SMART Youth

Valentine's Meet & Greet 2012

2012-01-26T13:26:00.001-05:00

Mt. Sinai Presents SMART Youth with "Safe Dates"

2012-01-06T15:10:00.004-05:00

"Safe Dates"

Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center will provide a 5-week series of workshops on healthy relationships and the warning signs that everyone needs to know. These workshops are open to any adolescent ages 13-22 years old.

Location: SMART's Office - 1751 Park Avenue, 4th Floor

(Between 121st and 122nd Streets)

Transportation: 4/5/6 to 125th Street and Lexington Avenue

Dates:

Friday January 13, 2012

Friday January 20, 2012

Friday January 27, 2012

Friday February 3, 2012

Friday February 10, 2012

Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm each day

There will be food and metrocards at each workshop for youth who attend!

SMART Youth's Movie Night

2012-01-06T15:02:00.005-05:00

Happy New Year SMART Youth! We're starting 2012 with a great opportunity to bring people together around a topic that we all care about - sex education. We're going to host a movie nite with the movie - "Let's Talk About Sex," a documentary about adolescent sexuality and comparing sex education in the US with other countries. We'll make sure to have time to chat about what we learn as well as what we can do in our neighborhoods. This is a great opportunity for you to bring a friend or family member.

Date: Friday, January 6, 2012

Time: 4:30pm-7:00pm (we're starting the movie at 5pm sharp!)

Place: SMART's office -- 1751 Park Avenue, 4th Floor

(Between 121st and 122nd Streets)

Transportation: 4/5/6 train to 125th Street and Lexington Avenue

As always, there will be food, metrocards and fun for everyone!

2011-12-01T09:30:00.000-05:00

Today is World AIDS Day. It's a time to remember all the people that are no longer with us, and an opportunity to share information with others. Take the time to talk about what this day means with someone in your life!

Open Mic Night - Friday October 28th

2011-10-27T15:54:00.002-04:00

Come this Friday to SMART Youth for our Open Mic Night! There will be food, metrocards and fun for all youth, ages 13-22. Details are below:

Date: Friday, October 28, 2011

Time: 6:00pm-7:00pm

Place: SMART's office -- 1751 Park Avenue, 4th Floor

(Between 121st and 122nd Streets)

Transportation: 4/5/6 to 125th Street and Lexington Avenue

SMART Youth's Halloween Party

2011-10-27T10:45:00.003-04:00

Great job everyone! Our 7th annual SMART Youth Halloween party was a great success! Thanks to SMART's staff, SMART Youth, our wonderful volunteers and Harlem RBI for being amazing leaders. A special shout out to SLATE, DJ Ski and Nick & Alicia -- our amazing MAC Make-up Artists. Pictures to come... get ready for next year!

SAY Something!

2011-10-27T10:32:00.003-04:00

Exciting news! SAY is now a part of SEANYC - Sex Education Alliance of New York City! We are joining a group of amazing organizations working towards our goal of comprehensive sex education for all students in NYC's public schools. Stay tuned for more news about upcoming events and ways to get involved!

Why is Sex So Scary?

2011-10-27T10:24:00.002-04:00

If you've been watching the news or reading the newspaper recently, you've read about organizations fighting the new Department of Education mandate. Here's a great article discussing the issues surrounding the controversy: http://www.rhrealitycheck.org/article/2011/10/25/elected-officials-speak-out-against-nycs-sex-ed-mandate. Check it out and get SMART!

SAY Supports the new mandate!

2011-10-27T09:54:00.002-04:00

As of August 2011, the NYC Department of Education will have sexuality education as a mandated component of their health education curriculum for middle school and high school students. SAY's (SMART Action Youth) goal is advocate for comprehensive sexual health education for all students in New York City, and this mandate is an excellent start in achieving our goal. We support the Department of Education's policy and hope to work with them in the implementation this year. Read more about the mandate at: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/10/nyregion/in-new-york-city-a-new-mandate-on-sex-education.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=sex%20education&st=cse.

NiteStar Program

2011-08-08T13:41:00.004-04:00

Calling all directors, actors, and writers! This is your chance to shine!

Over the next few weeks SMART Youth will be working with NiteStar to develop some short skits that we can perform when we go into the community. This Friday will be our first session.

We hope you will join us for the start of this exciting program!

Date: Friday, August 12th
Time: 4:00 - 6:30 pm
Location: SMART's Office
1751 Park Avenue
(Between 121st and 122nd Streets)
Transportation: 4/5/6 train to 125th Street and Lexington Avenue

Food and Metrocards will be provided.

"SAY" Advocacy Training Review: Examples of Advocacy

2011-08-08T13:26:00.002-04:00

Review of Examples of Advocacy

What is Advocacy?

“Advocacy is defined as any action that speaks in favor of, recommends, argues for a cause, supports or defends, or pleads on behalf of others.” (Alliance for Justice)

Activism and Lobbying are types of Advocacy:

· Activism – the action part of advocacy

· Lobbying – attempting to influence the decisions of officials

How to go about Advocating:

· Be gracious – always thank the person you are sharing with for their time

· Be professional – dress and act professionally

· Be focused – talk about one issue

· Do your homework – research the person’s position on the issue you will be speaking to them about

· Make a personal connection – let the person know if you have any friends, relatives, or colleagues in common; it is especially important to tell them if you are a constituent

· Consider yourself an information source – encourage the person’s questions about the issue and offer more information

· Tell the truth – do not provide false or misleading information

· Know who else is on your side – let the person know what other groups, individuals, state agencies, and/or legislators are working on the same issue

· Know the opposition – know the individuals and organizations that may be in opposition and be prepared to provide clarification and rebuttal

· Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know something – but if you don’t know something, get the information and provide it promptly

· Be specific in what you ask for – say what you want directly and make sure to get a yes or no response

· Follow up – send a letter that restates your opinion and thanks for their support or asks for an explanation if they did not support

· Stay informed – policy decisions and legislation are constantly changing and it is important to stay up to date

· Don’t burn any bridges – do not get into a heated argument, it is more important to maintain a good relationship

· Remember, you are the boss – do not be intimated, the government works for you

*www.advocatesforyouth.org

Examples of Effective Advocacy (for Family Planning and Reproductive Health):

· Kenya – Youth Initiatives Project developed a campaign to show leaders that providing youth with health information and services could address many reproductive health concerns.

· Turkey – 17 women’s organizations formed a coalition to promote equality for women. Together they were able to obtain new government funding for contraceptives.

· The Philippines – the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines provided persuasive information about the benefits of family planning to refute the criticisms of religious groups who claimed family planning is “anti-child, anti-family, and anti-life”.

· Bolivia – A coalition of Bolivian family planning organizations developed a campaign to make the topic of family planning less taboo and to promote public discussion.

· Jordan – the Jordan National Population Commission focused on reaching male religious leaders, physicians, social workers, and other community opinion leaders in an effort to increase men’s approval of modern contraceptives.

"SAY" SMART Action Youth Advocacy

2011-08-01T12:38:00.006-04:00

SMART Youth Presents SAY! Our SMART Action Youth Advocacy Series.

This Friday will be the final session of our training series. Together we will learn about some examples of advocacy from the past and present.

We hope to see you there!
Date: Friday, August 5th
Time: 4:00 - 6:30 pm
Location: SMART's Office
1751 Park Avenue
(Between 121st and 122nd Streets)
Transportation: 4/5/6 train to 125th Street and Lexington Avenue

Food and Metrocards will be provided.

