any of these allow you to exercise your passions?
Tip #1 Donate
Donating is a great way to help your community and free up space in your home. You can feel good that your items won’t go to waste and will benefit someone in need. As the adage goes, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure!
Tip #2 Give Blood
Blood is another commodity that often goes overlooked. As reported by The American Red Cross, only 3% of eligible donors give blood annually. Donating blood saves lives!
Tip #3 Help a Family Member
Another option to feel good about is helping a family member in need. For those who have difficulty cutting the grass or shoveling the driveway, another pair of hands seldom goes unappreciated.
Tip #4 Serve on a Board
Youth with disabilities bring a unique perspective to the community. Your experiences could help shed light on challenges faced by people with a similar disability or upbringing!
Tip #5 Volunteer
There is no better way to help your community than to donate your time. Libraries, animal shelters, and food banks are always in need of more helpers.
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Community Power!
Highlighting helpful resources throughout the state
Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities
by Whit Downing, KYEA Board Secretary, Faces of Change Alumna '17, and KCDD Program Coordinator
At KCDD, we are all about empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to change systems and advocate for inclusive communities where everyone belongs and thrives. We want all people with I/DD to live, learn, work, play, belong, and thrive in the community they choose. We support people of all ages with developmental disabilities, so they have the opportunity to make choices regarding both their participation in society and their quality of life.
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The Kansas Disability Caucus is looking for more board members! Board members organize and coordinate activities that promote independent living of all people with disabilities, including the Disability Caucus held during even numbered years. Learn more
The Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities is seeking self-advocates and parents to join their council. Are you passionate about improving the lives of Kansans with disabilities? Are you looking for ways to share your skills, talents and interests? Bring your gifts and energy and join the KCDD Council. KCDD Council Members help their agency achieve their goals in building a more inclusive state. Apply now
Applications are being accepted for the 2025 United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) and are due October 10. Any high school junior or senior is eligible for the program as long as they have not previously been a delegate to Washington Week and have not received a USSYP scholarship. The student applicant must hold a high-level leadership position in any student government, civic or educational organization during the entire 2024–25 academic year. Learn more
The Presidential Scholars, Presidential Scholars in CTE programs is accepting nominations. This program recognizes and honors high school seniors who have demonstrated high achievements academically or in the arts — some having to overcome special challenges or hurdles to do so. The Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education (CTE) program also offers recognition of high-achieving students who have demonstrated excellence in CTE. Schools may nominate only two students for each program from their school. Nominations must be postmarked by October 10, 2024. Learn more
Families Together will also be hosting their Family Employment Awareness Training (FEAT) in Garden City in December. Join them to learn about services, programs, and supports available to support gaining and maintaining employment for youth/young adults who have disabilities. Learn more
Families Together also has monthly CHASE Your Dreams podcasts that cover a WIDE range of topics! These podcasts are fun, interesting, and youth-friendly. Our very own Carrie Greenwood even got to be a guest on a podcast a few months ago!
Check out Carrie's podcast on the True Meaning of Beauty and Empowerment
Listen to other CHASE Your Dreams podcasts
KUCDD is becoming KUCD. What does this mean? Come to their Open House on October 9 and learn how the Kansas University Center on Disabilities is rebranding and becoming more inclusive! In their new location, KUCD will expand their mission and build new collaborations to strengthen communities so that everyone can learn, work, feel included, and thrive. This event is on Wednesday, October 9, from 3:00 – 5:00 pm on the 7th floor of the Joseph R. Pearson Hall at KU in Lawrence. Sign up to attend
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Opportunities on a National Level
The 2025 AAPD Summer Internship Program Application is now open! AAPD’s Internship Program places students and recent graduates with disabilities in paid internships. Interns build leadership skills, explore career opportunities, and connect with the disability community. For Summer 2025, AAPD will offer a hybrid internship program with some interns joining remotely from across the country while some interns will be based in Washington D.C. Apply by October 10. Learn more
The AAPD Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award is seeking nominations! This award recognizes emerging leaders or groups with disabilities who exemplify leadership, advocacy, and dedication to the broader cross-disability community. Two (2) individuals or groups will each receive $7,500 to further a new or existing initiative that increases opportunities for people with disabilities and $2,500 in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the disability community. Apply by October 15. Learn more
Have you heard of "The Ride Ahead" documentary? If not, you should! One of our staff got a sneak peek, and this movie is highly recommended. "The Ride Ahead" follows the journey of a young man with cerebral palsy who just wants to be independent and live life to the fullest. This is a great film to show youth with disabilities! And they now have an education kit that can be purchased. Learn more
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Thank you for reading our newsletter!
Look for our next issue in December!
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