The Task Force on Sports-Based Youth Development recently hosted Renata Simril, President and CEO of the LA84 Foundation, who shared her experience working to close the Play Equity gap in Los Angeles. Much like PYSC, LA84 is a backbone organization supporting the growth of sports-based youth development programs both during and after the school day. Just like the disparity of quality sports programs provided for young people in Philadelphia, Renata says that in Los Angeles, “the kids who need it the most don’t have access.” Click here to view a recording of Renata's full presentation and discussion.
Coming from a background in social service, Renata launched an awareness campaign “P.E is a social justice issue.” This campaign reveals the lack of Play Equity due to how few opportunities exist in urban communities for youth to play and grow through sport. You can download and customize this campaign from LA84 at http://la84.org/play-equity/.
Drawing from Work Group recommendations and inspiration from guest speakers, members of the Task Force will begin compiling the report anticipating the launch in June. Work Groups in the areas of Access, Communications, Measurement and Quality, and Sustainable Funding will meet in March to review and refine their recommendations. Email us with questions about the Task Force's progress.
Member Focus:
Bicycle Coalition Youth Cycling
Bicycle Coalition Youth Cycling is a program fostering healthy habits, independence, and leadership in Philadelphia youth through the sport of cycling. In the same way the Bicycle Coalition works to making cycling safe and fun for all, their Youth Cycling provides students with the tools they need to bike with confidence and develop positive relationships with peers and mentors. Students are coached through goal-setting and can choose to be more involved in areas of racing, leadership, and community engagement and advocacy. See more about their incredible work here: http://bicyclecoalition.org/our-campaigns/bicycle-coalition-youth-cycling
Upcoming Events for Members
Members of PYSC can reserve with the links below.
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PYSC membership.
The
Citywide OST Initiative met for their second annual convening on February 26th with opening remarks from
Mayor Jim Kenney, highlighting the urgency needed in creating opportunities for all children. Managing Director
Michael Diberardinis, Co-Chair of the Task Force on Sports-Based Youth Development, led a panel discussion on the state of OST, featuring PYSC partners in the Department of Human Services, and Parks and Recreation. Work Groups discussed tools for tracking and mapping OST programs with the
After School Activities Partnership map and
Cityspan, and discussed quality with the
National Institute for Out-of-School Time.