"SAY" Advocacy Training Review: New York City Department of Education

2011-08-01T12:34:00.002-04:00

Review of New York City Department of Education – Sexual Health Education

NYC Department of Education:

· Chancellor

-Appointed by the Mayor of New York City (currently Bloomberg)

-The current Chancellor is Dennis M. Walcott

· Leadership team

-This is composed of officers, deputy chancellors, and executive directors of the different divisions of the Department of Education

-We were unable to find any information about how these individuals are appointed or elected

· Panel for Educational Policy (PEP)

-This panel consists of 13 appointed members and the Chancellor

-Some of the members are appointed by borough presidents and others are appointed by the Mayor

· Community and Citywide Education Councils

-Members are parent volunteers (parents of public school children)

NYC Public School Health Education “Requirements”:

· Elementary School

-Health Education regulations do not require a specific number of lessons or a specific instructional time requirement; It is recommended that teachers incorporate health instruction into weekly classroom instruction

-Regulation mandates HIV/AIDS instruction for “every student, every year” and requires five lessons taught per year in elementary school

· Middle School

-Health Education regulations require one semester of daily health education in middle school; It is recommended that this take place during 6^th or 7^th grade

-Regulation mandates five lessons of HIV/AIDS instruction be taught in 6^th grade and six lessons be taught each year for the 7^th and 8^th grades

· High School

-Health Education regulations require one semester of daily health education in high school (this must be a 1 credit graduation requirement)

-Regulation mandates that six lessons of HIV/AIDS instruction be taught during each year of high school

· These health education requirements are based on three very broad learning standards set by New York State:

1) Personal Health and Fitness

2) A Safe and Healthy Environment

3) Resource Management

The Recommended Comprehensive Health Education Curriculum:

· For grades K-5 HealthTeacher is the recommended curriculum

· HealthTeacher focuses on the following units of study: 1) alcohol & other drugs 2) anatomy 3) community & environmental health 4) family health & sexuality 5) injury prevention 6) mental & emotional health 7) nutrition 8) personal & consumer health 9) physical activity 10) tobacco

· HealthTeacher focuses on the development of specific skills: 1) advocacy 2) communication 3) decision making 4) planning and goal setting 5) relationship management 6) self management 7) stress management

· For grades 6-8 HealthSmart is the recommended curriculum

· For grades 9-12 HealthSmart and Reducing the Risk is the recommended curriculum

· Reducing the Risk includes the following session topics: 1) pregnancy prevention 2) HIV prevention 3) abstinence: not having sex 4) using refusal skills 5) delaying tactics 6) avoiding high-risk situations 7) getting and using protection 8) skills integration 9) preventing HIV and other STIs 10) HIV risk behaviors 11) implementing protection from STIs and pregnancy 12) sticking with abstinence and protection 13) skills integration

"SAY" SMART Action Youth Advocacy

2011-07-25T13:20:00.008-04:00

SMART Youth presents SAY! Our SMART Action Youth Advocacy Series.

This Friday will be the fifth session of the training series. Together we will learn about some examples of advocacy that has been done in the past.

We hope to see you there!Date: Friday, July 29th

Time: 4:00 - 6:30 pm
Location: SMART's Office (at Bailey House in East Harlem)
1751 Park Avenue
(Between 121st and 122nd Streets)
Transportation: 4/5/6 train to 125th Street and Lexington Avenue

Food and Metrocards will be provided.

"SAY" Advocacy Training Review: Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy

2011-07-25T13:06:00.003-04:00

Review of Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy

Birth Control Policy:

· Birth control is defined as any method that is used to protect a woman from getting pregnant.

· In the 1800s birth control was illegal in the United States.

· The Comstock Law was passed by Congress, making distribution of birth control devices and sending information about birth control through the mail illegal.

· Margaret Sanger was a strong advocate of birth control.

-She opened the country’s first birth control clinic in New York City in 1916.

-She established the National Committee for Federal Legislation of Birth Control.

-She proposed a bill to reverse the prohibition of birth control.

-She founded the American Birth Control League which today is known as Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

· Planned Parenthood funded Dr. Gregory Pincus in support of his research to develop a birth control pill.

· In 1965 the Supreme Court got involved with the birth control controversy.

· In 1966, the federal government began public funding of contraceptive services for low-income families.

Plan B:

· Plan B is not an abortion pill; it is a form of contraception.

· Plan B works by stopping ovulation so that a pregnancy cannot occur.

· If a woman has unprotected sex and a fertilized egg does form, Plan B may prevent the egg from implanting in the uterus and therefore prevent a pregnancy.

· United States law says that you cannot purchase Plan B if you are under the age of 17, unless you have a prescription.

Roe v. Wade (Abortion Policy):

· Jane Roe (actually Norma McCorvey) was an unmarried pregnant woman from Texas who tried to get an abortion, but was denied under Texas law.

· Roe argued that the law was unconstitutional and violated her right to privacy.

· The Court agreed with Roe, but also held that states have a right to protect potential human life.

· Because of the conflicting rights, the Court divided the pregnancy into three 12-week trimesters.

· In the first trimester, a state cannot regulate abortion besides requiring that the procedure me done by a licensed doctor in medically safe conditions.

· In the second trimester, a state may regulate abortion if the regulations are reasonably related to the pregnant woman’s health.

· In the third trimester, s state may prohibit abortion unless it is necessary to save the life or health of the mother.

Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Policy:

· Abstinence-only programs are programs that do not teach about safe sex, contraceptives, etc.; these programs only teach abstinence (abstinence-only-until-marriage).

· Over $1 billion in government funding has been spent to teach these abstinence-only programs in public schools.

· Government research has shown that abstinence-only programs have not changed the statistics of initiation of sex (at what age young people begin having sex).

· Sexual health education policy has changed since President Obama has been in office.

· There is a push for more comprehensive sexual health education in schools.

"SAY" Advocacy Training Review: New York City Policy

2011-07-25T13:02:00.003-04:00

Review of New York City Policy Making

New York City Mayor:

Michael R. Bloomberg; for more information:
http://www.nyc.gov/portal/site/nycgov/menuitem.beb0d8fdaa9e1607a62fa24601c789a0/

New York City Council:

· The New York City Council is the law-making body of New York City.

· The City Council has 51 members, each one representing one of the council districts.

· Main responsibilities of the City Council:

1. To monitor the operation and performance of city agencies

· The Council holds regular oversight hearings.

2. To make land use decisions

· This includes the power to approve zoning changes, housing and urban renewal plans, community development plans, and disposition of city-owned property.

3. To approve the city’s budget

· The mayor proposes the budget for the coming year, but the Council has the final approval power.

4. Legislation

· The Council makes and passes laws that govern the City of New York.

· See the “Legislative Process” below for more information.

5. Committees

· Most of the legislative work is done in committee.

· Each Council Member serves on at least three standing committees, sub- and select committees and panels.

The Speaker of the Council:

Christine C. Quinn; for more information:

http://council.nyc.gov/d3/html/members/home.shtml

· The Council Speaker is elected by the Council Members.

· The Speaker’s primary role is to obtain a consensus on major issues.

Caucuses:

NYC Council Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus

· The BLA Caucus meets to make sure that issues of concern to the City’s Black, Latino, and Asian communities are being addressed.

NYC Council Women’s Caucus

· The goal of the Women’s Caucus is to advance women’s rights and promote equality in New York City.

Legislative Process: Making a Bill into a Local Law

· A bill is filed by a Council Member with the Council Speaker’s Office.

· The bill is introduced to the Council during a Stated Meeting and then referred to the appropriate committee(s).

· In committee the bill may be debated and amended.

· The committee votes on the final version of the bill.

· If passed in committee, the bill is sent to the Council for more debate and a final vote.

· If the bill receives a majority of the vote in Council (at least 26 members), it is sent to the Mayor.

· The Mayor has 30 days to either sign or veto the bill.

· If the Mayor signs the bill, it immediately becomes a local law.

· If the Mayor vetoes the bill, it sent back to the City Council.

-The City Council has 30 days to override the Mayor’s veto.

-Overriding the veto (to make the bill into a law) requires two-thirds of the Council vote (at least 34 members).

· If the Mayor neither signs nor vetoes the bill within 30 days of receiving it from the Council, the bill automatically becomes a local law.

*Legislation pending in the Council is referred to as an “Introduction”.

SAY! SMART Action Youth Advocacy

2011-07-18T09:39:00.004-04:00

SMART Youth Presents: SAY! Our SMART Action Youth Advocacy Series

This Friday will be our fourth session of the training series. Together we will be learning about Sexual Health Policy Legislation in the U.S.

We hope you can join us!

Date: Friday, July 22nd

Time: 4:00 - 6:30 pm

Location: SMART's Office (at Bailey House in East Harlem)

1751 Park Avenue

(Between 121st and 122nd Streets)

Transportation: 4/5/6 train to 125th Street and Lexington Avenue

Food and Metrocards will be provided.

June 2011 Trip: Pride March and Museum of Sex

2011-07-14T14:41:00.004-04:00

SMART Youth had a great day at the Pride March and the Museum of Sex last month!
Thank you to the Museum of Sex for making this possible!
We are amazed at how much we learned!

During the summer SMART Youth will have one fun field trip a month. You know it's going to be fun if we chose the Museum of Sex for June. Stay tuned for what we do in July!

"SAY" Advocacy Training Review: New York State Policy

2011-07-14T13:22:00.002-04:00

Review of New York State Policy Making

New York Governor: Andrew M. Cuomo

Website: http://www.governor.ny.gov/

New York Attorney General: Eric T. Schneiderman

Website: http://www.ag.ny.gov/about.html

New York State Senate:

· There are 62 New York State Senators.

