ZER (What): Collaborative network of Basque Youth Facilitators

NOR (Who): NABO is asking that each member club appoint a facilitator; NABO is not involved with this selection process.  We just want someone--anyone--who will be committed in your community to keeping things going another generation.

NORA (Where):  Upcoming workshop tba

ZERGATIK (Why): Our Basque future in the United States will be determined within the next 15-20 years.  A new generation—American born—will now decide how and if our Basque heritage will endure in America.  The time is now to begin making plans for making this transition.  The key will be how well we are able to transmit Basque culture to future generations of Basque-Americans.  It is therefore crucial that we create a viable program that can network together, to make this a fruitful transition. 

What this entails.  We are requesting that each NABO member appoint a youth facilitator who would serve as the club’s contact for the communicating information and resources.  Just as many clubs have a person in charge of their local mus tournament, picnic, etc., we hope to create a network of youth directors in most all of our NABO organizations.  This coordinated effort would seek to share resources (e.g., ideas, music, pictures,  videos etc.)  If something you are doing works well, you could share this to help other communities.  NABO would help to distribute resources as well.  In the end we are all involved for the same reasons:  we want to instill the importance of maintaining and continuing, our heritage in our children, after all they are the future.

Suggested Youth Facilitator Responsibilities: (whatever would apply to your community)

• Assist dance groups and their instructors, for example, helping to coordinate the scheduling picnic performances and offer assistance and/or give suggestions on costumes, age appropriate dances, and opportunities to perform (outside Basque gatherings) and share our culture.
   

• S/he should be involved with creating additional social gatherings for the children, so they can bond and create friendships.  For example, in Chino in conjunction with our monthly luncheon we had a Halloween party for the children, giving them a chance to get together.  Also we plan on having a iñauteria-Carnvial celebation, also in conjunction with a monthly luncheon, again a chance for the children to play together and also a way to expose them to other parts of our cultural traditions that they otherwise may not be exposed to.  Another possibility is getting together with another club and doing some kind of activity with there youth.  This is a way for the children to meet and again create friendships.
   

• He/she could also look to see what classes they may be able to offer the youth in their area.  Some examples txistu class, pala, handball, mus, ama eta ni, accordion, euskera etc….. This of course would vary depending on what is available to you in your area.
   

• He/she should make aware and encourage parents to send their children to Udaleku.  This is truly one of the greatest programs for our children offered by NABO.

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