Virtual Café by YouthREX | Aldith | Activity

Aldith replied to the discussion Let’s dream and envision programs and services where Black youth are not experiencing anti-Black racism. How might we move beyond identifying the service needs and gaps Black youth face, to pro-actively designing pathways to inclusion in the youth sector? in the forum Centering Black Youth Wellbeing

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 22:54:49 -0500

Reply to Let’s dream and envision programs and services where Black youth are not experiencing anti-Black racism. How might we move beyond identifying the service needs and gaps Black youth face, to pro-actively designing pathways to inclusion in the youth sector?

Designing youth centred programs and services requires youth involvement from conception to inception to evaluation. Too often youth input is gathered in things like focus groups, they get some token of thanks, then the “adults” run with the information.

Aldith replied to the discussion Let’s dream and envision programs and services where Black youth are not experiencing anti-Black racism. How might we move beyond identifying the service needs and gaps Black youth face, to pro-actively designing pathways to inclusion in the youth sector? in the forum Centering Black Youth Wellbeing

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 22:43:26 -0500

Well said!!

Representation matters, so having Black involvement in all roles, at all levels, is crucial. I might add, having Black youth participation at all levels would be especially impactful. It would bring accountability to the organization to implement the identified measures, and it would be inspiring to other youth who see their…

Aldith replied to the discussion How might we draw on research findings to highlight and challenge the impact of anti-Black racism on youth and their families? in the forum Centering Black Youth Wellbeing

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 18:27:36 -0500

Reply to How might we draw on research findings to highlight and challenge the impact of anti-Black racism on youth and their families?

The way to use research is to apply it. Apply it in a way that challenges some stereotype based in ABR. Take some significant finding, translate it into relatable language for the community its meant to serve, and take it to the people to collaborate on solutions. This collaboration has to be done intentionally…with actionable goals and…

Aldith replied to the discussion Why is anti-Black racism still a problem in Ontario? in the forum Centering Black Youth Wellbeing

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 18:04:48 -0500

Reply to Why is anti-Black racism still a problem in Ontario?

Emboldened is definitely the word to describe the increased displays of racism these days. It’s unfortunate bc this reflects societies decreased ability to sit with discomfort long enough to explore the opinions and lived experiences of others who may not share their world view.

There’s a Black man in the American south who befriends open…

Aldith replied to the discussion Why is anti-Black racism still a problem in Ontario? in the forum Centering Black Youth Wellbeing

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 17:52:16 -0500

Reply to Why is anti-Black racism still a problem in Ontario?

Unfortunately ABR is still invisible and unacknowledged by many people. Some people are just in denial that it could happen in Canada. Some people have blind spots as a result of their privilege. Sometimes it’s not the people at all. ABR is baked into so many of our systems that it can be difficult to identify… and then the political…

Aldith replied to the discussion What is One Simple Thing you could do to center Black youth wellbeing in your work? What is One Simple Thing that your organization could do to center Black youth wellbeing? in the forum Centering Black Youth Wellbeing

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 17:44:02 -0500

Reply to What is One Simple Thing you could do to center Black youth wellbeing in your work? What is One Simple Thing that your organization could do to center Black youth wellbeing?

I work in mental health and our program/organization does a great job of including various non-blood relatives under the banner of “family” if that’s what makes sense for youth. Where we’re not so good is integrating family into the care provision …beyond offering separate supports and pulling them in to provide collateral information.

Aldith replied to the discussion What is One Simple Thing you could do to center Black youth wellbeing in your work? What is One Simple Thing that your organization could do to center Black youth wellbeing? in the forum Centering Black Youth Wellbeing

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 17:38:46 -0500

Reply to What is One Simple Thing you could do to center Black youth wellbeing in your work? What is One Simple Thing that your organization could do to center Black youth wellbeing?

I agree…hearing about Black youth experiences directly from them would be the best way for me to ensure I am centering their well-being. I would use tools like the ACEs and CFI to ensure that I am inquiring about all areas and not missing anything due to my unconscious bias.

As for what my organization could do…simply put – hire more…