· For more information on the New York State Senate or to find the State Senator that represents your district visit: http://www.nysenate.gov/

New York State Assembly:

· There are 150 New York State Assembly Members.

· For more information on the New York Assembly or to find the New York State Assembly Member that represents your district visit: http://assembly.state.ny.us/

The Process of Making a Bill into a New York State Law:

· Anyone can come up with an idea for a bill.

· A bill must be sponsored by a Legislator, the Governor, or the Attorney General.

· The sponsor will submit the bill to the Legislative Bill Drafting Commission (LBDC) to draft the bill, making sure that it is written in the correct language and formatted to reflect the intended content.

· At the Index Office the bill is assigned a number and printed.

· Once the bill has been introduced, it is referred to the appropriate committees for review, discussion, and revision.

· Changes to the bill are called amendments.

-Each time the bill is amended it is sent back to the Legislative Bill Drafting Commission to be proofread.

· Once a bill has made it through all the appropriate committees it is reported to the floor of the House.

-If one of the committees does not report the bill to the floor, the bill “dies” in committee.

· Bills that require funds from the state go to either the Assembly Ways & Means Committee or the Senate Finance Committee.

· The bill is put before the House to which it was assigned to be debated and voted on. If it passes, the bill is then sent to the other House to be voted on.

· If the bill passes in both Houses, it is sent to the Governor.

-If the bill is signed by the Governor, it becomes a law.

· If the Governor vetoes the bill, the bill is reintroduced to both Houses.

-After a veto, if the bill receives two-thirds of the vote in both Houses, then the bill will become a law.

For more on how a bill becomes a NY State law: http://www.bcnys.org/inside/sb/billlaw.htm

"SAY" Advocacy Training Review: Federal Policy

2011-07-14T13:15:00.002-04:00

Review of Federal Policy Making

There are two houses in the United States Congress: The Senate and The House of Representatives.

The U.S. Senate:

· Each state is represented by two senators, regardless of the state’s population.

· Senators are selected by popular election.

· The elections are held on the first Tuesday of November on even-numbered years

-This coincides with the election for the House of Representatives.

· In most states, a primary election is held first for the Democratic and Republican parties. A few months later, a general election is held.

· Senators serve a term of six years

-The terms are staggered.

· The majority party is the party that holds the largest number of seats in the Senate

-The Democratic Party is currently the majority party in the Senate.

· The Vice President of the United States is the head of the Senate (The vice president can only vote to break a tie).

-The current U.S. Vice President (and President of the Senate) is Joe Biden (Democrat).

For more information on the U.S. Senate visit: http://www.senate.gov/

The House of Representatives:

· The number of representatives from each state is determined according to each states’ population.

-This is one of the reasons why the census is so important.

· The elections are held every even-numbered year in early November (like the Senate).

· For states that are entitled to more than one representative, the states are divided into single-member districts.

· Representatives serve a term of two years.

· The majority party is the party that holds the largest number of seats in the House (like the Senate).

-The Republican Party is currently the majority party in the House.

· The Speaker of the House of Representatives is elected by the members of the House and is usually the leader of the majority party in the House.

-The current Speaker of the House is John Boehner (Republican).

For more information on the U.S. House of Representatives visit: http://www.house.gov/

The Process of Making a Bill into a Law:

· A bill is introduced by a member of Congress (any member can introduce a piece of legislation).

· The bill is sent to the appropriate committee (or several committees) where it is reviewed and revisions and/or additions can be made.

· The bill is placed on the calendar of either the Senate or the House of Representatives. When the time comes, the bill is debated and voted on.

· If the bill receives 2/3 of the vote from one of the Houses in Congress, it is sent to the other House where it is voted on.

· If the other House passes the bill (also by 2/3 of the vote), then the bill is sent to the president.

-If the two Houses of Congress do not agree on the bill, then a conference committee with representatives from each House will convene to work out the differences.

-If a compromise is reached in the Conference Committee, then a report is drafted and presented to each House, where it will be voted on again.

-If this revised bill receives by 2/3 of the vote from both Houses, then the bill will be sent to the president.

· A bill becomes a law if it is signed by the President or if the President does not sign the bill within 10 days and the Congress is in session.

-Alternatively, the President can veto a bill. In this case, the bill is sent back to Congress.

-If the bill receives 2/3 of the vote from both Houses, then the veto is overridden and the bill becomes a law.

· When a bill becomes a law it is assigned an official number.

For more information on policy making: http://www.votesmart.org/resource_govt101_02.php

*This site also includes a glossary with definitions of some important terms.

SAY! SMART Action Youth Advocacy

2011-07-11T10:46:00.004-04:00

SMART Youth Presents: SAY! Our SMART Action Youth Advocacy Series

This Friday will be our third session of the training series. Together we will be learning about New York City Policy Making.

We hope to see you there!

Date: Friday, July 15th

Time: 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Location: SMART's Office (at Bailey House in East Harlem)

1751 Park Avenue

(Between 121st and 122nd Streets)

Transportation: 4/5/6 to 125th Street and Lexington Avenue

Food and Metrocards will be provided.

SAY! SMART Action Youth Advocacy

2011-07-06T09:49:00.003-04:00

SMART Youth Presents: Say! Our SMART Action Youth Advocacy Series

This Friday will be our second session of the training series. Together we will be learning about the New York State policy making process.

Hope to see everyone there!

Date: Friday, July 8th

Time: 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Location: SMART's NEW Office (at Bailey House in East Harlem)

1751 Park Avenue

(Between 121st and 122nd Streets)

Transportation: 4/5/6 to 125th Street and Lexington Avenue

Food and Metrocards will be provided.

No SMART Youth Meeting This Week

2011-06-28T11:03:00.003-04:00

As a result of the holiday, SMART Youth will NOT be meeting this Friday, July 1st.

Happy 4th of July!

We hope to see you at our next meeting on Friday, July 8th.

The Move

2011-06-22T14:57:00.005-04:00

SMART is Moving!

SMART will be moving locations this summer! We are going to be leaving our West 38th Street office and moving into a space at Bailey House located in East Harlem.

New Location: 1751 Park Avenue
(Between 121st and 122nd Streets)

We are very excited about the opportunities that will come with this new space and community!

For more information about the move see the press release listed under "SMART News" at www.smartuniversity.org

El Barrio Health Fair

2011-06-22T14:35:00.006-04:00

Come visit us at El Barrio Health Fair!

This Saturday SMART Youth will be tabling at El Barrio Health Fair. Stop by for free condoms, more information about SMART, an opportunity to play a game (and WIN some prizes!), or just to say hello!

Date: Saturday, June 25th

Time: 11 am - 4 pm

Location: 106th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues

Transportation: Take the 6 train to 103rd St. and Lexington Ave.

We hope to see you there!

SAY! SMART Action Youth Advocacy

2011-06-22T13:28:00.005-04:00

SMART Youth Presents: SAY! Our SMART Action Youth Advocacy Series

Over the next several weeks we will be learning how to be better advocates with our SMART Youth Advocacy Training program. Together this Friday we will be learning the basics about how the federal government makes policies. This will be the first workshop of our exciting new educational series.
Hope to see everyone this Friday!

Date: Friday, June 24th
Time: 4:30 pm - 7 pm
Location: SMART's Office
306-308 West 38th Street, Suite 601
(Between 8th and 9th Avenues)
Transportation: A/C/E; 1/2/3; N/W/R to 42nd Street

As always there will be Food and Metrocards!

2011-06-15T16:10:00.003-04:00

SMART Youth Presents: Let's Go to the Movies!

This Friday we will be screening "Pray the Devil Back to Hell" at SMART's office. Come join us in watching this award winning documentary about the power of women to create peace in the world. We will start the film at 5pm sharp!

Hope to see everyone there!

Date: Friday June 17th

Time: 4:30pm-7pm

Location: SMART's office

306-308 West 38th Street, Suite 601

(Between 8th and 9th Avenues)

Transportation: A/C/E; 1/2/3; N/W/R to 42nd Street

As always there will be Food and Metrocards!

SMART Youth at UN Conference

2011-06-07T14:46:00.000-04:00

SMART Youth at UN Conference

2011-06-01T11:58:00.003-04:00

SMART Youth Presents: Savor the Flavor!

SMART Youth Nutrition Project

Come join us this Friday June 3, 2011 for our last cooking class of the year. We will cook some amazing food and eat together!

