Silence Speaks: Making space for critical youth and adult conversations Around Racial Equity and Social Justice

Available to watch on the HPL YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/hclmiZd055E

This program focused on what youth-adult partnership means when it comes to conversations about racial equity and social justice. Currently, people of all ages struggle to engage in civil discourse and the ability to listen to one another. This session discussed what it means to be supportive adults who engage in an important role as interpreters of the world and best practices to create brave and safe enough spaces for youth to develop skills and knowledge to initiate and participate in uncomfortable conversations.

The role of a supportive adult is identified over and over as THE biggest asset in a youth's life. And, it takes practice. Below are some strategies shared by the panel:

Identify factors that could make the conversation challenging. Be aware of impact over intent.

Consider that one of the challenging factors might be related to how you as an adult enter the conversation or present in the space.

Be explicit about your shared goals.

Ensure that one of those goals is to listen for understanding.

Provide vocabulary as needed, rephrase or clarify, but don't lead the conversation.

Recognize fatigue and prioritize the relationship over an end product or closure.

Be vulnerable. We are all learners.

Recognize that all spaces, all lengths of time, matter. Be okay with silence and keep opening spaces.

The content of this session was developed through intentional conversations and surveys with youth and adults who support youth around Rock County. Participants will express their successes and challenges. Best practices will be highlighted via a moderated panel that alternates between the Rock County voices gathered from October 2021-January 2022 and panel participants from various sectors of youth and adults on this topic, i.e. school superintendent, social studies teacher, community org worker. The padlets below highlight the youth voices that guided this program.

Silence Speaks!! We welcome your participation in the padlets below. Read. Write. Share with someone else.