The Dibble Institute - Reed, Catherine

The number one reason that people lose their jobs is their lack of social and emotional intelligence (Harvard/Stanford studies). DOL funding rules should allow YB sites to offer relationship skills training so that participants learn communications and problem solving skills. This will help young people acquire and keep the jobs that they learn the skills for in the YB program. In addition, helping young people learn healthy romantic relationship skills (which include those same skills of communications and problem solving) can help create a better learning environment and reduce the inevitable dating dramas that are part of any group of young people. And, learning healthy relationship skills is not exclusive to heterosexuals. All young people need to be treated with respect and all relationships could benefit with skill training. Finally, nothing can derail the good work done in the YB setting than a failed romance or an unplanned pregnancy. Relationship skills are a missing piece of education that young people need. The Anna E Casey Foundation has funded several YB pilots where healthy romantic relationship skills are taught. Michelle Quinn Davis in the YB main office in Massachusetts is the program manager and can supply you with the evaluations they have conducted. The young people are drawn to these life skills. And, without them, all the other good work we do with young people could quickly disappear. I would hope that in the rules for the YB program that an allowable activity is the teaching of healthy relationship skills. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Kay Reed Executive Director The Dibble Institute 510-812-6238 - direct