Date: Friday June 3, 2011

Time: 4:30pm-7pm

Location: SMART's office

306-308 West 38th Street, Suite 601

(Between 8th and 9th Avenues)

Transportation: A/C/E; 1/2/3; N/Q/R to 42nd Street

Unhealthy Relationships: Jealousy

2011-05-18T10:19:00.000-04:00

2011-05-17T15:25:00.004-04:00

SMART Youth Presents: Savor the Flavor!
We're Cooking again!
Join us for our 4th cooking class right in SMART's kitchen.

Date: Friday May 20, 2011
Time: 4:30pm-7:00pm
Place: SMART's office
Location: 306-308 West 38th Street, Suite 601
Transportation: A/C/E; 1/2/3; N/Q/R to 42nd Street

Unhealthy Relationships: Power & Control

2011-05-11T13:16:00.000-04:00

2011-05-10T10:13:00.004-04:00

SMART Youth's May 2011 Schedule

Come join SMART Youth every Friday from 4:30pm-7pm at SMART's office (306-308 West 38th Street, Suite 601). We have fun projects and workshops every week along with food and metrocards for everyone! Here's what's on the agenda for this month:

Friday May 6, 2011: Cooking for Dummies Class 3

Friday May 13, 2011: SMART Youth Open Mic Night: The Youth Speak the Truth

Friday May 20, 2011 Cooking for Dummies Class 4

Friday May 27, 2011 Cooking for Dummies Class 5

SMART Youth is open to all youth ages 13-22. Here's a safe place for youth to come and learn important health information and share it with others. Plus, we have a lot of fun doing it! See you on Fridays!

SMART Youth Presents: Open Mic Night

2011-05-10T10:06:00.003-04:00

Healthy Relationships: Shared Responsibilities

2011-05-04T08:48:00.000-04:00

Healthy Relationships: Acceptance

2011-05-03T22:09:00.000-04:00

Healthy Relationships: Compatibility

2011-05-03T20:14:00.000-04:00

Healthy Relationships: Communication

2011-05-03T17:38:00.000-04:00

Healthy Relationships: Respect

2011-05-03T16:25:00.000-04:00

2011-05-03T10:50:00.003-04:00

SMART Youth Presents: Barbershop Talk

On Saturday May 7, 2011 from 10:30am-3pm

A day for young men, ages 14-22, to talk about everything they didn't teach us in school.

We will be hosting an all day series of workshops on:

"Let's Talk About Sex"

"Know Your Legal Rights" &

"Are They Really Saying Yes to Sex?"

Date: Saturday May 7, 2011

Time: 10:30am-3pm

Ages: 14-22

Location: SMART's office

306-308 West 38th Street, Suite 601

(Between 8th and 9th Avenues)

Transportation: A/C/E; 1/2/3; N/Q/R to 42nd Street/Times Square

Contact: Levon Ford at sync.nyc@gmail.com or (212) 564-3282

There will be Food, Metrocards, and Give-Aways! All young men are welcome!

Healthy Relationships: Trust

2011-04-25T09:55:00.001-04:00

SMART Youth on YouTube!
Here's our latest edition to our growing collection of digital videos. This one is from our National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day "Let's Talk About Sex" event on March 12, 2011. Learn about how "Trust" is an important part of a healthy relationship and then come join us every Friday to hear more!

Savor the Flavor!: SMART Youth's Nutrition Class

2011-04-07T13:17:00.007-04:00

Here's your chance to learn what is good to eat, how to buy the foods and cook them. SMART Youth is starting our 3rd annual cooking project on friday April 15th. We will be learning how to safely prepare tasty and easy recipes that you can do at home over the next six weeks. Anyone, ages 13-22, is welcome to join at any time!

Date: Friday April 15, 2011

Time: 4:30pm-7pm

Location: SMART's office 306-308 West 38th Street, Suite 601

(Between 8th and 9th Avenues)

Transportation: A/C/E; 1/2/3; N/R/Q to 42 Street

SMART Youth Presents: I Need a Job!

2011-04-06T16:21:00.007-04:00

Have you ever worried about your resume? Ever wonder what happens after you submit a resume online? Struggle with putting all the activites and things that you do into the right resume format? Want to learn the best job interview tips? Come to SMART Youth on Friday! We will have a HR expert here to answer all your questions. Bring your resume and it will be reviewed individually!

Time: 4:30pm-7pm

Location: SMART's office

306-308 West 38th Street, Suite 601

New York, NY 10018

Transportation: A/C/E; 1/2/3; N/Q/R to 42nd Street

Let's Go Viral! SMART Youth YouTube Shorts

2011-03-30T09:39:00.008-04:00

It's time to update our YouTube page! Come join us at SMART's office this Friday, April 1st (It's no April Fool's Joke!) to add to our growing selection of videos. We're looking for anyone interested in writing, blocking, directing, acting, and working behind the scenes!

Bring a friend - we'll have food and a metrocard for everyone.

Date: Friday April 1, 2011

Time: 4:30pm -7pm

Location: SMART's office (306-308 West 38th Street, Suite 601)

Transportation: A/C/E; 1/2/3; S/N/R/Q to 42nd Street

What do you really know about sex?

2011-03-23T11:30:00.005-04:00

This Friday, March 25th, we are going to review all the information that we have learned from our trainings over the last four months. Here's a chance to catch up if you missed any Fridays or just to add to your sexual health knowledge. Once again, we are going to be taping a segment for our YouTube Condoms 101 series, get ready to become a superstar!

Levon and Janet will be facilitating the workshop.

We hope to see everyone on Friday at SMART's office starting at 4:30pm

Location: 306-308 West 38th Street, Suite 601 (Between 8th and 9th Avenues)

Transportation: A/C/E, 1/2/3, S/B/D, N/Q/R 42nd Street

Time: 4:30pm-7pm

As always, we will have:

Food Metrocards Fun

Movie Night - "The Lost Children of Rockdale County"

2011-03-15T19:12:00.005-04:00

Come join us this Friday starting at 4:30pm. We will be taping another segment for our Condom 101 series on YouTube and will be watching "The Lost Children of Rockdale County", which is a great documentary talking about young people, sex, and STDs. Come hang out, invite your friends, and bring your opinions! See you on Friday!

Date: Friday, March 12, 2011

Time: 4:30pm to 7:00 pm

Location: SMART's Office

306-308 West 38th St., Suite 601

Between 8th & 9th Avenues

Subways: A/C/E, 1/2/3, N/Q/R to 42nd St.

Condoms 101: Before You Put it On

2011-03-09T09:59:00.000-05:00

Let's Talk About Sex!

2011-03-07T11:46:00.003-05:00

SMART Youth Presents...

"Let's Talk About Sex"

In honor of National Women and Girl's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

We are hosting a day of learning and empowerment for young women, ages 14-22, to learn important sexual health information. Join us for a positive, healthy, and heartfelt discussion about Sexual health, Healthy Relationships, and Prevention. Here is a time to talk about everything that we didn't learn in school. =)

Date: Saturday March 12, 2011

Time: 9:30 am - 1:30 pm

Location: SMART's Office

306-308 West 38th St., Suite 601

Between 8th & 9th Avenues

Subways: A/C/E, 1/2/3, N/Q/R to 42nd St.

For more information and to RSVP, please feel free to contact:

Janet Cameron

(212) 564-3282

sync.nyc@gmail.com

Food, Metrocards, and Goody Bags will be provided!

Hope to see you there and please feel free to bring other young women!

[The Sims 3] "Don't Forget Your Raincoat!" A PSA by SMART Youth

2011-03-02T10:56:00.000-05:00

Condoms 101: How to Store Your Condoms

2011-03-02T10:09:00.000-05:00

Sexual Health Resource

2011-02-25T00:41:00.003-05:00

Quick Tip:

If you are in need of sexual health information or if you know anyone who does, here's a great resource different clinics or sexual health centers that are specifically for youth. Enjoy!

http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/std/teens-clinics.pdf

www.nyc.gov

Join SMART's Team: AIDS Walk 2011 New York

2011-02-24T23:36:00.007-05:00

The AIDS Walk is an important and inspiring event taking place in Central Park and around New York City on May15, 2011. Come out and show your support for those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS and help contribute to the ultimate goal of moving towards a future without AIDS. The best part is that SMART Inc. is participating in this event so you can sign up to walk with us! :-) To sign up under the SMART Inc page, click the link below and follow the directions listed below. Thanks and

we hope you will be able to join us for this event!

