Commitment to Young People

July 2nd, 2020

We join with countless others as we continue to mourn the senseless killing of George Floyd in the hands of Minneapolis Police on Monday May 25. Protests allowing our community a way to express our anger, hurt, pain, and fear have been critical to moving forward as a city and a people demanding justice. 

We are so proud of the role that young people — particularly Black, Brown, Indigenous, Asian American, Latinx and Immigrant Communities — have played and continue to play in leading and participating in protests and reform movements and in demanding justice.  Young people have been at the forefront of social change throughout the history of the United States and the world.  This time is no exception.  We appreciate and lift up youth leadership and honor their bravery, passion, involvement and activism. 

Young people prove every day that they are equal partners in leading in the fight for justice and equitable system reform.  They come to the table with valuable experience and legitimate ideas for transformation.  They also demand more of us when plans fall short of adequately addressing systemic oppression and white supremacy.  Since white supremacy produces and reinforces trauma that damages healthy child and youth development, engagement in creating the transformative future of which we all speak is a key to healing.

We know the power of centering youth experience and voice.  It is essential to the work of the YCB. Without the partnership of the Minneapolis Youth Congress, our work would lack vibrancy, relevancy and vitality. Simply put, it would not reflect the perspective of young people.

We call on public and private sectors to directly and intentionally include young people in decision-making and to respectfully acknowledge their significance in bringing about change. Let’s use this transformational time, this critical moment, to finally acknowledge the value of our young people and to include them as important leaders at the table. Lift up the motto of the Minneapolis Youth Congress – “No Decision About Us, Without Us”  - as fundamental to transformational change.

In return, we at the Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Board commit to centering youth voices and sharing our expertise and experience in intentionally and authentically including young people as transformation moves forward.

This week, as we reflect on the values upon which our country is founded, let us take giant steps toward forming a more perfect union. Those of us who are not Black, Brown or Indigenous especially must act diligently and with speed in support of Black and Brown lives, to end white supremacy, police brutality and the clear systemic injustices as evidenced by inequities in health care, education, criminal justice and the economy.  Acting together and with great dispatch is imperative if Black, Brown and Indigenous People can finally realize, without impediment, the ideals upon which the United States is founded.

As we move forward, let’s actualize the first words of the Declaration of Independence,

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all . . .are created equal by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Hello Afterschool + Summer Providers! We are piloting a new version of What’s Up 612! this summer! What’s Up 612! is a FREE citywide online resource where youth, parents, educators, youth workers and everyone who knows a young person can find afterschool and summer activities and programs in Minneapolis for ages 5-24.

We are currently getting program providing organizations registered via our ORGANIZATION REGISTRATION FORM. Once you submit your application and your organization is approved, we'll have you submit information about your program(s). 

Due to COVID-19, program and activities for youth look will look very different this summer, but we're hoping What's Up 612! will give clarity to policy makers, partner organizations and families in Minneapolis.

We're hosting the new POSITIVE POP-UP PARKS page on our website. Summer 2020 is going to be an unusual one, so we're doing everything we can to make sure people stay connected & updated. This initiative is a collaboration between: Greater Twin Cities YMCA, Hennepin County Libraries, Minneapolis Beacons Network, Minneapolis Community Education, Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Board, and the YWCA of Minneapolis.

Learn more about Positive Pop-Up Parks and where you can participate by visiting our NEW PAGE. 

There is a lot going on in the world and especially here in Minneapolis. With so much going on, how do we properly identify these feelings and know if what we are feeling inside is healthy? The Minneapolis Youth Congress decided to track down some answers so they reached out to mental health experts at school-based clinics in Minneapolis. They asked questions like — Are these feelings good or bad? What is the normal amount of anxiety? What are some tips to prevent anxiety?

You can find our first 2 videos on the side or you can visit our YouTube page to watch our new mental health videos and many other videos. CLICK HERE for our YouTube page. 

Graduation this year looks very different for seniors, but that shouldn't stop us from celebrating their accomplishments. In fact, we should be lifting up this year's graduating class even more because of the challenges they face as they transition to the next phase of their lives. We have an amazing class of Minneapolis Youth Congress members graduating this year and moving on to new endeavors. Thank you for all that you do and congrats! 

Here are a few photos of the YCB Outreach Team at work after the murder of George Floyd and subsequent riots. As our beautiful community rebuilds, our Outreach Team will be there to help. We support, deescalate & go to wherever our community needs us. Much to all! 

The Minneapolis Afterschool Network highlights different youth workers within our community and today we introduce you to Linda Benford of We Win Institute. Ms. Benford's ability to connect and willingness to share her wisdom with us enhances our community. We thank Ms. Benford for her work and others doing the same work!