Fearless, Mindful Youth Initiative

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2022

The Miami-Dade Public Library System’s (MDPLS) Fearless, Mindful Youth Initiative (FMYI) provides opportunities for at-risk teenagers in Miami-Dade County to develop life skills, learn about careers, and create art. For eight consecutive months, teens attended workshops and developed skills that help increase the likelihood for their success. FMYI programs are grounded in peer-reviewed and trauma-informed research, applying social-emotional learning through art and technology. To reach its target population, MDPLS forged strategic partnerships with county departments and community-based organizations. These partners include, the Miami-Dade Juvenile Services Department (JSD), which provides outlets for at-risk youth, the Miami-Dade Police Department’s (MDPD) Youth Outreach Unit (YOU), which offers alternatives for high-risk teens affected by gun violence, and Citrus Family Care Network, which supports foster care children. MDPLS also works closely with the Southeast Florida Library Information Network (SEFLIN) which is a library cooperative whose mission is to empower South Florida libraries. SEFLIN increases the reach of the FMYI and encourages other member libraries to design similar programs. Interdepartmental partnerships with JSD and MDPD help address the shared issues of juvenile crime, delinquent behavior, and childhood trauma in the community. During FMYI programs, participating teens attend workshops and learn to create art and multimedia. They also learn to improve their communication and critical thinking skills, helping ease anxiety and improving their overall well-being. The teens’ artwork is often showcased online or featured during the final culminating celebration, the FMYI Teen Film Festival which highlights the works created by teens in Miami-Dade as well as teens from around the world, from as far as Africa, South America, and Europe. The festival provides a chance for works to be recognized and for youth to become aware of shared experiences with teens who live far away, bringing them closer and allowing them to learn from one another.