On today’s episode, we welcome a superstar of out-of-school time programming! The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is making a huge impact on youth in the DC area through its weekly after-school group mentoring program, Roving Leaders. Among countless initiatives and opportunities that are part of the program, top of mind this time of year is the fact that Roving Leaders visit with students in schools outside of program times. They are truly going the extra mile.
DPR’s Roving Leaders program has been around since the 1950s, building relationships of trust with teens, youth, professionals, community leaders, and public and private sector organizations.
The mission of the program is to prevent, neutralize, and control hostile behavior in youth and youth groups through the development of positive relationships between teens/youth and outreach workers. Roving Leaders utilize recreation and leisure time activities as the intervening vehicles for redirecting antisocial and aggressive behaviors.
At the center of the program is Danielle Hunter, chief of the Roving Leaders. Danielle has been with DPR for more than 24 years, and her impact has certainly been felt across the city.
Tune in below to learn more about Danielle and this impactful program. You’ll also learn:
- Ways the Roving Leaders are engaging youth in the community and the types of activities involved
- How the program is impacting youth in DC
- What qualifications or training Roving Leaders undergo to effectively mentor and support youth
- How the program and DPR are providing safe, culturally relevant and effective resources
- How NRPA’s Out-of-School Time Youth Mentoring Grant helped to expand access to this program
- What the future holds for the Roving Leaders Program and much more!
Listen to the episode for the full story.
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