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Science of the Positive Youth Group Tools

These Youth Group Tools are planned and organized using the Science of the Positive Framework. That means that they are organized around the Science of the Positive Cycle of Transformation: each one starts with Spirit, then moves on to Science, Action, and Return. Each tool is also associated with one of the Seven Core Principles of the Science of the Positive, guideposts that promote positive leadership. The goal of these tools is to help youth group leaders develop and sustain vibrant youth groups that are focused on the Positive Community Norms Framework. Our hope is that they will teach youth to be positive leaders, to build health by promoting strengths and protective factors, and to inspire a new generation of community leaders.

The Science of the Positive Cycle of Transformation: Spirit, Science, Action, Return

These tools can also be found online at: https://sotp.academy/science-of-the-positive-youth-group-tools/

List of Tools

Cover Page (PDF)

Cycle of Transformation Image

Core Principle 1: Be Positive

  1. Your Why Matters: Starting with Spirit (PDF) (Word)

  2. Setting the Tone: Creating a Theme for the Year (PDF) (Word)

  3. Got Your Back: Self-Esteem Activity (PDF) (Word)

Core Principle 2: Be Present

  1. Transformational Leadership Skills: Being an Upstander Part 1 (PDF) (Word)

  2. Transformational Leadership Skills: Being an Upstander Part 2 (PDF) (Word)

  3. Community PhotoVoice: What's Our Story (PDF) (Word)

  4. Letters to a Senior: Words of Wisdom from Elementary Students (PDF) (Word)

Core Principle 3: Be Perceptive

  1. Sustaining Your Spirit (PDF) (Word)

    • 8a Sustaining Your Spirit Attachment: Land & Sea Handout (PDF) (Word)

  2. Power of Perception: It Might Surprise You! (PDF) (Word)

  3. Communication Channels: Where are YOUth? (PDF) (Word)

    • 10a Communication Channels Attachment: Youth Communication Channel Survey (PDF) (Word)​

Core Principle 4: Be Purposeful

  1. Balancing Hope and Concern: Reframing Conversations (PDF) (Word)

  2. Community Presentations: Using the Cycle of Transformation as a Guide (PDF) (Word)

Core Principle 5: Be Perfected

  1. Parking Lot Speeches for Youth: Creating Easy Talking Points (PDF) (Word)

  2. Pilot Testing PCN Messages Part 1: A Tool for Youth Group Leaders (PDF) (Word)

  3. Pilot Testing PCN Messages Part 2: A Tool for Youth Group Leaders (PDF) (Word)

    • 15a Pilot Testing Attachment A: Image Pilot Testing Form (PDF)

    • 15b Pilot Testing Attachment B: Message Pilot Testing Form (PDF)

    • 15c Pilot Testing Attachment C: Media Pilot Testing Form (PDF)

Core Principle 6: Be Proactive

  1. Recruitment Week: Energizing Youth Groups with New Voices (PDF) (Word)

  2. Signs of Hope Campaign: Raising Community Awareness (PDF) (Word)

Core Principle 7: Be Passionate

  1. Celebrating Transformation: Community Gatherings (PDF) (Word)

  2. Celebrating Transformation: Youth Gatherings (PDF) (Word)

  3. The Big Next: Youth Leadership Retreat (PDF) (Word)

These tools were created by The Montana Institute for the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Behavioral Health Administration. If you have any questions, please contact, Phyllis Bengtson, MN DHS BHA at phyllis.bengtson@state.mn.us; your Regional Prevention Coordinator; or The Montana Institute at info@montanainstitute.com.

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