Volunteers needed for the African American Young Ladies’ Summit II, May 15th, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Denver First Church, 3800 E. Hampden Ave.
Who we are: African American Young Ladies’ Summit (AAYLS) consists of young women attending Denver Public Schools in 9th-12th and now middle school girls with our Big/Lil Sista Event. Each gathering provides culturally responsive support in a trauma-informed environment enriching the educational, social, intellectual and interpersonal opportunities for African American girls in DPS.
Students receive guidance and expertise from a community of caring adults who help mentor, chaperone and encourage our students to form positive relationships with peers and adults in the community. Activities within the summit are trauma-informed and align community resources with school-related activities and programs. We focus on building a network of positive supports to combat the systemic barriers encountered by African American students.
The African American Young Ladies’ Summit Program is a holistic village practice that values, empowers, and equips young women with the tools they will need for a lifelong journey of personal success and achievement. Engagement of young African American women in AAYLS affirms:
What we are asking of our volunteers:
We are asking you to share part of your day with these young ladies who need to see and hear you. The ask: Come, sit, listen and talk with our young ladies about your career, about how you got to be where you are. Share your experience as a Black/African American Woman. Listen to their stories, their dreams; listen and share. Our young ladies need you.
Our first African American Young Ladies Summit convened in May 2018, with 160 female students from 9th-12th and approximately 100 volunteers. These young ladies spent a day with African American women from a myriad of backgrounds, focusing on education, talent, career, and profession. They did this within a designed “safe” space selected specifically for this occasion within small groups.
What the girls are saying:
“I love to be in a place where I see myself in others.”
“I can be my real self.”
“I like to learn more about myself.”
“I feel like people are making time for me because I matter.”
“Others are helping me to be the best person that I can be.”
“We talk about stuff that is real and learn about ways to deal with our challenges at school.”
“I learned that we are better together.”
Come on May 15th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and be part of the AAYLS village of support. Our young ladies need you. If you are interested in volunteering click, I am interested in volunteering, complete the form and we will send you more information.
We are looking forward to another amazing experience for our young ladies and including you in our village of support.
Click here to view and download the volunteer letter.
To learn more about our program, email us at Plashan_mccune@dpsk12.org or follow us on Facebook: @AAYLS
