The overall main idea of this article is that social change must take place in order to have youth voices to be heard. In the first half of the article, Adeola Oredola the former executive director of Youth In Action (YIA) , has worked with several YIA youth to share their views between the world they live in among society versus the world they live in among YIA. The youths participation in YIA has made them more confident and more aware of the surrounding problems that underprivilidged youth face in society. In the second half of the article, social change is further discussed, however in a slightly different manner: among the LGBTQ society and the establishment of the National Student Bill of Rights. In Providence, youth workers are trying to create organizations in which can help youth in the LGBTQ community, specifically Southeast Asian youth, become comfortable with their gender identity and sexuality and how to go about living with it in their own lives, specifically in their homes and schools. Also, across the country, youth workers are trying to create a National Student Bill of Rights that is able to provide education to all youth in the United States. This document will be a huge step towards the direction of social change. The National Student Bill of Rights will make sure that every student has the same fair chance at a good education whether they are privileged or underprivilidged, white or black, male or female. the National Student Bill of Rights will give youth a chance to stand up for themselves by being able to be taught in ways that are meaningful and engaging to them.
When discussing social change and where it comes into play with my own youth involvement, for both my Foundations of Education and Special Education classes, I was required to go to a Providence Public School and tutor/mentor children who needed help in their classrooms. When working in these classrooms, I was glad that I was able to help children who were struggling in their education. Spending time tutoring the students gave them confidence that they were able to learn just as well as the other students in their class.
Hi Ryan,
ReplyDeleteGreat points! I have spent many courses as well mentoring in public schools with students who need an extra boost. For me, this is the thing I love doing the most. It is such a great feeling to make a positive difference in a child's life. By being positive role models to these students it pushes them further and will make them want to mentor and be positive role models to their peers.
Lauren
Hi Ryan,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the example of working in a public school setting. Just as Lauren stated, it really is an amazing feeling when you are a positive influence in a childs life. Awesome job!
Hi Ryan,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to focus on the major points of the article. I also spent some times in the public school system for mentoring and I agree that some children just need a little more confidence than others. It's always great to have a positive impact on a child's life.
Nice Points,
Andrea
Hi Ryan,
ReplyDeleteYou're so right about social change needing to take place in order for youth voices to be heard. Living in a marginalized community or not, some adults are still operating the "be seen, not heard" perspective starting early. If adults gave more credit and value to what bright young individuals have to say, then a collaboration could occur to affect greater change.