The Model

JUVENTURA: THE 4-P MODEL OF LEADERSHIP

Our mission is to empower Latino youth through multicultural art, cultural competence
and education.

We have also designed a culturally based model of leadership that Latino youth can use
as reference to accomplish their dreams and to succeed in the US. Our leadership model
is an organic and person-centered approach, and it can also be used for adults and youth
workers committed to develop cultural based leadership, become better mentors,
teachers, instructors and/or parents for our Latino youth immigrant community.

Our model considers the contextual and historical-anthropological perspectives of the
youth immigrants. Their beliefs, values, communicational codes, cultural expressive
patterns and habits are very important to us, and we adjust any of our programs to
them.

Juventura's Model of Leadership is also called the 4-P Model of Change, because it bases
its strategies on 4 Areas of Change, 4 Key Words -4P- and 4 Fundamental Statements.

4 AREAS OF CHANGE (and the 4 Key Words -4P-)

To create positive changes as a youth leader or mentor, we want to develop awareness
and competence in the following 4 areas: Communication, Self-esteem, Pro-action and
Cultural Norms. Changes occurred in one area, will influence the others.

Communication

We use our original language as a power (teaching it, showing it to everyone, translating)

We use the power of our accent to influence others in a positive way (using the tone of
our voice, our body, our Latino style to create change)

We learn the English language, as others learn Spanish; we are experts at modeling
native speakers of the English language.

Self-esteem & Spirit

We know that by self-knowledge and by cultivating our inner-self, we can strengthen our
talents, develop positive believes, sense of purpose in life and active hope, becoming a
more healthy, happy and proactive community.

We are so aware about our obstacles, however, we focus on what we can do, and move
toward our goals positively.

We are aware about our root and heritage, and expand our identity by exploring and
embracing the new culture.

We are continuously re-defining who we are, considering our past, present and
developing strategies to move forward toward our future.

We learn more about our culture, and believe in our personal and Latino-American
dream.

Pro-actions (The 4 Key Words -4P- )

We make pro-active decisions toward our goals. We also acknowledge and put into
practice our cultural habits and expressive patters while living in the US.

This is the area where we put into action the 4 key words:
Peque�os-Pasos-Posibles-Poderosos (4P)

-Peque�os (Little): we will focus on the little things we can do, and will do that well.

-Pasos (Steps): we will accept new challenges, will take risks, and will be proactive
through Actions.

-Posibles (Possible): we will focus on the possibilities, on the solutions, on what we can
do.

-Poderosos (Powerful): we will think that every single risk taken, every single decision
made, every little step given will be a manifestation of our power and will bring great
good and positive things to us.

Cultural Norms

We will remember the norms established in our country, and will learn about the rules of
the new culture.

We are aware we may face rules that put us (minorities) in disadvantage. We will learn
about them very well; however, we will make sure we will not violate them, will keep
updated about legislative changes, will peaceful speak out our thought, and will search
and learn about norms and rules that are in our favor.

We are aware that there are rules that are in our favor; cultural norms that would help us
to accomplish goals in this country. We thank this new country for that gift, and will learn
those rules very well, and will use them to accomplish our dream.

THE 4 STATEMENTS

-We must awaken our Latin-American Dream (CLEAR GOALS)

-We will think big, will focus on what we can do and will give small steps toward
our goals: Powerful & Possible Little Steps- 4P. (SMART PROACTION)

-We will put ourselves into another culture's shoes (EMPATHY)

-We will work united (UNITY)

JUVENTURA'S GENERAL STRATEGIES

Any one who want to develop leadership, have to build a very good set of proactive
believes to support their ability to make positive, healthy, smart and creative decisions,
implement actions, take risks and communicate ideas.

It is why we will take some time to discuss about the principles stated on Juventura's
model (4 Areas of Change, the 4 Key Words, the 4 Statements, the key affirmations) with
the youth participants. Now, we have to make clear that this model of leadership is not
about memorizing principles and affirmations, it is not even about repeating them over an
over again, until the youth participants learn it. We will make the youth to become aware
about those positive principles through action, by encouraging them at taking the lead on
culturally based compelling projects (art, sport, academic, recreational), which will also
allow them to develop sense of identity and feelings of belonging toward very exciting
short and long term projects.

In other words, as community organizers, we are more interested on seen the youth
community and its allies (youth workers/mentors/parents) acting the principles (ex.
active hope/dream, identity, decision making, cultural expression, learning the norms and
using them, using their communicational skills) rather than memorizing them.

Though the core of our program are the community projects, we will also implement
some workshops to develop cultural competence and awareness, leadership and
pro-activity, self-knowledge, self-esteem, identity, redefining the Latino dream, etc

Before we start any project (community project or educational workshop), we will get the
whole community involved (youth and adults), because more than activity planner,
Juventura's leaders will become community organizers. The following are strategies we
implement to accomplish it:

-We set regular meetings with ordinary members of the community (individuals, youth
groups, parents groups, volunteer groups.) Our meetings focus on community needs,
interests, and upcoming projects.

-We implement good strategies of community development during our meetings: listening
participant needs, offering examples of past projects (related to their needs),
encouraging decision making and pro-active actions, and facilitating strategic plans for
goal accomplishment.

-We promote challenging and culturally based community projects. Project planning are
facilitated during the regular meetings (example of projects are art and/or sport events,
educational workshops, community service activities, recreational plans -trips, parties,
festivals-.) Short term and long term projects are promoted, to ensure a high level of
enthusiasm and participation throughout the time, to build long term relationship and
cultivate positive and lasting leadership habits in our community.

-We also meet regularly with an advisory committee (social workers, counselors,
community organizers, etc)

THE ROLE OF ADULTS AND YOUNG ADULTS

As Luis J. Rodriguez once said, "It is not enough to prepare our children for the world; we
must also prepare the world for our children." Therefore, we must realize that adults and
young adults are very important; JUVENTURA cannot empower children without the help
of an empowered adult and young adult community (college students, university
students, ESL, teachers, youth workers, professionals, parents, volunteers and mentors).

So, if we want to assist our younger community, we (adults) must first redefine our own
dreams, embrace our own passions while living in the US. We are the role models, the
mentors, and leaders that the youth community need to growth strong.

THE TARGET POPULATION

Youth (middle school and high school aged) and the adult population (college students,
university students, young parents, young volunteers and leaders.)