It’s so funny, because recently, I was reflecting on the way I spent my summers growing up. One of my fondest memories in the summer was being able to go outside and play with my friends until the street lights came on. Another fond memory was on days when it was really hot outside and somebody would get a wrench and turn on the fire hydrant so all the kids in the neighborhood could partake in the fun! Those memories hold a special place in my heart and they always bring a smile to my face when I think about my summers in my neighborhood growing up.
Sadly, communities have changed drastically over the years. Families have left the old neighborhood, the elders -who were able to correct us if needed- have since passed on, and technology in the form of video games and cell phones have taken away the joy of going outside to play kickball, jump rope, hide and go seek, etc.
With those key pieces now missing from the village, what role (if any) do community organizations play in a creating space for the youth of this generation to be heard? On the Intentional Instruction Podcast, I’m joined by Mr. Farrakhan Shegog, President and CEO of Young Voices with Action. He shares a wealth of knowledge as well as innovative ideas that highlight what it truly means when communities come together to let the youth lead. Click here to listen.
The Intentional Toolkit
Check out the resources that I've included under the Intentional Toolkit; they're relevant to this post and the podcast episode. As always, I hope you find these resources useful.
"Everything that enriches life begins with community "
--- Quote Unknown
'Til the Next Time...
Well that's all for now, but I'd love to hear from you. If you listen to the podcast on Spotify, feel free to share your positive thoughts or solution based comments. The I-Team community is all about educating with purpose, so let's continue to educate, uplift, and inspire our youth. Until next time, go out there and be GREAT!