When I am an Elder
This is a PSA series developed by youth in Alaska sharing their vision for their community when they are an Elder. The goal of developing this material was to create a way to share a holistic approach to community and individual wellness that includes a world without violence.
This approach to collaborative developing PSAs with youth had resulted in an extremely compelling message within Alaska for native and non-native audiences, youth and adults. It captures the real ideas and words of Alaska youth.
Impact: ANDSVA conducted a preliminary qualitative evaluation in 2011 after the first round of PSAs. Many people recalled the messages and share how they moved them. The best indicator has been the number of communities interested in partnering with us on this project to represent their cultural groups Yup'ik, Inupiat, Athabaskan, Tllingit, and Haida.
Consider using a strategy like this to engage your community in cross-generational dialogue that could potentially be led by youth. This approach can be used to engage young people, build leadership skills and help raise awareness of both teen dating violence during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and elder abuse during Elder Abuse Awareness month.
- ANDVSA used a particular process to engage youth, organizations, and community during the production, filming, and release.
- Collaboration and coalition building skills are required in order to develop PSAs in partnership with communities and is a powerful approach.
- Partnerships with youth, local dv/sa programs, tribal organizations, media partners need to be cultivated. Developing genuine messages, recruiting and preparing youth, getting media releases, identifying important and iconic community locations, in-kind donations, and community building during release.
