New Terrain in Youth Development

 SJYD

    Social Justice Youth Development helps youth become aware of institutions and systemic forces play a role in their life. In the reading I read a quote that said, 

"This awareness that life is not predetermined is the first step toward changing these

conditions, and taking control over our fate. However, people can only truly

“know” that they can exercise control over their existence by directly engaging the

conditions that shape their lives."(p. 87).

I appreciated this quote because I believe it is extremely important to help the youth understand that they are in control of their lives and that these barriers can be overcome. Youth have a powerful voice and through forming alliances with peers who want similar changes to be made and similar messages to be heard they can make their voices that much louder. With the help of adult allies they can even further their ability to get their voices heard. 

I do not agree that if a youth is considered "at risk" that, that is the problem and the solution lies within them. I believe the youth has the ability to pave their own path, of course, but the youth is not the "problem" nor is focusing on fixing that "problem" the solution. I also do not like the term "at risk". Every youth is capable, able to learn, and has a purpose and every youth's voice matters. 

Social Justice Youth Development does not look at them as an individual but instead looks through an institutional point of view. Therefor the solution lies in fixing the problems within a school system, community, or state level. The youth have the ability to fight for new policies to then be made that can help better their education and their surroundings in hopes that it will give other youth better outlets.