Addressing Issues of Difference in Our Communities

Recent Programs

1. Cultural Competency: Sexism in the Workplace and Leadership/Management Skills; Cultural Competency: The Effects of Heterosexism and Racism on work with Youth in Care Fred Finch Youth Center, San Diego CA
2. Unpacking Your Knapsack: Creating Effective Learning Communities for Students of Color; leftOUT: Supporting LGBT and Queer Identified Youth of Color; Myth of the Model Minority: Supporting Pan-Asian Youth in Independent Schools NAIS People of Color Conference, Denver CO
3. Who's in Charge?: Creating Positive Youth-Adult Relationships , Teachers 4 Social Justice, San Francisco CA

Workshop Summary - Who's in Charge?: Creating Positive Youth-Adult Relationships

Oppression based on race, gender, class, and sexual orientation is commonly discussed when examining social justice issues in schools. However, the oppression young people experience simply because they are young (adultism) is often overlooked. Through a combination of brief lecture, interactive simulation, and discussion, this workshop will offer participants a clear overview of oppression theory, a space to reflect on and share personal experiences, and practical ideas to take back to the classroom or any other context involving young people. Ultimately, the goal is that participants develop a deeper understanding of the youth they serve and of their own role in supporting youth in a liberatory fashion. Young people are encouraged to attend!

Agenda

Groundrules/Introductions

Purpose: To present and agree upon a set of working "rules" for interaction during the session. To create a feeling of safety for each participant in the workshop.

Game: Linking Strings

Purpose: To give participants an opportunity to have fun and practice "learning by doing."

Heart Activity

Purpose: To help participants identify different messages youth get from one another and from adults.

Peer Listening

Purpose: To create a space where participants can share their own positive and challenging memories of being a young person at school.

Cycle of Oppression

Purpose: To provide participants with a working understanding of oppression theory, a common vocabulary with which to engage conversations around the “isms”, and a broader context for the workshop's activities.

Closure

Purpose: To provide an opportunity for participants to share final thoughts about and feelings from the session.