The John D. Calandra Italian American Institute of CUNY decided to host a colloquium entitled “Guido: An Italian-American Youth Style” in the wake of the anti-defamation campaign against MTV’s reality show Jersey Shore. This YouTube video is all about the colloquium that became a rage in the past.

The Dutch national, Dirk Bellens, founder of Young Africa Namibia, has signed an agreement with the Walvis Bay municipality on the shared use of the former youth hostel kitchen and adjacent land as a youth skills and art centre.

The agreement fulfils the dream of Bellens to set up a skills development project for the underprivileged youth in Kuisebmund recently.

From Economist.com:

With his experience as a capacity builder at the Rundu Town Council between 2001 and 2007, Dirk knew the dire need of skills development projects for underprivileged youth in Namibia and a fact finding mission to the country in early 2010, confirmed his earlier observations. His and his wife plans to set up a Young Africa Skills Centre was welcomed by various governmental and non-governmental institutes.

The recent trip to Namibia was his third visit. The aim of this visit was threefold: to register the Young Africa Namibia Trust; to reach an agreement with the municipality of Walvis Bay and to meet with the architect to produce a visual project plan as well as a rough cost estimate for a youth skills and arts centre.

In addition, Bellens was invited by the Walvis Bay Rotary Club to present the Young Africa project and also met with other local non governmental organisations in the field of youth development.

In Windhoek, he had a very fruitful meeting with Pohamba Shifeta, deputy minister of Youth, National Service, Sports and Culture, who gave his full support to the project.

Dirk and Yvette Bellens, having worked as capacity builders for Young Africa Zimbabwe for three years, were keen to continue their work for underprivileged youth in Africa.

Once you are working in a group of young people you must understand the reality of each team member. There will be issues, misconceptions, negativity etc among the youth which might creep into you with time and affect your performance. One will meet different kind of people with different behavior such as, those who crib about their painful past experiences and tries to scare you with the consequences. You should avoid such personalities and be disinterested. Then you have people who are not obliged to you if offered help. Some are hypocrites, sweet on your face but do back biting to your colleagues. Further, you may find people who may whine and crib about the negativity in their lives which may be difficult for you to handle. One should be good at Anger management since such youth behavior might cause anger and frustration.

From timesofindia.indiatimes.com

The company you keep is very important, especially for your well-being. Several times, we get stuck with people who bring us down with their negativity, unnecessary nagging, constant whining and pessimistic nature. And before you know it, this negativity starts getting to you, making you irritable, impatient and cranky. Make sure you first realise if they are that way just with you or everyone around them before doing something about it. Keep an eye out for these types… 

So show them a path of optimism and do not get yourself affected by their pessimism. There are people who may blame everything for the wrong things happening in the group and you may be the sufferer if you do not take any appropriate action. Stay away from those who involve other people in their fights and spread the whole world about the scandals. Also you might end up meeting some people who are interfering in nature or are over analyzers. Both these categories of people need to be tackled carefully.

Dating violence has seen the emergence of a new weapon known as “textual harassment” with mobile phones and unlimited text message plans easily available among the youth.

Kacey Kirkland, a victim services specialist with the Fairfax County Police Department, disclosed to the Washington Post that he has seen textual harassment in many forms such as lies, late-night questions, and threats.

From in.news.yahoo.com:

“It’s gotten astonishingly worse in the last two years,” the Washington Post quoted Jill Murray, who has written several books on dating violence and speaks on the topic nationally, as saying.

“Especially for those who have grown up in digital times, it’s part and parcel of every abusive dating relationship now,” she said.

According to the paper, the harassed often feel compelled to answer the messages, whether they are one-word insults or 3 a.m. demands.

For some, 100 or more texts arrive in a day in class, at the dinner table, or in movie theatres.

“Harassment is just easier now, and it’s even more persistent and constant, with no letting up,” the post quoted Claire Kaplan, director of sexual and domestic violence services at the University of Virginia, as saying.

Cindy Southworth, founder of the Safety Net Project on technology at the National Network to End Domestic Violence, said “What technology offers is irrefutable evidence of the abuse,”.

If you have been giving your best at the workplace but still there is no appreciation or reward coming your way, you need to ask some questions to yourself. Once answered, it is time for you to go for a salary hike.

Most of us, especially members of the youth community, are hesitant to ask for a salary hike despite deserving it. But asking for a hike is worth the courage and you will be pleased to know that the rewards are worth it.

From Timesofindia.indiatimes.com:

Does your performance speak for itself?

If the answer is yes, you have a chance. Present all your achievements since you started working in the organisation. Showcase how these achievements are noteworthy and need recognition in the form of a promotion and raise. The best time to ask is immediately after a recent major achievement, where you have displayed exemplary behaviour (cost cutting, clinching a major account, process improvement or improved productivity). But remember that your past performance, ability to perform under pressure and meet tight deadlines also enhances your chances for a promotion.

Are you ready to take on additional responsibilities?

Promotion means additional responsibilities. The expectation levels will also increase the moment you move to the next level. What was exceptional performance in the last role would be considered average in the new role. As you move ahead in your career, remember that there is no scope for complacency.

Is there a position that you can fill in?

Companies do not offer promotions merely to satisfy employees. There must be a vacancy available. Organisations do not create positions to fulfil your desires. Even if they do so, within a couple of months you will realise that you are still stuck doing the same old routine tasks. However, if you have been creating value additions, been efficient and well informed, there is a possibility of you being given an opportunity to do something different, where you create something from scratch, perhaps even a new department. This is your true test of performance, potential and perseverance.

In addition to keeping a close eye on these factors, do make it a point to present a positive picture about how you can contribute more towards the organization’s growth. Do not hit the panic button and send an email to resign, it does not work most of the times, try to find an amicable solution without being unprofessional!