Here's the link http://www.aidswalk.net/newyork/takeaction/register.html Then click on "Join a Team"

Then find SMART Inc - 7310 Then fill out personal info.

March Schedule

2011-02-23T14:17:00.006-05:00

Join us for our new exciting projects that will take place in March!

March 4th - "National Women & Girl's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Conference" Planning - "National Women and Girl's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is a nationwide observance that encourages people to take action in the fight against HIV/AIDS and raise awareness of its impact among women and girls" (www.womenshealth.gov.nwghaad/index.cfm). We will be hosting our 1st Annual Half Day Conference in support of National Women and Girl's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

March 11th - "Dollars and Sense" - Come learn about the basics of tax preparation and what you need to do to get your tax refund!

March 18th - "SMART Youth Movie Night" - We will be watching "The Lost Children of Rockdale County", which is a documentary about a syphilis outbreak among over 200 youth in an affluent community in Atlanta, Georgia.

March 25th - "Getting to Know UR Body" - Come join us for this sexual health workshop and learn about your body and healthy sexual living.

Hope to see you there!

Valentine's Day Outreach Overview / Outreach Tips

2011-02-23T13:21:00.007-05:00

All in all,our Valentine's Day Outreach event was quite successful. We went to Union Square and handed out snag bags and shared sexual health information with people in the park. We had a good time and learned a lot about ourselves and others. We also learned tips for more effective outreach in the future. Check out the pictures from the event and read below for more information on effective outreach.

Outreach Tips

Travel in pairs and approach other people in pairs
Use keywords such as "FREE Condoms", "FREE Snag bag"

Smile and approach people in a friendly manner

Plug the event that you are trying to promote
Let people know what you are doing and why - you can say, "We are promoting safer sex practices among youth and adults. Enjoy this snag bag, or if you don't need it, then maybe you can pass it along to someone else you know."

Explain your organization and what you do. Your explanation will depend on your audience. For instance, you if are trying to explain what SMART Youth is

If speaking to adults, say something along the lines of, "SMART Youth is a development and leadership program for youth living with, affected by, or at high risk for HIV/AIDS. Our goal is to share accurate and youth centered sexual health info, particularly HIV prevention for adolescents in NYC. We do this through community outreach, workshops, and trainings."

If speaking to teens, say something like, "SMART Youth is an after school program for youth between the ages of 13 and 22, were we come together to talk about issues affecting other teenagers and speak the truth about safe sex. We also participate in workshops and perform community outreach to advocate for others and make a difference in our community.

Hope you find these tips useful! Thanks for reading and enjoy the pictures :-)

February Schedule

2011-02-23T13:09:00.003-05:00

February 4th - Planning for Valentine's Day Outreach

February 11th - Valentine's Day Outreach

February 18th - Focus Group & Open Mic Night

February 25th - Planning for National Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Confernce & YouTube "How to Use a Condom Series"

Hope to see you there!

Open Mic Night 02/18/11

2011-02-10T16:33:00.001-05:00

Valentine's Day Outreach

2011-02-09T21:35:00.007-05:00

join us on Friday, February 11, 2011 for our Valentine's Day Outreach event at Union Square! We will be putting into action all we

have learned over the last month! As we get ready for Valentine's Day, we will be educating other young adults about the importance of safer sex practices. We will be handing out condom bags and answering any questions that young adults may have about safer sex, STIs, HIV/AIDS & healthy living©

We will be meeting at SMART's office at 4:45 pm and then travel to Union Square

Date: February 11, 2011

Meeting Time: 4:45pm

Outreach Time: 5:00pm to 6:00pm

Meeting Location: Smart’s office (306-308 West 38th St Rm 601)

Transportation: A/C/E, 1/2/3, N, R,Q 42nd Street

Outreach Location: Union Square (14th Street)

Please join us for this wonderful event.

Come make an impact on someone's life. Feel free to bring a friend!

"Don't Forget Your Raincoat"

2011-01-26T01:52:00.004-05:00

:::Part 2 - Community Outreach Training for Youth:::

2011-01-25T15:55:00.011-05:00

Join us this Friday, January 28, 2011 for Part 2 of the "Community Outreach for Youth Training". We had an amazing time last week and this week will not be any different! We learned a lot from our wonderful facilitator, Levon Ford, and he has a lot of interesting things planned for this week's training! Come learn more about safer sex, healthy living, HIV/AIDS and tips for effective outreach! Even if you were not able to make it to last week's training, still come on Friday. You will not regret it!

There will be condom demonstrations and giveaways!

Date: January 28, 2011
Time: 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: Smart’s office (306-308 West 38th St Rm 601)

Transportation: A/C/E, 1/2/3, N, R,Q 42nd Street

As always, food and mertrocards will be provided!

Hope to see you there!

:::I LOVE Safe Sex:::

2011-01-25T14:45:00.008-05:00

Our SMART Youth gear is really turning heads and getting a lot of attention! I mean, come on, who doesn't LOVE Safe Sex?

Not afraid to let that world know that you LOVE Safe Sex?

See our gear for yourself! We dare you!

Click the "Shop SY" tab on our website or click on the link below

http://www.cafepress.com/SMARTYouthNYC

We LOVE Safe Sex! Do You?

Community Outreach Training for Youth

2011-01-25T14:18:00.003-05:00

Do you have important information to share?

Have you ever felt like you weren't getting your message across or that no one was listening?

Have you ever wondered how to effectively share that information with others?

If so, SMART Youth can help you out!

Join us on Friday and learn tips and techniques for effective outreach. Here's your chance to practice how to share all the information you know and have learned. If you have ever wanted to know how to answer your friends' questions or talk to strangers about safer sex, healthy living, STIs, and HIV/AIDS, this is a SMART Youth Friday you don't want to miss!

Dates: Friday January 21 & 28, 2011

Time: 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Location: SMART's Office (306-308 West 38th Street, Rm 601)

As always, food and Metrocards will be provided!

Hope to see you there!

Reminder - STI 101 Class

2011-01-11T19:01:00.000-05:00

Come learn about the basics of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Protect yourself and others! We'll learn something important together. Bring your friends because this is information that everyone needs to know! You don't want to miss this event!

Date: Friday, January 14, 2011

Time: 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Location: SMART's Office
306-308 West 38th Street Suite 601

New York, NY

As always, there will be food and metrocards available!

See you then!

January Schedule

2011-01-10T23:37:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

Friday, January 7th, 2011: Happy New Year Meeting

Friday, January 14th, 2011: STI 101

Friday, January 21st, 2011: How to Do Outreach Youth Training Day 1

Friday, January 28th, 2011: How to Do Outreach Youth Training Day 2

December Schedule 2010

2010-12-07T13:57:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, December 1st, 2010: Tabling at John Jay for World AIDS Day

Friday, December 3rd, 2010: Honorary Reception with SMART University

Saturday, December 4th, 2010: Tabling for Mentoring in Medicine

Friday, December 10th, 2010: Workshop for GEMS (Girls Only)

Friday, December 17th, 2010: Open Mic Night, all youth ages 13-22
(At the SMART Office: Food, Music, Talents, PSA Screenings, Mini-Raffle)

*Vacation for two weeks (December 24th and December 31st)*
*Meetings start again Friday, January 7th, 2011*

November 2010 Schedule

2010-11-11T12:50:00.000-05:00

November 5th, 2010: Recap of Halloween

November 12th, 2010: SMART Youth Media Project #1

November 19th, 2010: SMART Youth Media Project #2

*Thanksgiving Vacation November 26th, 2010*

World AIDS Day at John Jay

2010-11-11T12:47:00.000-05:00

SMART Youth will be tabling at John Jay for World AIDS Day!
Come stop by and check out our table, and other organizations at the event.

Wednesday, December 1st, 2010
John Jay (445 West 59th street)
10 AM - 4 PM

SMART Youth Media Project (#1)

2010-11-08T17:27:00.001-05:00

Hello All!

SMART Youth is starting a Media Project on their Youtube account. This Friday (November 12th) from 4:30 to 6:30 we will start writing material such as raps, scripts, monologues (etc.) then start to draft storyboards. We will continue this project until the end of November and release a possible "music video" for our World AIDS Day premiere.

