When we surveyed graduates of our our Summer Organizing Institute program, more than half felt that they were not ready for school. A few weeks into school, they still feel the same. Challenges range from struggling with the demands of virtual learning, not having space in their home to focus, barriers in communication and accessing information online.
For young women of color, gender role expectations can make schooling-at-home a barrier to learning. Youth leader Linda shared that, "I've had to do much more around the house such as clean, cook, and take care of my sister. This school year, I'm finding it harder to balance doing those chores and my schoolwork."
Also, the model minority myth and lack of disaggregated data continue to mask the disparities and needs of our Southeast Asian community, including the needs of young people who are caretakers for their families. 70% of KGA youth leaders know someone impacted with COVID-19 and when ask about what support they need, students identified they need more mental health resources, supplemental learning support, school supplies and increased 1-on-1 check-ins with KGA staff.
Time and again, youth have expressed that KGA is life-changing, an important space and a second home. Imagine if all Black, Brown Southeast Asian and low-income youth had access to holistic youth development, caring adult allies, and a pathway to lead, speak to power, and create systemic change. Especially for young women and youth of color, community- based youth centers are spaces of resistance, an opportunity to spend their time after school developing leadership skills, instead of only caretaking at home. Supporting the young people in our lives beyond this back-to-school season means listening to what they need and using our privilege to advocate with them to improve the conditions in their lives. Let's vote for those who can't and show youth that we love, believe and care by passing statewide, county and local measures that push for racial, gender and economic justice! Our youth, families and communities deserve resources to stay resilient in this pandemic, economic and climate crisis. Our communities shouldn't have to continue bearing the brunt of budget cuts and corporate hand outs! Who are the young people in your life you are representing for with your vote this Fall? It's time to vote like our lives, future, and health depend on it because it does.
Check out the list of community events below and invite your family and friends to join!
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