When I asked myself, "Where do I see Social Justice Youth Development work happening?"
My immediate thought given the state of the current social climate was, ummm, EVERY WHERE! According to The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)...the average age of protesters is 18-34 years old. That is a lot of Youth and young voices. Some of those youth and young people are right here in our own state, in our own communities!
In my opinion the PrYSM organization, which is located on Elmwood Ave. in Providence , which is also right in the heart of my hood, the Westend is a good example. The mission at PrYSM is to train, develop and support SouthEast Asian people, queer, trans and survivors of police violence to become leaders and change makers through direct action, community programs and movement building. One of the many examples would be the work they do through their Community Defense Project to empower youth to know their rights when interacting with law enforcement. What actions to take if their rights are violated and how to further spread the word and educate their communities on their rights. The project also ensures community members little to no cost legal representation in legal matters where they are the victims of the unjust legal system.
The more I learn about what our Youth are doing in our very own community, the more encouraged I become. I continue to be amazed at how resilience can manifest itself in the form of social justice. In the example of PrSYM, I think they do a really good job at genuinely serving the community.
The next question that comes to mind is, "how can their approach be expanded?"
Thanks for your post Victoria and for highlighting the beautiful work of PrYSM. In the work you bring forward, I appreciate how PrYSM uses tools of education (know your rights), social supports (access to lawyers), and leadership training to work against our oppressive criminal-legal system.
ReplyDeleteVictoria, I really liked how you brought up the age range of most protesters with the given state of everything going on and really showed that there is proof youth is involved and trying to use their voices in a positive way.
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