It isn't widely known, but skin lightening products are very harmful. For example, they contain dangerous chemicals like mercury. We've teamed up with the Minneapolis Health Department to create this new video that informs on the dangerous of skin lightening products. Hear directly from people in Minneapolis — Emani, Fatou, Oumou, and Dr. Tareen teach us more about the history and harmful effects of skin-lightening products. Please share this video and help inform people in your network about the dangers of skin lightening.

This summer our Outreach Team will conduct a new basketball program called "Hard in the Paint Hoops." It's a program that creates a safe space for youth to develop individual and team building skills. Youth will be put in situations to grow physically and mentally in efforts to come out as better basketball players but also better human beings. Please learn more at this website. 

Camp Dates:

• Henry High School | June 21st - June 24th

• Peavey Field Park | July 12th - July 15th

• North Commons Park | July 19th - July 22nd

• Brian Coyle Neighborhood Center | August 9th - August 12th

We are also working with the Minneapolis Health Department to raise awareness on the dangers of skin lightening products, so we're thrilled to share WellShare International's new video on colorism featuring members of Minneapolis. Please share this video with your network and be on the lookout for more information on skin lightening products. 

At the May 6, 2021 Public Health & Safety Committee gathering, we were given time to speak about the Youth Engagement Survey on Reimagining Public Safety. The video has since been uploaded to YouTube and you can now view it on demand. Our section begins around the 48:40 mark. Big thanks to Mikayla, Mazine & Elise! 

UNICEF had an online presentation titled "Lifting Children's Voices: UNICEF's Child Friendly Cities Initiative" and Kai Sanchez of our Minneapolis Youth Congress (MYC) was a panelist. Kai's section begins around 10:30 mark. We thank Kai for representing Minneapolis and speaking up on behalf of youth.

Kai also leads the production of MYC's podcast titled "How WE View It." You can listen to the show on Spotify HERE. 

"What's Up 612!" is an ongoing project of the Minneapolis Afterschool Network. We are hoping to build an all-in-one program finder for the people in Minneapolis. If you would like to learn more about "What's Up 612!" please visit our full "What's Up 612!" page by clicking HERE. Recently, we've created a short instructional video to help program providers get started if they want their program(s) to show up on "What's Up 612." Please check it out and share with others so we can make "What's Up 612" the best service it can be. 

The Minnesota Department of Education has updated their family webpages on the Safe Learning Plan for the 2020-21 School Year. The updates include additional information about COVID-19 Saliva Testing for Minnesota Students, which may now be taken at school for middle and high school students, and on COVID-19 Vaccinations for Minnesotans age 12 and older. Webpages are available in English, Hmong, Karen, Somali, and Spanish.