I hope you will join us if you are interested! For further details and information you can email me back, or visit our facebook page (just search SMART Youth), and you can also read our blog and updates on our website (www.smartyouthnyc.org)

SMART Youth Halloween Party 2010

2010-11-01T16:52:00.000-04:00

The Halloween Party was a success! Not as many people came as I planned but we really enjoyed ourselves! We ha enough food, enough drinks, enough goodie bags, and those who entered the costume contest and dance contest walked away with some pretty cool gift cards!
For everyone who came (and helped) thanks! I hope to see you next year! If you have any suggestions or comments please post them! We would love to know how to improve our event/events for the upcoming years!

I would also like to give a big shout out to SLATE (54 West 21st street), especially the events manager Sam for giving us the space for the party.
And of course our volunteers for set up, clean up, making the food, etc.!
Everyone was necessary and I thank you again for helping to make this event a success!

Until Next Year!

October 2010 Schedule

2010-10-06T17:30:00.000-04:00

1. October 8th, 4:30-6:30, SMART's Office
SMART Youth Dance Workshop: we have a youth instructor that will teach us a quick, simple, but engaging routine that will be showcased at the Halloween Party.

2. October 15th, 4:30 (SHARP) - 6:30, SLATE (54 W. 21st street)
Visiting the Halloween Party Location: The youth will be meeting at this location in order to get a view of the space where the halloween party will be help.
Janet Cameron will be leading this event, for more information contact her at: 212-564-3282

3. October 22nd, 4:30-6:30, SMART's Office
Snag Bags: Hopefully by this time we will have all materials in order to make new Youth Snag/Shag bags for the Halloween Party. We will also be getting last minute things in order if necessary.

4. October 29th, 4:30-6:30, SMART's Office
Down to the Wire: Last minute obligations for the Halloween Party, getting ready to bring things over to the club.

*5. October 30th, 12-5 (volunteers), 1-4 (attendees), SLATE
HALLOWEEN PARTY! (must have an invite to be admitted, for youth ages 13-22 ONLY!)

UPDATES

2010-10-06T17:24:00.000-04:00

1. Location for the Halloween Party has been found, food has been secured, invites are being sent out. We're on a roll!

2. Summary of the conference will be put up tonight. (The 18th International AIDS Conference 2010 in Vienna, Austria)

3. Tentative schedule for the months of SMART Youth has been set up (will post all details in a new update form)

4. New Palm card has been designed. SMART Youth presents: "I <3 Safe Sex", this design can also be bought on a t-shirt at our cafepress shop. (www.cafepress.com/SMARTYouthNYC)

5. Janet Cameron has returned to help with the re-structuring of SMART Youth. :)

That's all for now!

Halloween Party 2010

2010-07-14T04:40:00.000-04:00

SMART Youth has an annual Halloween Party in order to reach out to other youth, promote SMART Youth, and hopefully gain more youth after the party to help us with the formation of the group and future events.

Here is where you can post any information, contacts, places, etc. that you can contact, or would like someone else to contact in order to help with the formation of the Halloween Party this year.

Just post any information or ideas under the comments section, and it will be read through and noted.

*Remember to be specific with details so two people don't contact one place, one place doesn't get contacted, etc. and it will help with making things run smoother*

Advice: read through the brainstorming session posted previously, and you can also add ideas to that post as well.

Thank You!

Can't Make it to Meetings?

2010-07-14T04:38:00.000-04:00

For Facebook:

Can't make it to the SMART Youth meetings this Summer, but still want to help plan for the upcoming Annual Halloween event (and more)?
No problem!

We have now established a system that should help you stay updated, and provide your own ideas on the group page.
Just go to the discussion boards (oh the facebook group) to find "Halloween Party 2010"
This is where you will find updates, brainstorms, and places ready to be contacted.
Post up any information you can provide, any contacts you can connect with, or if you can't contact some place - post it anyway and ask if someone else has the possible capabilities to. :)
I hope this helps!
*Remember to be very specific with your response though so we don't wind up contacting one place twice, or not contacting another place at all.*

Thank you everyone!
Have a GREAT Summer!
Stay Safe :)

Christina Rodriguez

For Blogspot:

There is a new topic post called "Halloween Party 2010"
Read through the intro and brainstorm and post all the same information under the comments part, and that will be helpful as well.

Thank You!

SMART Youth Youtube Intros

2010-07-11T00:09:00.000-04:00

SMART Youth has a youtube page, and finally some Youth intros are up!
Check it out!
If you join us for our meetings, you can make one too! :)

www.youtube.com/SMARTYouthNYC

International AIDS Conference 2010

2010-07-10T21:03:00.000-04:00

Note from Christina Rodriguez:

Destination:
International AIDS Conference XVIII: Vienna, Austria

Departure:
July 14th, 2010 (evening)
Arrival back home:
July 23rd, 2010 (evening)

I have a camcorder now! I will keep updated with videos, but most of them will be going on the SMART Youth youtube page, since that is why I am truly at the conference! to represent! :D
I will take lots of pictures, and try to get as many little gifts as I can, but... the dollar is not equivalent to the US dollar, and I don't have a money tree ( sadly ;-; )
My cell phone will be OFF! I cannot risk any roaming charges, so if you need to contact me, it's called FACEBOOK :) (or email, or... whatever, or just wait haha)
Yes, I am very excited, slightly nervous, but more excited!
I have to thank UNAIDS, AIDS2031, and Global AIDS Alliance for helping me get the support and funding for this valuable trip!
As well as individuals who have networked with me, and I will see them at the conference :)
But personally, MY GRANDMA is AWESOME! :D!!! she helped with some finances and just unconditional lovvveee :) *love Grandma*
I will be traveling with my mom and brother, sadly Sam couldn't come due to work, but we arrive back on her birthday, so everyone who reads this, don't forget! wish her a wonderful birthday! :D

YAY! On my way!

Halloween (and other events) Brainstorming Session

2010-07-10T21:02:00.001-04:00

Halloween Party Ideas:

*Folder Packets

*Place:

*Food:

-Boricuan (Brooklyn)

-Domico’s (Brooklyn)

-Mrs.Fields

-Enteman’s (factory in Queens)

Donations of Goodies:

-Hottopic

-Rickey’s

-Target

-Claire’s

-TJ Maxx

-Modell’s

-BX Sports

-Sephora

-Starbucks

-Staples/Office Max (school supplies?)

-Nike

-The Body Shop

-Bed, Bath and Beyond

-Filene’s Basement

-Midtown Comics

-Macy’s

-Marshall’s

-Fairway (gift baskets)

-Walgreens

Donations of Candy:

-Costco

-Kmart

-Walmart

-Target

Donations of Decorations:

-Costco

-Halloween store

-Target

Other notes:

-connect with bakery

-Target Grant (?)

-Flea market table (art workshops beforehand)

*(Empowerment days series)

Spa day (for girls to hand out necklaces), Women and Girl’s Day (MARCH)

(donations for make over stuff?)

-CONDOM BOXES (Updated)

-Talent Show

SMART Youth Summer Time Change

2010-06-19T17:45:00.000-04:00

Attention all SMART Youth Group members,

For the summer we are changing the meeting time from Friday 4 - 6 to Saturday 2 - 4

ONCE AGAIN

WE ARE NOW MEETING ON SATURDAYS FROM 2 to 4!!

We may return to our regular time once school starts up again, but we'll see how this goes.

Hope to see you all :)

PS - Just as a reminder, we are going to the beach next week. If the weather is bad there is no SMART Youth

Coney Island: Saturday, 06/26/10

2010-06-19T17:37:00.000-04:00

ATTENTION ALL!

Next week we will not be meeting on Friday. Instead we will be going to the beach on Saturday.

Meeting Details:

Where: Coney Island Beach
Meeting Place: Train Station
Time: 10am (so we have a full day)

Bring towel, bathing suit, a packed lunch, and your own money--as well as anything else you'd typically bring to the beach XD

Please contact me or Christina if you have any further questions--or if you get lost!

IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER

SMART Youth will be canceled for the week.

YouTube Introductions

2010-06-19T17:32:00.000-04:00

Our YouTube page is kind of sad and we need your help to fix it!

Last Friday we started creating our YouTube Introductions to give the World Wide Web a little taste of who we are and what we do.

Christina and I will be posting a few of the intros up soon. However, if you did not participate and would like to you could contact either one of us and work something out--or post your own YouTube Video on your page and we'll favorite it on ours :)

Here are the questions that we answered:

Name: (or nickname)
Age: (If you wish)
Where you hail from/represent: (school, city, state, country...whatever you want)
What does SMART Youth mean to you?
Why do you come to SMART Youth?
Why do you think others should come to SMART Youth?

And then any closing remarks you might have.

Be creative!

Storytelling Project

2010-06-19T17:28:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone, thought I'd be productive and update this.

