Ideology BLOG POST #5

BLOG POST #5- Ideology Double journal. Choose 3 quotes from the readings or org websites that resonate with your philosophy of youth development. Paste them into your blog post. Underneath, write up a short reflection on each: what does this quote mean to you? How does it resonate/ apply/ speak to you?

NUA: "Agency: Our organization and programs are shaped in collaboration with young people. Day-to-day, NUA students decide what they want to do and are free to come and go as they choose. Mentor-educators are available to assist students in articulating and achieving their own goals–in their own way, at their own pace."

This quote is a beautiful representation of the organization I wish I had. NUA students can be a part of something and decide for themselves at a younger age what they want to do. There is autonomy there that many children would not get to access. Mentorships can change the way students learn and feel encouraged to be apart of something. We are limited to our knowledge from schools and our communities, yet NUA is a space where students learn about the creative world out there that's not bounded by responsibilities or an outcome. It's freeing. 

ARISE:

"SOLIDARITY: We believe that Black lives matter. We believe we must all do our parts to end anti-Blackness and act in solidarity with all oppressed groups’ fights for liberation.

JUSTICE: We believe that we must address root causes of systemic issues in order to heal from them. We believe in restorative justice as a means of transforming ourselves and the community.

INTERSECTIONALITY: We believe everyone has the right to be their whole selves. We honor multifaceted identities, communities, histories, and struggles."

ARISE is one of my favorite organizations for the three reasons above. I have had the privilege of seeing the social justice youth development and civic youth development work the organization does in action. I am a fond believer in SJYD and CYD, which resonates with my value system. The solidarity to justice and intersectionality makes for a sustainable future for our young people. The belief system of ARISE is that for the sake of humanity, we need to be aware, open, and active. I wish I was in a program like this in school too.

YIA: At YIA we offer the notion of “best selves” and a deep commitment to intergenerational collaboration. We believe that youth and adults can learn from each other and work together to address issues within our communities. At YIA, adults serve in the role of mentorship and allyship, amplifying the voices of youth and collaboratively cultivating a space for genuine, sustainable youth-led work.

YIA focus is on the generation of young people and their whole selves. The learning process is among all ages and continues to be! There are many opistives in trying to name and advocate on topics that effect people of our community in a community manor. Every voice matters, and the work can always be done together!