Community Conversations for Change
If not you, then who?
If not now, then when?
Calling on youth who want to be part of the movement promoting racial equality in our community.
YVCHR is launching a virtual youth-directed series of discussions on inequality, police relations, and personal stories, which will culminate in a session on youth action. The six-part series will begin with the first session on MLK Day, January 18th, and continuing on Saturdays throughout the rest of January and February.
Registration is required to participate in the series and participants should commit to attending at least 5 of the 6 sessions. When you register through our project sign up you will be put on the roster for all 6 sessions. If you cannot attend a session we ask that you contact Kimberly Moore at programdirector@yvchr.org prior to the session you will not be able to attend.
Youth will need reliable internet access and a webcam in order to participate in the Zoom call. Those that secure a spot on the roster will receive a Zoom link 1 to 2 days via email prior to each session. Please be sure to have the latest version of Zoom downloaded prior to January 18th.
Required materials/equipment: PC, laptop or smartphone with webcam, and internet access
Session Outline
Session 1: Hear My Story (January 18th 11 am - 12:30 pm)
Be part of the solution by listening to the perspectives of those who are different from you. In this session, youth of color will share their stories and experiences within this community. Having a platform to be heard by your peers who are different from you is the first step that leads to understanding and empathy. It is essential that youth allies listen to, hear, and bear witness to the feelings and experiences of their peers. The session will conclude with a question and answer dialogue about people of color’s perspectives.
Session 2: Educate Us (January 23rd 11 am - 12:30 pm)
How can we move forward and address a situation if we don’t really understand the problem? Education is the key to changing everything -- minds, perspectives, hearts and eventually legislation. In this session we will cover topics such as systemic racism and implicit bias while reflecting on the history of racism in our county.
Session 3: Dialogue with Police Officers (January 30th 11 am - 12:30 pm)
This piece of the puzzle cannot be ignored. The relationship between the police and the community, especially communities of color, is completely strained right now. Police officers will join the session to listen to youth experiences and concerns and engage in dialogue about growing tension. Hearing the perspectives of both groups may lead to better understanding, compassion, and begin repairing a damaged relationship.
Session 4: Getting to Know Each Other (February 6th 11 am - 12:30 pm)
In small group sessions, youth will have the opportunity to get to know other youth in the community who are different from themselves. Talking, listening, sharing, and then working on a small project together will help create bridges of understanding across physical divides.
Session 5: A Call to Action – Part 1 and Part 2 (February 13th and 20th 11 am - 12:30 pm)
In this two-meeting session we will brainstorm action item that can be taken to help illuminate the problem and help address it. Youth are the key to change. Youth have a strong voice and are encouraged to use it. Like a pebble thrown into a pond, the work of this group will ripple outwards into the community, spreading acceptance of differences and igniting the call for change.
Session 6: The Celebration (February 27th 11 am to 12:30 pm)*
In our last session we will meet in in-person (location TBD) to celebrate the work we are doing and the new people we have met. *This session will be dependent on COVID restrictions, safety and the weather in February.