Social Justice youth

 We see social justice youth development in action all the time through youth led organizations. Organizations like youth in action support youth in their social justice platforms giving them a voice or helping them recognize their voices. We saw youth led work  happen over this last year especially with the BLM movement. Youth formed a peaceful non violent protest that spoke volumes, youth have led walk outs in standing with their beliefs on gun control. These are social justice movements that support the safety of young people aswell as equal human(e) rights of all.

 Youth Work is a Philosophy

1. "They are also demographically diverse -- 29% are students of color, 25% LGBTQI+, and 29% are the first in their family to go to college.  These students bring life to the intentional architecture of our program — including a theoretically-informed curriculum and commitment to community — that drives everything we do to prepare undergraduates to be competent, confident professionals in the youth development work force."

-This quote from the article is very strong. I think part of the beauty of this program is the individuals who make up the our class spaces. Everyone has something different to offer, and to be able to share our experiences with one another in safe and inclusive spaces is so important. For me i found this important and helpful because i have had a few conversations with some of my peers that really allowed me to connect with them as some of us have experienced similar situations or experiences. The diversity that we hold is wonderful!

2. "At the beginning of the semester, each student receives a deck of cards, with each card having a specific prompt.  Prompts include topics like “Dilemma of Practice,” “Mentorship,” “Success,” and “Ideology: Goodness of fit.” At the beginning of the hour, each student selects a card from their deck.  The expectation is that some students will share a story or issue arising from the card they played, and members of the group will ask questions and brainstorm with the presenting student about the issue.  Instructors explicitly sit within the discussion circle as a member of the community, and not as the facilitator or moderator.  The Play a Card discussions provide students opportunities to think with each other about authentic dilemmas of practice."

- I found this to be very interesting and i also find it exciting. This type of brainstorm collaboration very productive. And i like the use of a deck of cards. I think this allows for even stronger community building, by then we will have all been well acquainted to open discussions may be even easier.

3. “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe.”

-I like this quote very much. The reasoning behind the action holds just as much value as the action itself. This reminds me of the concept of not forgetting your roots. I try to remind myself of the "why." I think as long as you hold on the why, you wont fall off course.