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