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.
Hey! So i really like the term you used "Youth and Adults growing together." I truly believe that is what Youth in Action is trying to incorporate and it seems by all the testimonies that they are doing a great job. I also liked how you talked about your experience working with "Project Respect" It's these little programs (or big) that really do help the youth in a positive way. It seems like YIA and Project Respect both help kids feel comfortable with themselves and learn that they do matter; they do have a voice and their opinions are important.
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