Game
Changers
Game Changers are adult volunteers dedicated to building positive connections with youth. The program began with monthly Game Nights in 2019, where adults and teens played board games together, fostering real connections without electronics. In this relaxed setting, teens felt comfortable sharing their concerns, and adults listened, offering support and encouragement.
Game Changers receive training in trauma-informed care, developmental relationships, CPR, mental health, and more, equipping them to connect with intention. They're making a real, positive impact in our community!"Learn more and get involved!
Relationships that young people have with adults in their life have a meaningful impact. In the same way that a tree’s roots need nutrients from different parts of soil to grow healthy and strong, young people thrive when they have positive interactions with multiple adults in their life. Developmental relationships help young people forge identities, learn new skills, and strengthen the roots of their success. Family members, teachers, school administrators, coaches, program leaders, and others can help young people figure out who they are and who they can become.
Years of research at the Search Institute has found that young people who experience strong developmental relationships across different parts of their lives are more likely to show signs of positive development in many areas including:
· Increased academic motivation
· Increased social-emotional growth and learning
· Increased sense of personal responsibility
· Reduced engagement in a variety of high-risk behaviors
Push me to keep getting better.
Expect my best—Expect me to live up to my potential.
Stretch—Push me to go further.
Hold me accountable—Insist I take responsibility for my actions.
Reflect on failures—Help me learn from mistakes and setbacks.
Challenge Growth
Treat me with respect and give me a say.
Respect me—Take me seriously and treat me fairly.
Include me—Involve me in decisions that affect me.
Collaborate—Work with me to solve problems and reach goals.
Let me lead—Create opportunities for me to take action and lead.
Share Power
Show me that I matter to you.
Be dependable—Be someone I can trust.
Listen—Really pay attention when we are together.
Believe in me—Make me feel known and valued.
Be warm—Show me you enjoy being with me.
Encourage—Praise me for my efforts and achievements.
Express Care
Help me complete tasks and achieve goals.
Navigate—Guide me through hard situations and systems.
Empower—Build my confidence to take charge of my life.
Advocate—Stand up for me when I need it.
Set boundaries—Put in place limits that keep me on track.
Provide Support
Connect me with people and places that broaden my world.
Inspire—Inspire me to see possibilities for my future.
Broaden horizons—Expose me to new ideas, experiences, and places.
Connect—Introduce me to people who can help me grow.
