Homeless LGBTQ Youth setting goals to 'Design Their Futures'

The Reciprocity Foundation partnered with Green Chimneys, a transitional living program for LGBTQ homeless youth, to host one of the first collaborative 'Design Your Future' speaker series. Nearly 40 homeless predominately LGBTQ youth were joined by professionals from ASCAP, Calvin Klein Home, Atlantic Records, MTV, and Girls Write Now. Youth were given the unique opportunity to gain industry insight and know-how from some of the best. In addition, young people were able to work on their networking skills, build a stronger community support system, and have fun in the process.

The event was nothing less than a success. Pairing strong industry professionals with talented and motivated youth has been a formula the Reciprocity Foundation has used since it's inception. "Youth and professionals alike benefit from these encounters because it gives them both perspective and meaning," said Natasha Johnson-Lashley, Director of Education at the Reciprocity Foundation. "As facilitators we'll continue to seek out these meaningful opportunities and offer them to our youth and professional communities.

Founded in 1947, Green Chimneys is the nationally renowned, non- profit organization recognized as the leader in restoring possibilities and creating futures for youth and children.

Homeless youth working with Ketchum to take over the Internet

Ketchum, one of the leading global public relations and marketing agencies, recently teamed up with the Reciprocity Foundation to train homeless youth in digital media. Students had the chance to work with experts and learn how to use new media and digital strategies to promote and market their innovative projects and designs. After the workshop, all of the students agreed that the tools they had learned would help them to become successful youth leaders in the emerging world of new media and social networking.

Ketchum's Gretchen Hutter said the following "We were delighted to host a media training session and discussion of digital media strategies with some of the Reciprocity Foundation participants. It was absolutely refreshing that the participants were so engaged, eager to learn, driven and interactive. Their messages are truly worth hearing, and I have no doubt the initiatives they're launching are going to take them places! Can't wait to see what's next."

Reciprocity Foundation featured on America's Next Top Model

The issue of youth homelessness was highlighted on Tyra Banks' show, America's Next Top Model. The Reciprocity Foundation's Executive Director, Taz Tagore, was featured on the show to educate the models about the issue of homelessness. In addition, five Reciprocity program graduates were photographed in the weekly photo shoot alongside models and given a chance to interact behind the scenes.

Here are a few quotes from Reciprocity youth about their experience:

ISIS: "I thought the photo shoot was really great. As an artistic person, it was exciting to see that side of the business - photographers, creative directors, the whole process. And I have always been a huge fan of the show!"

ANGELIKA: "Jay was such a character and really nice. I enjoyed speaking to him. I pulled him aside and mentioned I was interested in auditioning for the next season, but was concerned a transgender girl could not apply. He was really honest with me and said if I was dedicated and really wanted this, I should absolutely apply."

You can watch the episode re-run this Sunday (check your local listings), or by purchasing it now on iTunes.

While America's Next Top Model might not have provided enough information about the root causes and possible solutions to homelessness, they did equip 8 million viewers with some basic information about the issue. You can keep the dialogue going by commenting on this blog, getting involved with Reciprocity or by volunteering at a local youth shelter or drop-in center.

Going Digital

The Reciprocity Foundation has finally entered the digital age. Not only have we created our first YouTube video posting, but we are working on developing a multimedia curriculum that can be delivered to homeless and foster care youth via DVD, Internet or PC. Have a look at this clip, one of the first videos we posted and please feel free to add your comments. We want to broadcast stories of hope and transformation - as our organization focuses on creating SUSTAINABLE solutions to homelessness.

Reciprocity's Annual Benefit

For anyone that still believes that homeless youth are helpless people seeking handouts, our inaugural fundraiser on November 21, 2007 proved them wrong. The event, hosted by ONE Restaurant in New York City, featured four current or formerly homeless youth who graduated from the Reciprocity Foundation's programs - all of whom shared inspirational stories of how they have (and continue to) transform their lives from a state of poverty to leadership and creativity. Sabine, Angelika, Lyssette and Yaas are bright, creative individuals with an extraordinary future ahead of them.

For more information on our program, visit our website at http://www.reciprocityfoundation.org/