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It's tough out there working with young people; especially when you are constantly being told to do more with less. It's even tougher when you don't have a network of support who understands the strengths, struggles, and stories unique to educating, empowering, and standing up for the youth of today. Luckily, the Bay Area is rich with youth workers, educators, and teaching artists dedicated to changing their selves, communities,... and world.SOUP'S On! is a new monthly informal networking and professional development opportunity from me, Jason Wyman, catalyst of The S. Kitchen and member of Youth Worker Collective. Simply, it is cuisine, conversation, and camaraderie through FREE monthly POTLUCKS for youth workers, educators, and teaching artists in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is an opportunity to connect, support, and learn from your peers. It is a shared meal in a casual setting. It is about listening to a story and finding where yours intersects.
The format is basic and malleable. EVERYONE brings something to share (a dish, some fruit, a resource, a story.) It starts with arrival and casual conversation. Then, a youth worker, educator, or teaching artist (our featured guestpert) will share her/his personal story of why they engage young people, improve their practice and/or change the world for five to ten minutes. Next, the forum is opened up for questions and answers for ten minutes. Finally, we break bread, share a meal, and continue the conversation. Together it is cuisine, conversation, and camaraderie.
