JYCA took their Adultism and Youth Empowerment workshop on the road on Sunday November 13th. Just before the second raiding of the Occupy Oakland encampment, seven JYCA youth facilitators made their way to Occupy Oakland and set up in the interfaith tent. By 11am, the start of the workshop, the tent was filled with jyca parents, alumni and Occupy activists. Through personal reflection, lecture and group discussion in a non-judgmental environment, adults and youth alike learned about adultism and discovered examples in their own lives and the world at large. Since the workshop had an activist theme, the youth facilitators led a discussion on the role and influence of youth activism and how to engage youth as a powerful resource, as well as how working on adultism empowers everyone to be better activists. The workshop ended with a “what can we do about adultism?” discussion. Everyone shared something they would bring back to their lives. The workshop ended and people left with new ideas to contemplate and explore.

How can you empower youth? Curious? Bring JYCA to your group or organization for an Adultism and Youth Empowerment Workshop! This workshop is relevant to everyone and can be adapted to meet your group’s needs. Contact us for more information!

    - by Rachel Siegel, JYCA participant, Media Committee