Members of the Inclusive Youth Leadership Sub-Committee reflected on their presentation at the 2013 National Service Learning Conference. They discussed what went well, including presenting without reading directly from the PowerPoint, adapting an activity, sharing personal stories, organization, and engaging activities. Challenges included communication issues, structuring the curriculum, defining inclusive leadership, and the placement of teaching and activities. They proposed potential changes like allowing more personal connection time and limiting the use of podiums to enhance impact.

1. Clement Coulston
Special Olympics Project UNIFY® National Youth Activation Committee
Inclusive Youth Leadership Sub-Committee
Collaborative Reflection Discussion, 03.24.13 at 4 PM EST
2013 National Service Learning Conference – Presentation
On Sunday, March 24, 2013 Members of the Inclusive Youth Leadership Sub-Committee
engaged in a comprehensive reflection discussion based on our insights, ‘ah-ha! moments and
experiences presenting The Student Of Today ARE the Leaders Of Today, at the 2013
National Service Learning Conference. Since we are committed to co-creating an effective,
concise and easy-to-use Curriculum that will be launched at the 2013 SONA Conference this
July, celebrating the successes of our accomplishments thus far while identifying the
challenges that we faced, supports us in enhancing our work. This Resource is a summation of
our discussion that will be further considered during our upcoming in-person Meeting.
What Went Well?
Presentation Without APresentation
o Each IYL Member knew what he or shewas presenting. Because of this
preparation and strategic planning, we were not reliant on “reading the
words from the PowerPoint” but rather used it as a supplemental guide.
Adapting the Human Rock Papers Scissors Icebreaker
o While we had initially planned for around 20-30 attendees, many more came,
which was appreciated, but provided some challenge. However, we mutually
applauded Jamie’s Leadership in “adapting to the situation” through leading
rather then becoming immobilized by this unexpected challenge.
o This situation highlighted a proposal that our Curriculum should include a
listing of the possible number of participants per each proposed
activity/protocol. Therefore, if someone is expecting a group of 60-people,
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2. he or she may choose to adapt and/or choose another activity to best
accommodate that number of people.
Personal Story is Important
o James and Roberto expressed how their shared leadership in expressing
their personal experiences and joys as leaders of Project UNIFY was
important for the audience to “make the connection of concept with a story.”
o We also felt that the pictures and graphics interspersed throughout the
PowerPoint helped support one’s story.
Organization
o In comparing and contrasting other Youth-Led Sessions at the NSLC, one
colleague shared how ours had an overall sense of organization and order,
which was sometimes lacking in other Sessions.
o Through co-creating an agenda (even if the times may have changed) and
using the talents in each one of us, we were able to present Inclusion with
passion, authenticity and clarity to inspire fellow attendees to take their first
step in becoming Inclusive Leaders.
Engaging Activities
o There seems to be aninverse correlation when the “number of people
present” rises, the level of engagement tends to decrease. However, we
believe that the activities that we choose engaged the attendees to “get a lot
out of them.”
o We did note that maybe more background information or “think time” would
possibly evoke more meaning from the activities, which is described in
further detail in the next section.
Equitable Conversations
o One colleague noted how discussions about our workshop continued outside
the conferencing room, expressing how they “understood what we said.”
Making these complex and often abstract concepts applicable to young
people of all abilities, is crucial for collective action.
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3. What was Challenging?
Communication Challenges
o While we had much pre-preparation for this session, because of the intricate
interconnectedness between the concepts and activities used, some
confusion arose.
o We identified that if we encounter even a slight confusion, that this might be
amplified when another person who is unfamiliar with the development and
organization of this resource implements it.
Leadership Development
o As we know, the lecture-base model of presenting is not the most effective
modality to inspire and activate young people to apply what we share, into
his or her everyday lives.
o One of the areas that we noticed was how we can structure a curriculum that
can be used either at a 1-day Youth Summit, or how certain parts can be used
for a one-time meeting, lasting an hour.
What it means to be an Inclusive Leader?
o Be more succinct in explaining and identifying the skill sets of inclusive
leaders
o Clarify the Various Types of Environments – speaking environment and
presentation environment that make up leadership.
Reversal of Teaching and Activity Placement
o One colleague proposed a “reversal” of the structure we currently have in
place:
 Currently: we explain the value, and then engage in an activity to help
deepen ones’ understanding of the meanings and implications of the
proposed value.
 Proposed Idea: have participants experience the activityfirst, before
we talk about it.
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4.  This may help the participant better conceptualize the idea, and
challenge him or her to think about and develop his or her own
perceptions.
Shared Leadership Empowerment of a Fellow Leader
o We mutually believe in the power of shared leadership: identifying the
talents in each one of us and supporting each other so we can experience
both individual and collective success!
o James commended Roberto for his outstanding leadership at the NSLC.
While Roberto may experience some anxiety about presenting, he worked
collaboratively with James to share his important message.
 We truly believe that sharing of one’s story creates “the glue” of the
concepts we are promoting and how they look in real-life.
o We discussed about,The Continuum of Shared Leadership
 “Through Shared Leadership everyone is confident in their thoughts,
everyone knows that their thoughts matter and they aren’t
necessarily thinking they have to depend on someone else.” – James
 James shared how he wants to help Roberto through using Shared
Leadership, but then “step back” and empower Roberto to take the
lead.
If we had the opportunity to "re-present" what would you change, to
enhance our impact?
More Personal Connection
o We saw having time to sit down with the group and talk with them
personally would have been helpful.
LimitedUse of the Podiums
o “Podiums…the king of power struggles and inequities!” – Clem
 Expandsa hierarchy between the presenter and the audience.
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5. o A proposal would be to create a mini guide on tips for Leaders when
implementing the IYL Curriculum. One of them could be how presenting
does not solely have to be “speaking at the podium.”
o Important of having a Balance – find the connection with people, which
precipitates a two-way learning and teaching environment that is supportive,
engaging and equitable.
Re-phrase some of the Reflection Questions
o Re-word them somewhat – ensure they are more open-ended and not too
wordy.
Not be Limiting on theIYL Curriculum Development
o The Goal: the materials, directions and concepts we propose must be clear to
someone who is not one of us.
 i.e.: if we are confused on anything we write, someone else trying to
implement the IYL Curriculum will possibly be even more confused.
o Let us not limit ourselves to one activity per pillar
 Be cautious of sounding, “this is the ‘introduction of this pillar’ and
then ‘this is the activity.’”
o Identify the Proposed Number of Participants Per Each Activity
 As experienced at the NSLC, the activity we used was not as effective
due to the unexpected size of thegroup.
 When we share activities, it may be helpful to include the number of
participants the activity is best suited for.
During the next week, we will continue to collect our reflections from our Presentation at the
2013 National Service Learning Conference. I encourage you to review this resource, and
identify other proposals for us to consider. Thank you!
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