[Kathe]

When I think back on my time with YouthREX, the Knowledge to Action (KtA) Exchange in 2018 really stands out, I think because it feels like such a great example of how the sector can come together to create spaces for care, connection, critical conversation, and collaboration.

I had only been with YouthREX for just over a year, so this event at York University was one of the first opportunities I had to engage directly, and in-person, with so many of our diverse stakeholders from across Ontario.

Earlier that year, I had seen a documentary at the Hot Docs Festival in Toronto called Circles, which focuses on restorative justice at a high school in Oakland, California. (Documentary film not only engages me as a social worker, but as a former film student!) When I shared this experience with Uzo, YouthREX’s Academic Director, she suggested that we explore hosting a screening as part of the KtA that October.

As it turned out, Rick Kelly, a youth worker and longtime supporter of YouthREX, had also attended the Hot Docs screening and had been in touch with director Cassidy Friedman and collaborator Becca Vershbow. Together, we planned the screening event, to be followed by a panel discussion featuring Eric Butler, the focus of the documentary.

Circles explores how Eric, a father, educator, and activist, uses restorative justice practices – including mentoring, counselling, communication, and accountability – to support youth to stay in school and encourage responsibility in non-punitive ways (the ‘circles’ of the title refer to the ‘talking circles’ Eric leads with students). The film highlights the potential for meaningful engagement and the possibilities – and challenges – of positive change through youth work.

I loved watching Eric use his own experiences to relate to and connect with youth. As a practitioner, I often think about ‘use of self’ – how we intentionally apply our personal experiences and values in our work, alongside our professional skills and knowledge, without making those with whom we work take on responsibility for our feelings.

Eric’s willingness to be vulnerable and his passion and commitment also resonated with the 150 audience members who attended the KtA screening – and everyone stayed to hear from Eric in conversation with Cassidy, Peacebuilders’ Rachelle Bloomfield, and YouthREX’s Travonne Edwards.

The days that followed featured equally resonant keynotes from activists Sam Sinyangwe and Gabrielle Fayant, and engaging sessions with youth work practitioners on a range of interesting and critical topics, including a Visioning Day devoted to reflecting on allyship and defining actions and commitments for truth and reconciliation.

Unfortunately, Eric wasn’t able to stay for the rest of the week, but he had co-facilitated a workshop with Travonne, Rick, and Cassidy on restorative justice in youth work before the screening, and both events had helped to set the tone for the thoughtful conversations ahead.

Sadly, I learned from Cassidy on social media last August that Eric had passed away. He was only 49. I appreciated the opportunity to reflect on the short time that I knew Eric while reading this loving tribute from the Centre for Understanding in Conflict and this article about his life from the New York Times.

My favourite YouthREX memories and stories are about the people who I’ve had the privilege to meet, get to know, and work with – even if only for a day. And I’m grateful to be part of such a supportive, collaborative, and creative team – one that works hard to amplify the voices and experiences of youth workers and to share and celebrate their stories.

Photos ~ Left: Me (at right) with my colleague Stefanie Stuart, YouthREX’s former Youth Program Supports Manager, at the KtA registration desk. Right: Travonne, Eric, Rick, and Cassidy at the KtA in 2018.

[Cyril]

Thank you for sharing this memory @Kathe .

I’m reminded of a short video clip I recorded after the workshop where Eric and Cassidy were discussing the realities of youth work. Critical approaches to youth work blend personal, professional and political spheres, but youth work is often misunderstood and underestimated. As a bit of a documentarian myself, I am glad this forum is opening up space to share these stories and reflections. As you know, my journey with YouthREX spans almost the full decade and during that time I have been blessed with opportunities to engage with legends like Eric. I am glad that some of Eric’s impact has been documented and I look forward to more opportunities for the experiences of frontline youth workers to be highlighted!

[Kathe]

Thank YOU, Cyril — me too!