Anyway, here are the details of the current project we are working on.

Storytelling Project

Write a short story taken from your life where you learned an important lesson. This lesson should be something that you believe other people could benefit from.

You can post your story for review on the facebook discussion board or reply to this post.

When we've collected a whole bunch of stories we're going to compile them into a book :)

Feel free to write more than one if you wish.

E-mail me if you have any questions.

YouTube!

2010-01-23T17:21:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone!

SMART Youth now has it's own YouTube Page!

Check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/user/SMARTYouthNYC

PS: If you have any interest in co-maintaining this account, let me know!

:)

Let's Make Some VIDEOS!

World AIDS Conference XVIII

2010-01-23T16:25:00.000-05:00

The World AIDS Conference this year is in Vienna, Austria!
I have applied SMART Youth for an exhibition booth, and an international scholarship!
If we get approved, we can hopefully register, and then represent at this great International Networking Event!
We should still look into other funds and scholarships, for the event, as well as for SMART Youth in General.

WISH US LUCK!

PS: There would only be a few representatives. Funding is Key.

To read more information check out this link:
http://www.aids2010.org/

Twitter!

2010-01-23T16:22:00.000-05:00

SMART Youth has a new Twitter Account!

If you don't get on Facebook enough to check out upcoming events or updates, follower our Twitter!

https://twitter.com/SMARTYouthNYC

Cafepress!

2010-01-21T17:30:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone!

The SMART Youth Cafepress site is up and ready to go!
The designs are kind of simple, and regular right now, but once we have time to create new designs, and start some new fund-raising, we can keep up with the shop better!

Go check it out!
http://www.cafepress.com/SMARTYouthNYC

UPDATE on 2010 Outreach Project

2010-01-14T17:23:00.000-05:00

UPDATE: (January 15th)

We will be making bags on January 29th.
Then distributing the bags on February 5th, Starting at the SMART Office then walking around the area to pass out our bags to our target Youth audience.

Stay updated!
Hope to see you there!

UPDATE: (January 14th)

By the looks of things our budget will only be $300.
So the main products we will focus on will be:
*Buttons (or if we can get the customized Keychains with the condom inside to have a fact in the front and SMART Youth info)
*SMART Youth Palm Card
*Lollipops (for attraction)
*Condoms (of course)

It won't be as bulky as we'd like but I think this will be simple and get the info out, as well as our name.

We also need to plan a date to do this project ASAP.
Possibly the week before Valentine's.

Internship Opportunities of 2010

2010-01-09T18:01:00.001-05:00

I will post whatever information I receive up here about career or internship opportunities.

1. Four-Month Career Exploration and Job Readiness PAID Internship at Old Navy and Gap for 40 young people (ages 16-21) who are in High School, have a GED or are in College.
The program begins in February 2010 and includes a full year of follow up services at the end of the internship period.
Internship selection will be based on evaluation of performance, time, attendance, and interviews.
Weekly sessions include: Career and Life Skills Workshops, Gap Supplement Support Services as needed, including Academic Support/College Prep, Legal, Counseling, and Adolescent Health Clinic.

To get involved contact:
Monique De La Oz (monique@door.org)
212-941-9090 (ext. 3263)

Happy New Year and Outreach Project 2010

2010-01-09T12:02:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone!
Here are the notes from the brainstorm and such that we had Friday (January 8th, 2010)

We will be handing out around 200 outreach bags to the public in order to promote SMART Youth and increase our numbers.

Ideas for the bags consist of: (SMART Bags)
-The bags will most likely be the mini ziploc bags used for the snag bags, other ideas welcome
-Condoms (SMART is already supplied with plenty, this does not affect our budget)
-SMART Youth stickers on the outside corners of the bags
-Beaded bracelets: red and white beads and 2 rolls of elastic string, made by the youth.
(depending on budget and time to make these)
OR
-Flat jelly bracelets customized to say SMART YOUTH
(if this is more cost effective it may replace the beaded bracelets)
-Buttons with SMART Facts (facts and statistics on STD's and HIV, based on youth): for around 200 of these it costs $110
-Red lollipops
-SMART Youth Business Card (?), we do not have an official contact so we are unsure about creating a card, and have to wait for budget.

MAYBE's:
-Chapstick
-Pens (customized?)
-Keychains
-Magnets

Add any other ideas or prices you have found.
I will keep this board updated from every meeting until the project is complete.

Introduction Lines (Nite Star Performance)

2009-06-21T19:54:00.001-04:00

BELL RINGS (everyone enters)

Lucy: Are you coming to the party Friday?
Melissa: Yeah, I just have to get Leslie to cover for me...
Jocelyn: What do you mean, You're not bringing her with you, right?
Melissa: Hell no, but I have to tell my parents I'm going to be over at her house.
Lucy: I hope she doesn't come...
Melissa: She won't. Trust me.

(Leslie enters)

Melissa: Oh there she is, I'll see you guys later. (catches Leslie) Hey Leslie, listen. I need you to do me a favor. I want to go to this party Friday night, but my mom's on some controlling kick right now... I need you to tell my mom that I'm staying with you.
Leslie: You want me to lie to Auntie Samantha?
Melissa: You know... Lie is such an ugly word...
Leslie: (pauses) Well... what's in it for me?
Melissa: Well... let's talk about it.
( Melissa and Leslie walk off)

Lucy: What are you doing tonight?
Jocelyn: I don't know... I'm not feeling good... I think I'm going to go home.
Lucy: You should get Sean to come over and "Nurse" you back to health, you feel me?
Jocelyn: I don't really want to see him tonight...
Lucy: Really? uh oh...
Jocelyn: It's not like that, I'm just not feeling well and I--
Lucy: I'm trying to get Jason to take me to the movies.
Jocelyn: He's cheap, he's not taking you anywhere.
Lucy: I'm going to persuade him... Trust me.

(Jason calls for Lucy)

Jason: Lucy, I need you, come here please!
Lucy: Jay, what's wrong?
Jason: I can't find this review sheet and the test is next period...
Lucy: Well where did you put it?
Jason: If I knew I wouldn't be asking you to help me find it, now would I?
Lucy: Okay I will help you, but if I find it... can we go to the movies tonight?
Jason: What?
Lucy: If I find it, you'll take me to the movies tonight.
Jason: yeah, sure, whatever.
(Lucy pulls the sheet out of her back pocket)
Lucy: Oh, here it is.
Jason: You had this the whole time?
Lucy: Hm... I guess I did, and now you're taking me to the movies.
Jason: You're lucky I like you.
Lucy: Whatever, you love me, good luck.
(Lucy and Jason exit separately)

BB: Yo Sean, you've gotta hook me up with Monica.
Sean: Monica from my gym class?
BB: Yeah man, I'm trying to get her to come with me to Prom.
Sean: Well then just ask her.
BB: If I ask her she's going to say no.
Sean: How do you know that?
BB: Well... I kind of asked her before...
Sean: So why are you asking me to hook you up is she already said No?
BB: I figured if you speak on my behalf she might change her mind...
Sean: That sounds stupid.
BB: Yeah... but do you think it'll work?
Sean: Maybe... I'll hook it up tomorrow. I've got to go talk to Jocelyn.
BB: Cool, I'll hit you up later.
(BB exits, and Sean walks over to Jocelyn)

Sean: What's up baby? (Sean goes in for a kiss, but Jocelyn turns her cheek to him)
Jocelyn: Hey...
Sean: What's wrong with you?
Jocelyn: Nothing. I'm fine.
Sean: Yeah, Ok... So what're we doing tonight?
Jocelyn: Um... Look I'm not feeling good so I'm just going to stay home...
Sean: Well I can come by and take care of you...
Jocelyn: No, that's ok. You've done enough.
Sean: What?
Jocelyn: Nothing, I've got to get to class. I'll talk to you later.
(Jocelyn exits)

National Reproductive Health Awareness Day

2009-06-19T07:46:00.001-04:00

SMART Receives a Mayoral Proclamation for National Reproductive Health Awareness Day

NEW YORK, June 18, 2009 — Mayor Michael Bloomberg issued a special proclamation on June 18, 2009 declaring June 18 as National Reproductive Health Awareness Day, sponsored by Sisterhood Mobilized for AIDS Research and Treatment (SMART).

“Outreach, education and support are important tools in the fight against HIV and AIDS, and I commend SMART’s efforts in providing a safe haven for women and youths affected by the epidemic,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Women now constitute a third of new AIDS cases, so this work is more important than ever.”

