Why Do We Do What We Do?

YDEV Ideology Horoscopes: Social Justice Youth Development

I remember I took the YDEV ideology horoscope as an 

undergrad in YDEV, and my outcome stayed the same. I did not 

realize that my philosophy of Social Justice Youth Development 

was strong. I am a strong believer that the youth are agents in our 

community, and let them lead. 

         

         Quotes

  I Know What I Believe: Using Theory to Prepare Youth Workers (McKamey, Bogad, Clemons, Restler)

✊"Power is distributed, with coaches modeling and teaching the sport while also facilitating contexts where peers practice and coach each other." (McKamey, Bogad, Clemons, Restler, 5)

- I have taught a folklore dance group for over 13 years and the dancer's ages range from 3 to 21. For the past 13 years I have seen girls come and go and have watched them grow up. I do my best to instill my values of youth development in my dancers. Although this group isn't considered a sport, it is run similarly as one. I remind the dancers they are a team and to work as one. This quote resonates with me because I teach my dancers to be agents in the space. I teach the girls the dance and they also teach each other. I give the opportunity for each girl to teach the dance moves. 

YouthInActionRI.org

✊"Here at YIA, our model works to unpack and undo these internalizations while highlighting and celebrating their values, voices and intersecting identities." (YouthInActionRI.org)

- This quote comes from YIA. Youth In Action has been one of my favorite programs that is youth-led. The keywords for me are highlighting and celebrating their values, voices, and intersecting identities. I value my student voices and encourage them to speak out about what is affecting them and their community. Our youth is the next generation, they are citizens and agents. 

I Know What I Believe: Using Theory to Prepare Youth Workers (McKamey, Bogad, Clemons, Restler)

✊"Through investigating social issues from an intersectional perspective, young people, alongside adults, work to transform themselves and society by developing critical consciousness and engaging in social action." (McKamey, Bogad, Clemons, Restler, 2)

- Being exposed to new knowledge can come in different ways, some of the ways can be exploring, asking questions, and investigating. I work with high school students and I enjoy challenging them even if they feel out of their comfort zone. They begin to think and do research about different subjects. This gives them the ability to learn about new things and become agents in their space.