Reimagining Civic Power: Supporting Culturally Responsive Youth Leadership Councils (Room 906)

Culturally Responsive Systems and Practices Track

Presenters: José Dobles, Martin Urbach, & Rachel Castillo

This interactive workshop will explore how Youth Leadership Councils that practice culturally responsive leadership can drive meaningful civic change in their neighborhoods. Co-presented with two Youth Leadership Councils supported by CitizensNYC, the Intergenerational Change Initiative, and The Circle Keepers, the session will highlight the core elements that make these councils effective: strong adult allies, clear goals, and authentic decision-making power for young people. The Intergenerational Change Initiative will share examples from their participatory action research, while The Circle Keepers will discuss how they use restorative justice circles to support youth-led change.

Participants will identify a civic issue they want to tackle, map local assets and partners who can support their Youth Leadership Council, and begin drafting a project plan that centers youth voice and leadership. Attendees will leave with a practical one-page toolkit, including a planning template, sample timelines, and reflection questions, to use in co-designing a youth-led civic engagement project in their own community or school.

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