Youth Development Peer Network

by Libby Wenger

You hear about this event everyone has been talking about…a film festival focused on youth work. You have to go, it’s your passion; it’s your life, A group of your friends and coworkers are going and you’re all taking BART to get there-that’s easy!

You arrive and wow! There is a red carpet, there are bulbs flashing, your heart beat races. You pull out your cash for admission, still smiling-your friends are excited and running into people they know. When you finally hand over your $7, you are given 7 tickets!

“Use these tickets to vote for each film you like. At the end, your votes will determine the winner of the festival!” You pull out another $10 for 10 more tickets (You’ve always wanted to be a film critic!) This is a great cause, after all.

You enter and there’s a great energy. Popcorn is popping, drinks are being poured, laughter and light conversation fills the room. Everyone has a common thread-impacting the lives of youth. Now, at this point your social butterfly can flutter all over, mingling, or you can find a relaxing seat in the theatre to unwind from your rough day at work.

Just as you’re deciding what to do, a booth catches your eye. You see someone exit and another person enter. You approach the table in front of the booth. “You’ll See Others' Stories Tonight, Now Tell Us Yours.” There’s a short survey asking what topics you are interested in. You have the option of being interviewed or privately speaking to the camera. You may appear in the “First Cut” Red Carpet Festival documentary to be premiered at the next event. You will finally be on the big screen! You will make a difference in this industry! You will help others with your story! The curtain opens and a someone cute smiles at you, “Your turn.” You enter the booth and slide the curtain closed.

Now you’re ready for the films! You wipe away a tear of joy for the opportunity to open up in the booth and say what you have wanted to release for a long time. You find your friends and settle in. The films vary. They may be funny, touching, inspirational, or gritty. They all affect you.

There were three you loved, but one you really connected to. You put 7 tickets in one bucket, and 5 in the other two.  Everyone is discussing the films and what they would love to show. Ideas are flying everywhere!

The guest panel of youth workers from Indiana, award a $500 check to the winner they selected. The audience votes are in! $8,000 has been raised from tonight’s event and $4,000 will go the winner. The other $4,000 will go towards the film you will be starring in! The winner is announced, and it is your favorite film of the night!  Those extra tickets were worth it.
You had a great time! You ran into old friends and made new connections. You leave feeling inspired, excited, ready for any challenges that come at you, and interested to find out when the next event will be.

Two days later you receive a call. It’s a producer from “We Are Youth Workers.”

“Your story made such an impact on us, we’d like to come out to your organization to interview you and find out more about the work you do.” You see your reflection in the window before you can answer, Star Struck.