[Rania]

One Simple Thing that I can do is to engage in non-performative advocacy and allyship. I can build relationships with the Black students and Black student-centred groups/organizations on campus – outside of work hours. Listen deeply and with humility. Begin trust building through consistent showing of support in community events and gatherings. Respond to invitations of support by offering my time, services, and/or other resources I may have privileged access to in ways that decenter myself and centers Black youth.

[Nicole]

I think for me, taking more time for some critical reflection, especially reflecting on what I have learned so far in this course and how I can incorporate that in my work as well as taking the time to really sit and reflect and do the research to understand what our programs are currently missing and how we can improve them to better meet the needs of Black youth.

[Miranda]

For me, I plan to engage personally in more critical reflection, as well as encouraging others in my organization to do so. I think there is a lot of implicit bias in the way our organization does things and by having truthful conversations and reflection on biases, we can start the process of creating an action-oriented plan to better serve Black youth.

[Kristan]

I agree with others that a one size fits all approach isn’t going to work. We need to use an individualized approach in our work and be careful with our assumptions and prejudices. Identify and acknowledge systemic biases and privilege and disrupt it.

[Natalie]

Realize that a ‘one size fits all’ approach to all youth, won’t likely meet the needs of Black youth. We need to plan, resource, take time to ask Black youth what will work for them.

[Marie-Eve]

As someone who works for a national artistic organization that also serves the education sector, I want to ensure that our programming is not only selected for Black youth, but rather have Black youth be part of the selection process. I recently attended an AGM conference for an association we support, and our guest speaker, Umair
Jaffar (COO, Small World Music) reminded us of the importance of forming groups that include individuals from the equity-seeking communities we wish to serve, interact with, include, etc. The application of this principle is often forgotten when it comes to youth programming. We often form diverse groups composed of adults to work on these projects, but youth are not always included. I want to create more opportunities for Black youth to be immersed and feel a sense of ownership when it comes to developing youth, family, and educational programming in our organization.

[Kate]

I will be mindful of the language I use and ensure I am using a trauma informed approach to facilitating.

[Jewelle]

I can work to actively incorporate feedback from black youth in the work that I do. The organization already centres black youth, but they can continue to ensure staff take trainings that are specifically relevant to black youth.

[Alejandra]

I will listen more and create a safe space for all youth to open up and share their experiences; also identify and acknowledge systemic biases and privilege when necessary as well as microaggressions or preconceptions that can come up in order to correct them or manage them with an Anti-racism policy approach.

[Virginia]

Ensuring that we are able to provide an inclusive, safe and welcoming environment for youth to express their selves freely and to feel respected while expressing their culture and preferences. Fostering engaging conversations that allow the youth to open up and feel comfortable about expressing any concerns, so they feel included and welcomed.

[Marianne]

I can try my best to listen without assumption and prejudice, making sure I don’t categorize or pick cultural identity as the “loudest” identity in their intersectionality. And then within my organization, ensure that I carry those voices loud and clear and address the needs they express (if possible). Because I’m learning too that lwhile listening is valuable and important, the action that comes after is the greatest proof of actually being heard. And that is a crucial step.

[Kathleen]

I appreciated the slides suggestion to just put race on the table. We all know it’s there but give permission for thoughts to be shared. For me, this means when I am having conversations with Black Youth and their families over the phone I identify myself as a white woman. Prior to meetings, I offer the opportunity for families to meet with a BIPOC rather than me when possible and when preferred. When that isn’t possible, I make it clear that I am capable of hearing experiences of oppression, marginalization and racism without defensiveness, hurt feelings etc. I make a point to make race matter of fact and something we can openly discuss.

[Annie]

That’s a good idea. I often use the phone as a means of communication with parents or racialized students, but I never thought of describing myself. Perhaps an ignorant part of me thought the child might have talked to the parents about me or they may have recognized my “french canadian white accent”. However, I do try to meet in person or through virtual meetings. That way, parents can get a better sense of my tone and body language and be able to come to their on conclusion on first impressions of what kind of safe “ally” I may be. From my experience, communicating through email, especially with new immigrant families, is not the best way to build a long lasting trusting collaborative relationship.

[Sivakaami]

I would do my best to provide a safe environment in which Black youths would feel comfortable with sharing their lived experiences, fears and dreams. By being an active listener, I would hope to encourage Black youths to open up more – this is return would allow me to determine better resources, programs and/or services I can provide them with at my place of work.

[Annie]

For me, it is a matter of getting to know students on an indivual level, listening to them and giving them a voice. Finding common interests in order to create a bond and build a trusting relationship. This, in return, helps the students become more engaged in their education and achieving their goals. It’s also important to have good role models and representation in the school books, movies, and music they listen to. For them to see that anything is achievable. Finally, it’s also important to be aware of one’s privileges and biasis in order to check them at the door and work at being an ally while displaying humility and knowing how to contribute, when it is warranted.

[Rolland]

<div>For me, I think one thing I can do to center Black youth wellbeing in my work is to listen and be culturally responsive. It is so important that I see and hear my students which means I act/re-act in ways that are applicable and appropriate to help my students. </div>

[Samuel]

Education is key. When one learns and unlearns about the histories of the different Black peoples (taking into consideration intersectionality), one becomes empowered with knowledge and information that can help them view things from much more empathetic perspectives. They can easily decide to throw away bad habits while incorporating the good habits needed to end racism as a whole. Aslo, unchecked behavior is always a big problem. One everybody needs to check their behaviors, for accountability purposes and in order to take responsibility for their actions.

