Dane County Youth Resource Network
Contact Information
Connie Betttin
Prevention Services Manager - Dane County Youth Commission
1202 Northport Dr
Madison, Wisconsin 53704
608.242.6422
Alliance Information
Alliance Code: UDE-706
Number of Members: 50
Mission Statement
The YRN mission is to foster and advocate for positive youth development throughout Dane County.Goal and Objectives
The YRN’s primary purposes are to 1) advocate for and support youth programs that focus on positive youth development, and; 2) provide youth workers with professional development and support opportunities. The YRN believes in Positive Youth Development that focuses on giving young people the chance to build skills, exercise leadership, form relationships with caring adults and help their communities. The YRN believes that youth are resources in their communities and that helping young people requires strengthening families and communities. The Youth Development approach offers youth: 1) a sense of competence (youth master skills and tasks); 2) a sense of usefulness (youth contribute to the community); 3) a sense of belonging ( youth feel a part of a supportive community); and 4) a sense of power (youth are involved in determining their own future, while recognizing society's need to control harmful behavior) ACTIVITIES · Provide members with professional training, networking and mentoring opportunities. · Provide a forum for the collaboration. Examples of collaborative events include the Youth Leadership Conference, AmeriCorps/PASS, National Youth Service Day and the Youth Appreciation Dinner. · Advocate on issues that align with YRN beliefs. · Raise the visibility/consciousness in the community for positive youth developmentRegular Meetings
3rd Monday of each month, 11:30 a.m. at United Way of Dane County.Funding Sources
The YRN receives fees for training events to support its activities. The Prevention Serivces Manager with Dane County Human Services provides some staff support. Other YRN staff support is volunteered by members or a part of member job responsibilities.Activities or Programming
- After school programming
- Youth Leadership training
- Asset development
- Information and referral services
- Community organizing or mobilizing
- Environmental or "cultural change" strategies
- Networking sessions
- Advocacy on youth issues
Groups Involved
- K-12 Schools
- School Clubs and Organizations
- Neighborhood Associations
- Adolescents/Teenagers
- Justice/Courts
- Social Services
- AODA Services
- Mental Health Services
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Volunteer Organizations
- Community Action Agencies
- Youth Organizations
- Parks and Recreation
- Faith Communities
- Healthcare/Medical
- County Extension (4-H, Family Living)
Affiliations and Memberships
- Family Preservation and Support
- State Incentive Grant (SIG)
- Corporation for National Services (State AmeriCorps, Learn & Serve, Senior Corps)
- University of Wisconsin Extension (4-H, Family Living)
- Wisconsin Prevention Network (WPN)
- Dane County Coalition to Reduce Alcohol Abuse
Targeted Outcomes
- Bullying prevention
- Positive youth development
- Asset development
- Underage Drinking prevention