Street Elements of CHALK (Communities in Harmony Advocating for Learning and Kids) provides youth and their allies with information, support and resources through a print magazine called Street Elements. Street Elements gives youth an alternate way of expressing themselves; through writing, spoken word and visual art.

Visit our website. You can now also post on our forums and submit to our magazine.

Youthline loves hearing your feedback and suggestions so we can improve our website for our visitors and youths.

Drop us an email!

Please join in congratulating Lisa Pennes (YFYI Program Officer) for being our newest employees of the month.

Lisa is this month’s employee of the month.  It has been one year since YFYI hired new program officers and youth evaluators.  In that time, Lisa has become an outstanding program officer.  She is not only organized and diligent, she is compassionate and resourceful.  Recently, Lisa took on responsibility as program officer for 10 new projects without any complaints because as she puts it “it’s for the family…”.  Her dedication to YFYI is what makes YFYI a successful program.

Visit YFYI

Peer Support

The CHALK staff will utilize CHALK’s Youthline Phone Line staff (a.k.a. listeners) to provide in person peer support and crisis intervention to students. Listeners will employ the 80+ hours of training received and experience gained providing similar services over the Youthline phone line. Note: CHALK youth and adult staff are mandated reporters.

Job Readiness

CHALK staff will provide job information to students, assist in completing job applications, help with resume building and conduct interview practice. CHALK interviews several hundred youth a year when hiring, this expertise will be utilized supporting students with “Job Readiness”.

Opportunities to Contribute Art & Writing to a Youth Magazine

CHALK will provide copies of the Youthline Publication, “Street Elements”, to students. Students will be able to read about youth issues and positive solutions to such issues. Students will also be able to submit their art and writing to the magazine, as a means to provide an outlet to youth.

Funding Opportunities

CHALK runs a youth grant-making program called Youth Funding Youth Ideas (YFYI). YFYI funds youth led projects up to $10,000 per grant. We are encouraging students to apply for funding to run youth led projects in their schools. Applying is youth friendly and CHALK staff will assist youth in applying for a grant.

Life and Job Skills Training

CHALK has its own curriculum on various topics, including: Public Speaking, Teambuilding, Active Listening (as a tool to communicate), Work Ethics and Professionalism, Grief and Loss and Graphic Design. Training is geared toward youth and based around the philosophy that youth can do well given the training and support. CHALK staff will facilitate monthly trainings for students.

Information on Youth Services

Utilizing CHALK’s Youthline website www.youthline.org, an online database of San Francisco youth services, CHALK staff will provide students with information to services ranging from health services to job placement programs, support groups to art classes. Our goal is to bridge the gap from young people to available services of San Francisco.