[Justin]

I agree that education is a critical factor in helping to end racism since it can inform policies through research. When we learn and unlearn about the histories of different Black people, we gain a deeper understanding of the systems of oppression they face. This knowledge can help people to develop empathy and become more effective allies in the fight against racism.

It is also essential to check our behaviours and to hold ourselves accountable for our actions. We can all do our part to create a more just and equitable society by being mindful of our biases and speaking out against racism and discrimination.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this critical issue.

[Keer]

The simple thing I would do is find a suitable place where freedom of expression can be shared through youth voices. Organizing any activities where each of them can participate in discussion related to race ethnicity, and what are the steps taken toward this systemic concern of race enlarge. Having these activities together with youth will help me to hear their voices and be respected.

[Nebiy]

What I would do is, organize discussion forums with Black Youth, engage the black youth in creative activities, create a fertile ground where the black youth could discuss the challenges they face and encourage them to be part of a positive change.

[Nicola]

Make space not just to listen but to take action to challenge injustice. Added to this, we must constantly assess the biases that make us complicit in the day-to-day support of institutionalized racism and address same.

[Laura]

One Simple Thing I will commit to doing in my work is to take a stance of “not knowing” whenever I am working with Black folks and other racialized groups whose experiences I can never truly understand. It is my ethical and professional responsibility to defer to folks in the communities I am serving for decision-making and to continually reflect on my commitment to anti-racism.

I currently work in a newcomer-serving organization which has recently appointed a Black programming coordinator. In recognition that not all newcomers have the same experience (i.e. experiencing anti-Black racism), the organization has made an effort to appoint Black leaders and continue to ensure they are engaged in anti-racist practices.

[Justin]

I love what you’re doing, taking a stance of “not knowing” when working with Black folks and other racialized groups whose experiences you can never truly understand. It’s so important to defer to folks in the communities you’re serving for decision-making and continually reflect on your commitment to anti-racism.

It’s also great that your organization is trying to appoint Black leaders and continue ensuring they engage in anti-racist practices. This is essential for creating a truly inclusive and equitable organization for all newcomers. I love that!

[hania]

One simple thing we could do to center Black youth well-being in our work is to actively listen and prioritize their voices and perspectives. Create space for Black youth to express themselves, share their experiences, and contribute to decision-making processes. Actively seek their input and feedback on program design, activities, and policies. This can be achieved through regular check-ins, focus groups, or informal conversations. By centering their voices, we can ensure that their unique needs and experiences are acknowledged and addressed in our work.

[Danielle]

I really like the conversation happening here, focused on listening and also being aware of our own biases and privileges. I think another action that we can take is to speak up if/when we become aware of any systemic issues within our workplace. No matter how well-intentioned the staff may be, there are bound to be things (policies, micro-aggressions, hierarchy, etc) that are not meeting this goal, and it is important that we bring this to light and not be complicit.

[Danish]

We need to pay attention to the youth as they are our next new generation, with lots to say and share. However, they need a space and a platform to be able to openly share instead of feeling as if their voices are made to be shut down or silenced before they even speak up. I see the way kids talk to other kids at schools… I think something we can do is start a group that focuses on AOP/ABR and start having these discussions with kids from a young age. At a policy level, what if we incorporated an AOP lens in the education curriculum even at the high school level so that individuals do not have to wait until post-high school graduation to be exposed to such concepts. Why is AOP and ABR considered a higher form of learning only for certain folks?

[Mica]

My practice adopts the disability rights rally of, “Nothing about us, without us,” which also influences the way I work with youth. Listening and amplifying their voices, while continually checking myself and my own power and privileges. My organization works more so on the policy and programming level rather than the frontlines, so a big thing for my organization is asking who’s at the decision making table? Why/why not are Black youth there, and how is racism and ageism (amongst other intersections) influencing this?

[Kennishia]

To center youth well-being in my work, I strive to use relationship-based approaches in how I interact with youth. I feel that centering youth well-being begins with validating their voices, creating safe spaces for their successes and struggles and bridging the gap between the support they want to access and the stigmas that create barriers to their access. I also do not separate student achievement from student well-being, these are closely intertwined and I am conscious in finding ways to promote holistically support students and meeting them where they’re at so that I can be apart of fostering their wellness rather than hindering it.

[Brianna]

To center Black youth’s well-being in work, it is important to critically reflect to recognize my internal biases as this can pose a threat to interactions and the work that would be done together. Partaking in critical self-reflection can be done in many ways to make purposeful and necessary changes to interactions. As many other people have noted, simply listening to the individual and understanding from their perspective, free of assumptions and judgment, will greatly help to center Black youth.

In regards to how the organization could center Black youth, I think ensuring that members are being continuously educated by Black youth would be beneficial.

[Stephanie]

The conversation needs to continue, Black Voices need to be heard but also with the intention of explicit actions to follow.

[Fiona]

I think it is important to : be aware of my own privilege and biases and to continue to educate myself by listening to people’s experiences and stories, provide an inclusive, non judgmental space for people to share these stories, advocate for young people and encourage student-lead initiatives and take action to help amplify these voices.

[Laura]

Hi all,

I agree with many in this thread that listening is one of the simplest things I can do to help centre Black youth wellbeing. No matter what profession we may find ourselves in, I think it is always important to acknowledge that those we are working with are the experts on their own lives. Listening and providing a safer space for them to speak and share would be crucial to the relationship you have with each individual, which in turn would help you to offer the best support you are able to for them.

[Kathy]

I agree that listening to Black youth is critical. At an organizational level it is important to not only provide safe spaces for Black youth to share their voice, it is equally important to respond to what was heard. Listening that does not result in action/in a response can lead to mistrust – you heard a problem and/or a solution but nothing was done. Listening combined with action/response bolsters well-being and activates change.