A World Where Youth Hold the Power

A World Where Youth Hold the Power is a compilation of different point of views of those impacted or participating in Youth in Action. A key note is that the youth are a key factor is the major decisions of the organization and are a main component of its success. The article states that. “It’s critical for young people to be at the center of change in every community.” Youth need to be aware of society and be the frontrunners to help create change in their communities. Youth in Action is described to have different dynamic that can change the atmosphere of its participants. It is said that Youth in Action has a different mindset, learning processes, dynamics and perspective that can greatly impact the involvement of the youth involved.

Key elements of Youth in Action told by their members

-      A space for youth to thrive and create change

-      To promote a new definition of youth

-      Youth and adults are growing together

-      To create opportunities that regularly engage the practice of disagreement

-      To focus on learning and speaking the truth even when it is difficult

Youth in Action creates an open atmosphere for all youth to be able to share their feelings and create a better environment for themselves and gain confidence in themselves and their opinions.

Youth and adults growing together

          Described a process called “Plus Delta Hot Seat” which an exercise used to describe ones strengths and openly provide constructive criticism. The activity is not used to intentionally hurt one’s feelings put to shine light on areas that need help and start conversations on how to work out the current problems.

Giovanni Larracuente calls himself lucky enough to find YIA early because he developed a confidence about himself and his opinions. Giovanni also discusses that schools are missing the interpersonal relationships between student and teacher.

I can relate because I know that when I was growing up, it was a lot easier for me to talk to and ask for advice from teachers and groups where I felt more comfortable and confident in myself. When I was in middle school, I was in a program called “Project Respect” and I worked closely with the advisor and was more comfortable with her in a week’s time than I was with my major’s teachers that I saw every day because she created an environment that was open and respectful. Another time where I felt completely comfortable was with my ninth grade English teacher. The classroom environment was open even though she was authoritative. She created a space that was comfortable for sharing right off the bat which led to a respectful environment because she did not demand our respect and speak down at us even though we were her students. Creating the right atmosphere is crucial for youth. Youth need to be aware that their opinions matter and that they will not be punished for disagreeing and speaking up on their opinions. Youth need to be able to voice their opinions without fear and this will then teach the youth that their opinions matter and that they can create change, whether that is just in YIA or on a bigger scale. Giving our youth confidence will better our society.