2009 Teen Institute - Action Brings Change

Horizons in Hemophilia, August 2009

By Shannon Veronesi, MEd, Health Educator

Team Jams, Family Groups and Pep Rallies brought together five Hemophilia of Georgia (HoG) youth leaders to the Action Brings Change Institute (ABCI) at Oxford College, June 15th-17th. As a part of the HoG youth leadership initiative, the Generation of Heroes, teens are selected to participate in this 3-day leadership camp. The ABCI philosophy centers on the fact that youth are important resources to the community-at-large, and they deserve the opportunity to contribute in meaningful ways. Through several educational and interactive workshops teens learned how to put together a plan that would address the immediate needs of their community at school, church or neighborhoods.

The Generation of Heroes team picked education as their focus this year. The plan is to raise awareness about the importance of education, staying in school, and pursuing higher education specifically for those in the bleeding disorder community. Keep an eye out for updates in the e-newsletter and future HoG-sponsored events.

We had a great group attend the teen institute this year; and, as always, they represented HoG very well. Once we received the coveted Team with the Most Coolness Award at ABCI the teens all felt the three days together was not long enough! Be on the lookout for some great things to come from the Generation of Heroes group. If you are interested in learning more about youth leadership opportunities through HoG, please contact Shannon at the office.