Issue link: http://uwashington.uberflip.com/i/106618
Young Adult Health (cont'd) •Have young adults think about their aspirations/goals and then help to develop a five-year plan focused on what needs to be done to achieve them. •Make sure all young adults have basic life skills teachings like balancing checkbooks, etc. •For young adults who may not qualify for positions due to lack of high school degree, provide on the job training/ mentoring to prepare them for positions with the tribe/ agency as they open up. •Recruit mentors in the community and pair them with a young adult. The mentor can make regular time to check in with the young adult, see how they're doing and find out if they need anything. In addition to supporting the young adult, this helps them to stay connected to the tribe/ community whether they are in college, working, etc. •Have young adult come back to community as possible to share their experiences (college, work, etc.) with younger members and inspire them — give young adults opportunities to be positive role models and mentors. •Hold ceremonies like Potlatch to acknowledge and honor young adults in the community. •Tribes with cultural programs can reach out to local schools/ colleges to offer training, support and even materials for Native students to make regalia and traditional clothing — help them stay connected •Assist families in encouraging their young adult children who are away from home. This can include providing financial support so families can visit them. •If they've had issues with the law, or issues while in foster care, they should consider a request that those files be closed when they turn 18 for a fresh start. •Some tribes are considering increasing the age to receive per capita from 18 to 21. •Reach out to members and descendants through newsletters to keep them informed — provide opportunities for them to get involved with community and give back. •Be accepting and welcoming to descendants (who are not able to be enrolled due to policies), including honorings and other acknowledgement activities. •Break down political and bureaucratic barriers to make occupations available. •Identify young adults who are not bound for college, who are returning from war/military service, and/or who are homeless, and work with them to identify and implement a solution. PROMISING PROGRAMS AND PRACTICES (formal and informal) •Work Investment Training Program •Work Investment Act •Young adult intern/mentoring programs — career shadowing. •Community Liaison — links college students from tribe with leaders and leadership activities such as hearings in Olympia. •Bring young adults to tribal offices and hold job fairs so they see what opportunities exist in their own community. 26 •Tribal education department that works with junior and senior high school students to prepare them for college or career training. •Summer internships for management positions to prepare members for working in leadership with their community. •Basketball tournaments that are organized and run by young people. Washington Tribes & Recognized American Indian Organizations (RAIOs) Health Priorities Summit