Youth Work is... Social Justice

 Social Justice Youth Development programs are very important to establishing equity in communities. There are many programs focused on social justice youth development nationwide, including some close to home in Rhode Island. One such program is called Youth in Action. This is an organization based in Providence, Rhode Island. 

 Youth in Action serves Rhode Island's communities that are effected by a "disproportionate share of social, economic and environmental burdens." The programs focus on giving support and resources to youth who are people of color. Sone of the programs that they provide is a three step program. The first step is "core" which is a year long program where the participants meet to share their stories, focus on emotional development and learn about identity. They also have an immersion program, which has the participants immerse themselves in community service to help the communities that they deem need it most. The last step is "collective." This step allows the youth to do a lot of hands on, real-life work regarding social justice. They can help plan the future programs from the organization, help with political organizing and action, facilitate the programs. 

    I think that using community service in social justice youth development is a very good idea. Not only will the youth learn about the communities, but they will also experience them. Experience helps you gain more knowledge than just reading about something, so I think that this would help them understand the communities and difficulties they face more clearly. One question I had about this program was that it says it is an organization for people of color and people in the community. My question is if someone is not a person of color or are not in that community, are they allowed to join the program? I think it's also important for people who are not in the community or the same as the other people to learn about these things. I think that it would be a good idea to include anyone who wants to be there because I'm sure they could use all the help they can get and also it would be a good educational experience for the participants. One thing that resonates with me is that there are people out there who are so passionate about making things more just for all and for healthy and successful development of youth that they are willing to volunteer and dedicate their time to helping this cause. I think that this is so wonderful that people do that.

    Reading about this organization and the work that they do was very interesting. One of the best things about it in my opinion was that it is a local program. It is nice to read about a group that is doing work close to home instead of one that is far away. Focusing on youth development and social justice is very important work, and it is amazing to hear that it is happening so close to home.  

Website: https://youthinactionri.org












Comments

  1. DreyaOctober 12, 2020 at 7:27 AM

    I love Youth In Action!! They do so much for the community and their organization is amazing! The after school program is really great. The people within the organization are very passionate and supportive and try their best to support to youth in the community.

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  2. Victoria RestlerOctober 13, 2020 at 7:26 AM

    Thanks for your comments Alyssa and for bringing forward the programs of Youth In Action. I'm glad you asked the question about YIA as a space for youth of color and youth in the community. I think you're referring to the program language that states "We are a non-profit organization based in the Southside of Providence that works to support young people of color in RI’s marginalized communities." I wonder (and I mean this genuinely and with an open heart), how it felt to read that? What did it feel like in your body? What emotions came up for you? I can definitely answer the question about how white students fit into YIA's work and mission, but I wonder if there is value in being with these other questions too. Happy to chat about any of this!

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