My second event was the YDEV Open House. I was really surprised to see so many people coming to the open house. Its definitely a great opportunity to see whats out there. There were two things that really stood out for me that day.
The first was really trying to nail that elevator speech. I felt that the more I repeated it the more sense I made. I still have trouble really "defining" what YDEV is but this practice really helped.
The second thing that was really great was seeing students from CFHS. It was really cool first off to see so many there and then being able to talk to them and connect with them about YDEV. I think it helps to see a familiar face.
So for my first event I attended the Lights on After School Breakfast of Champions. I'm really glad I was able to attend this event. I think my favorite thing about attending events such as this is hearing how much of an impact something like an after school program can be. Growing up I used after school and before school programs to get away from my problems outside of school. It started as a way to avoid conflicts like bullying and to avoid issues at home and became a huge learning experience that shaped me to be who I am. It was also great to see someone from a High School also come and speak about their experience. It validates that the programs are worth so much and should continue.
It was really inspirational to listen to the speakers and it helps talking to graduated YDEV students as well as seeing all the possible programs there are out there.
There are many single stories out there. When I was 4 I was my mother walked me into my first kindergarten class. As the teacher introduced herself to us she noticed my mother didn't speak English very well. Automatically she began to slowly explain that I would be placed in ESL and she would not need to worry about me. Then, being the sassy 4 year old I was I told my soon to be teacher "I know English I don't need help".
I though of this moment because I think it was my first real confrontation with a single story. They saw my mother and automatically assumed that I did not know English. Many times we let single stories cloud our judgement and make us assume. With social media, new outlets and just word of mouth these assumptions are easier to come by.
This is not the first time I watched this video. I previously watched it in my social work class as well. The biggest problem with these single stories is that we make a single story not just for individuals but for groups of people. We use these to make assumptions of a group of people and don't realize their individuality.
Youth are still trying to find out who they are. Every move they make is judged. One video that stood out to me about "the other side" which I will post along with this is about a select few individuals. These individuals all have hopes, dreams, talents, that are not seen due to a single story. What single story is that? Their disabilities. Because of the way single stories have shaped us we see people as "the man with depression" instead of "the brilliant piano player".
The boys have committed the same offense but Mitch knows that they did not commit the same offense for the same reasoning. Mitch knows the stages of identity vs. role confusion”. Antwon and Julian may have committed the same offence but because each one is at a different stage they committed the same offence for different reasoning. That being said giving them the same punishment would be a useless punishment to them. what might benefit on would not benefit the other. Julian is asked to list the many places and relationships he must face on a daily basis.
Achieved Identity: An individual who is no longer exploring, and feel they have found their identity. They are no longer in search.
Foreclosed Identity: This is when an individual is completely committed to a single life path. They do not explore other routes or options. Sometimes this occurs when this life path is entrusted to them or they feel they are limited to their choice due to their location/ environment.
Diffuse Identity: This is when an individual has explored possibilities however, has not been able to commit psychologically.
Identity Moratorium: Once again this identity is without commitment. They actively explore different behaviors, relationships, and beliefs.
"...Youth in Action...[an] organization that's all about young people- their capacity to lead, their natural ability to innovate, and their desire for positive change."
From they very first lines the tone is set that Youth hold the power. Youth in Action stands for its belief that Youth have the ability to create a community that can make a difference. The main difference if youth and action and other organizations is that the adults are there to support the youth in what they want to achieve. By supporting the youth they are creating a safe environment for them to grow,learn and make mistakes. They are empowering Youth to create opportunities withing the community. They are empowered by the environment allowing them to grow.
"I like that I'm part of a place where there are so many different options. The trust, respect, and openness makes us stronger."
Based on some of the stories it is clear that for the current directors and leaders of the program had past experiences in which all they needed to succeed was some one to help them, to work WITH them. When they finally find that person or space they had the opportunity to improve. Youth in Action makes that space for youth.