On June 18, 2009, SMART will be hosting its 11th annual SMART University Graduation commemorating its graduates at the New York Academy of Medicine. SMART serves high-risk heterosexual women and youth from New York City’s highest incidence areas. Over the last 11 years, the program has developed a client base that includes newly diagnosed and long-term survivors living with HIV/AIDS, mostly African-American and Latina women and youth of color. SMART’s priority is to serve all women and youth who are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS and seeks to: 1) create successful linkages to medical care or re-engage the out-of-care, 2) deliver culturally competent, evidence-based treatment education and prevention services, and 3) reduce the disparities, stigma and discrimination in access to prevention and care services that are experienced by women and youth of color.

Raffle Tickets

2009-06-17T19:39:00.000-04:00

Raffle Winners:

1st Prize: Rosa Donohue

2nd Prize: Randolph Gomez

3rd Prize: Eston Clare

Congratulations!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SMART University's Graduation is Thursday June 18th, 2009

We are still selling raffle tickets and they can now be bought online! (Buy before 2:00 PM)

If people still want to buy tickets they can purchase them on the SMART University website. (www.smartuniversity.org)
Go to the Donate Button, and when asked if the money goes towards a program put in "RAFFLE TICKETS"
(you should see this page: http://www.nycharities.org/donate/c_donate.asp?CharityCode=2275&amount=&designategift2= )

1 Ticket is $2
1 Book (6 tickets) is $10

Grand Prize: 19" Flat Screen TV
Second Prize: $150 Wine Bar and Restaurant Gift Card
Third Prize: $100 American Express Gift Card
Thank You!

June Updates

2009-06-07T14:40:00.001-04:00

Friday June 5th- Pretty much everyone was here today! The scenes just need touch ups, and great work with working on the intro-improv session. It was fun! Next Week SMART Youth will be meeting at the office THURSDAY at 4:00 to do some spoken word writing and finish up with whatever needs to be done. See You then!

Thursday June 11th- Great group turn out to finish up our scenes and work on the spoken word pieces. Everything is coming along great! I can't wait until the finished product! Thank You Nite Star and Youth!

Friday June 19th, 2009- Welcome back Efrain! Thanks for covering for Derek and Danny... who are now in trouble! Everyone memorize your lines! I'll try to put them up soon, just in case.

Friday June 26th, 2009- Our Nite Star performance will be July 8th, in the Bronx (Tiffany will provide the location and information). Just a few more practices left, all the scenes are done! Please come if you can make it next THURSDAY! Good Job Everyone!

SMART University Graduation

2009-06-03T22:52:00.000-04:00

The graduation will be held at the NY Academy of Medicine, located on 1216 5th avenue between 102nd and 103rd street.
June 18th, Thursday
Check-in will begin at 1:00 pm for the ceremony.
If you will be attending the reception, please RSVP by Friday June 5th by calling Samantha Clare at (212) 564-3282 or e-mailing us at clare.sam@gmail.com.
Tickets for the reception will cost $75 and can be purchased through Sam or at the door.

For more information regarding SMART University, please refer to our website: smartuniversity.org

Thank you for your support and I hope to see you all at graduation!

-Clarissa Silva

*Youth will be helping out with set up, clean up, and hosting*

SMART Youth @ Gmail

2009-05-09T20:00:00.000-04:00

http://www.google.com/profiles/sync.nyc

SMART Youth has a Gmail account for contact info!

Baseball Event

2009-05-08T23:10:00.000-04:00

Brought in by Efrain:

A Day at the Ballpark
Bring your family and friends!

St. Paul and St. Agnes Parish
Key Span Park (Coney Island)
Brooklyn, NY

Game Day: Saturday July 11th, 2009
Game Time: 6 PM
Place: Key Span Park (Coney Island), Surf Avenue-Brooklyn, NY
Price: $15 per person- Field Box Seat, (Under 2 years old/sit on a lap- Free)

You Will Receive: Brooklyn Cyclones Baseball Cap. The first 2,500 fans in attendance will also receive a Brooklyn Cyclones Visor.
Everyone gets to enjoy the fireworks after the game!

All payments must be made by: Sunday June 7th, 2009

Edna Torres: (347) 661-6302

Tiffany's First Brainstorm

2009-05-01T20:55:00.000-04:00

Recreational:
College Trips
Arcade Day/Laser Tag/ Paintball
Field Day
Amusement/Water/Theme Park
Beach Day

Workshops/ In The Office:
Anything with the Arts
Cooking

Fundraising/ Events:
*Grassroots*
Talent/Fashion/Charity Show (NiteStar)

May Updates

2009-05-01T20:42:00.000-04:00

Friday May 1st- First day with NiteStar! Intro to what we will be doing for the next 9 weeks as we create our OWN performance! Welcome Tiffany, our newest Youth Coordinator!

Friday May 8th- Second Session with NiteStar, since it was a nice day, it might be the reason not many youth came, but we had fun anyways! Hopefully more people will come next week, and bring your ideas to start writing scenes for our performance!

Friday May 15th- Great work everyone! Due to starting late we were not able to create many character scenarios, however we will definately be ready for next session! Lets try to knock out all the scenarios by getting in on time! Remember everyone should be in by 4pm (Or should I say "fo'" o'clock) so that we can be ready to start @ 4.30! Make sure you have you're "big booty" on!
(As said by Tiffany)

Friday May 22nd- Group was very small, However, we got a lot of work done, have our 3 scenes planned for NiteStar, and have 1 scene's script done. So great work to those who were in! Hopefully we have a bigger turn out next week!

Friday May 29th- A larger group turn out, yay! We have one scene down and the draft of the next scene. You guys were great! This isn't easy, but it sure is fun! Thanks Nite Star! Hopefully we'll be able to present something in time for the SMART Inc. Graduation (June 18th).

College List

2009-04-24T23:49:00.001-04:00

Here are the colleges SMART Youth would like to visit over the Summer:

Within Reach:
*Stony Brook
*Mercy
Manhattanville
Monroe
*Laguardia
*Columbia
*John Jay
Hunter
Pace

Road Trips:
Penn State
*Harvard
*Cornell
*Ithaca
*Swarthmore
*Haverford
Syracuse
Rochester

-Note: Cornell, and Ithaca are in the same area upstate in Ithaca, NY. Swarthmore and Haverford are in the same area outside of Phili, PA.

If We Had Money:
Miami University
Arizona University

*: Possible, Top Choices

March

2009-04-09T11:31:00.002-04:00

SMART Youth went through a Budgeting and SMART Spending Workshop!

April Updates and Reminders

2009-04-09T11:31:00.001-04:00

Friday, April 10 - Smart Youth not meeting due to Good Friday

Friday, April 17 - Ice Skating at Chelsea Piers! It is happening! Details coming shortly, but for now, know that we need to meet a little earlier (before 4), and I will need permission forms from those of you under 18.

Friday April 24th- Focus group about which colleges everyone is interested in and would like to visit on some road trips over the summer. Discussion about fund raising ideas as well and then some fun with Dance Dance Revolution!

Thursday April 30th- SMART Youth went to go see a private performance by Nite Star! it was great! We start working with Nite Star Tomorrow!

Updates Summary

2009-02-25T16:01:00.000-05:00

February 6th, 2009: SMART Youth Goes to Yale!
Tamara managed her fashion show at Yale, and it turned out excellent! SMART Youth had a great time, and enjoyed the tour of the beautiful campus! I think some have more motivation to do well in school to get into a Top School like Yale (and the nice/good looking people helped) :)

February 13th, 2009: Last Day of Cooking Classes with City Harvest
Thank you for everything! We will now go on with cooking and staying healthy in our outreach!

February 20th, 2009: Goodbye John! Hello Marissa
Thank you for everything! You were a great group leader and I hope you can stay in touch!
SMART Youth now presents Marissa! I hope she will be with us for awhile, let's show her how great of a group we are!

Time for The Brainstorming Session!

February 27th,2009:
SYNC set up some "ground rules" but nothing that we didn't know already right guys?
Looking forward to having more SMART fun!

New Look

2009-01-26T16:05:00.000-05:00

As you can see I've just updated the blog's look.
I really liked the structure of the last layout, but I thought it was lacking...in color mostly. So I just took that one and made it a little more interesting--and incorporated our logo, yay.

I'm going to try and work on adding video and photos now....I don't know how soon that'll happen but look out for it.

PS - if anyone knows where the black tablet pen for the tablet is please let someone in the office know! I can't work on the graphics for the website without it.

Thanks,
Sam