Skip to main content
COMMUNITY:
Peer-reviewed article

Global Kids Organizing in the Global City: Generation of Social Capital in a Youth Organizing Program

April 1, 2015 | Public Programs
Positive youth development and youth organizing are strengths-based approaches to the lives, needs, and contributions of young people (Damon & Gregory, 2003). These approaches privilege the voices of youth as they engage with issues in their communities and challenge institutions to respond. Few studies, however, have explored the role of positive youth development and youth organizing initiatives among immigrant youth of color. The challenging terrain of modern urban life requires these youth to navigate the political, economic, and legal demands confronted by their families; to understand the rules for success in public schools; and to steer clear of violence in their communities. Larger issues such as climate change and environmental justice understandably cannot be priorities for youth who are preoccupied with day-to-day survival. The Global Kids Greening Western Queens initiative sought to bridge the gaps between individual and collective concerns and between local and global issues by training immigrant youth of color to become community organizers.

TEAM MEMBERS

  • Anthony de Jesus
    Author
    University of Saint Joseph
  • Sofia Oviedo
    Author
    WHEDco
  • Scarlett Feliz
    Author
    Hunter College
  • Citation

    Publication Name: Afterschool Matters
    Volume: 21
    Page Number: 20-28
    Resource Type: Research Products
    Discipline: Ecology, forestry, and agriculture | Education and learning science | Life science
    Audience: Middle School Children (11-13) | Youth/Teen (up to 17) | Museum/ISE Professionals | Learning Researchers
    Environment Type: Public Programs | Afterschool Programs | Community Outreach Programs | Park, Outdoor, and Garden Programs
    Access and Inclusion: Ethnic/Racial | Immigrant Communities | Urban

    If you would like to edit a resource, please email us to submit your request.