International Youth Day 2021 was on August 12th this year and we could think of no better way to celebrate the day than to raise youth voice. We asked members of our Minneapolis Youth Congress to speak about this year's theme — "Transforming Food Systems" — and of course they had something insightful to say. Please check out our video with the Minneapolis Youth Congress (video on the right) and United Nations' page on International Youth Day HERE. 

In 2020, the City of Minneapolis signed on to pursue a Child Friendly City recognition from UNICEF. We — along with everyone else — have been through a lot since we agreed to take on this work. However, a lot of progress has also been made. Recently, UNICEF USA wrote an article to celebrate the success of Minneapolis and other cities working diligently to make their cities and the world a more youth friendly place. Please check out this new article HERE where you will see a photo of Mayor Frey with our Minneapolis Youth Congress. 

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.