CitySongs Action Principles
© 2001 Helen Kivnick & CitySongs
Explanation
CitySongs has developed a series of action principles according to which Staff and Volunteers are trained to do their jobs. These principles integrate findings from basic and applied research in the fields of human ecology, youth development, resilience, and life-cycle psychosocial development. When fully applied, the principles inform both the design of CitySongs projects and programs and, more immediately, the way all projects and associated tasks are implemented. Adhering to these principles allows us to work, simultaneously and synergistically, toward our three program goals of:
1) Healthy youth development
2) Artistic achievement
3) Community celebration of diversity.
The way Staff and Volunteers do all of their CitySongs work (e.g., teach music; direct rehearsals and performances; choose repertoire; select gigs; coach particular kids; control behavior; conduct small groups; provide transportation; send messages to parents) should incorporate at least one (and most often several) of these principles. To the extent that Staff or volunteers find themselves doing any of their work in ways that violate any of these principles, we must change those methods in order to correct the violation and incorporate the principles. When Staff or volunteers experience a tension between two program goals (e.g., healthy youth development vs. artistic achievement), we must figure out a way to work toward both goals by means of devising an action/strategy that conforms to one or another of the principles without violating others.
7 CitySongs Action Principles
1 Adults Being There
2: Adult Affection
3: Mutual Relationships
a) Adults
b) Peers
4: Repetition and Challenge
5: Stability and Content of Activities
a) Stability
b) Altruism
c) Mastery & Excellence with Objects, Symbols, and Ideas
6: Self as Belonging
7: It Takes a Village: Linkages Between Settings
See below to link to specific examples of the Action Principles.
