Roving Leaders: Decades of Empowering Youth in D.C. — Episode 161

On today’s episode, we welcome a superstar of out-of-school time
programming! The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is
making a huge impact on youth in the DC area through its weekly
after-school group mentoring program, Roving Leaders. Among
countless initiatives and opportunities that are part of the
program, top of mind this time of year is the fact that Roving
Leaders visit with students in schools outside of program times.
They are truly going the extra mile.  


 


DPR’s Roving Leaders program has been around since the 1950s,
building relationships of trust with teens, youth, professionals,
community leaders, and public and private sector organizations.


 


The mission of the program is to prevent, neutralize, and control
hostile behavior in youth and youth groups through the
development of positive relationships between teens/youth and
outreach workers. Roving Leaders utilize recreation and leisure
time activities as the intervening vehicles for redirecting
antisocial and aggressive behaviors.


 


At the center of the program is Danielle Hunter, chief of the
Roving Leaders. Danielle has been with DPR for more than 24
years, and her impact has certainly been felt across the city.


 


Tune in below to learn more about Danielle and this impactful
program. You’ll also learn: 


Ways the Roving Leaders are engaging youth in the community
and the types of activities involved

How the program is impacting youth in DC

What qualifications or training Roving Leaders undergo to
effectively mentor and support youth

How the program and DPR are providing safe, culturally
relevant and effective resources

How NRPA’s Out-of-School Time Youth Mentoring Grant helped to
expand access to this program

What the future holds for the Roving Leaders Program and much
more!



Related Links:


DCDPR’s Roving Leaders

Follow Roving Leaders on Instagram

Follow DCDPR on Instagram