The Beacons Beams
our foundation for youth development
What makes Beacons, Beacons? It's how we show up every day with purpose, partnership, and an unwavering belief that young people, families, and communities deserve nothing less than our best.
The Beacons Beams are how our values live inside our daily practice. Born from the voices of young people, families, youth workers, center leaders, and community partners. these six principles guide everything we do.
SHOW UP
Create spaces of belonging & connection
We create spaces of belonging and connection by being open, welcoming, and present. Our young people deserve people who are consistent and want them there. We get to know them, care about them as humans, and appreciate them.
We create spaces where young people can show up as who they are - and who they are is more than enough.
We create spaces where young people can show up as who they are - and who they are is more than enough.
In practice, we...
- Greet youth by name when they arrive
- Are visible and present in community spaces
- Build trust through consistency and responsiveness
- Celebrate youth and family traditions
- Show up authentically, even when it's challenging
PARTNER UP
Work together to create the best programming possible.
We know that our work is best done in partnership, and that our programs are stronger when we work together. We believe that young people win more when we collaborate, so we work with others like schools & school staff, youth organizations, community members, colleges, and more to build high quality, engaging, relevant programs.
In practice, we...
- Co-create programs with youth and families
- Build meaningful relationships with school staff and community partners
- Share decision making power
- Design WITH, not for our communities
- Check for alignment regularly with partners
POWER UP
Create space for people to step into their own power as leaders.
We know that young people, families, and communities have the knowledge, skills, and expertise to solve challenges AND to lead. We create space for people to step into their own power as leaders in multiple spaces. We are not in this work to save anyone, but to build together as partners for a brighter future.
In practice, we...
- Share leadership roles and power with young people
- Identify and address power dynamics
- Support youth in leading advocacy efforts
- Encourage collective voice for change
GLOW UP
See bright spots and unique strengths.
In a world that focuses on deficits and challenges, we see bright spots and unique strengths. We see the value and beauty in our young people and communities. We create spaces where young people can experience joy, connection, and hope. We know these spaces are essential, and we make sure to protect those vibes, especially in the face of challenge or struggle. We deserve joy and we protect it for ourselves and each other.
In practice, we...
- Spot and celebrate strengths in youth, colleagues, and community
- Create affirming recognition and awards
- Consider joy when designing our programs
- Celebrate out loud and often
SPEAK UP
Include voices and carry them into spaces of power.
We know that the voices of young people, families, and communities are often not included. Because of this, we make sure to include the voices of as many people as possible in our work. We include others in our decision making, we ask how is not (but should be) at the table, we ask for input. We also carry the voices and perspectives of young people, families, and communities into the spaces we occupy. We are advocates with and on behalf of young people.
In practice, we...
- Elevate youth and family voice in all decisions
- Ask "Who is missing from this table?"
- Listen actively and amplify youth and family perspectives
LEVEL UP
Push ourselves and our programs to grow and develop.
We do not tolerate mediocrity or stagnation because our young people deserve the best. We push ourselves and our programs to grow and develop. Beacons is a space for learning, for innovation, for research, for quality. We're always asking questions, trying new things, reflecting, and planning for bigger, better programs for young people & communities.
In practice, we...
- Continuously improve programming & practices
- Ask questions & try new techniques
- Reflect regularly on impact and effectiveness
- Embrace innovation and learning together
Living the Beams Daily
The Beacons Beams are alive in every interaction, every program decision, and every moment we spend with young people. Whether it's a soccer club, a reading group, or a dance team, THIS is what we do. These Beams are what we do every day because our young people, families, and communities deserve nothing less.
Core beliefs that drive the Beams:
- Belonging isn't a bonus, it's foundational
- Youth are leaders today, not leaders in training
- Joy is a strategy
- Partnership is the model
- Power is meant to be shared
- We grow as we go, together
The Beacons Beams came from a combination of notes from meetings, conversations, surveys, focus groups, and more. They combine the voices of young people, families, youth workers, alumni, center leaders, agency leaders, partners, and community members.