From assets to agents of change: Social justice, organizing, and youth development
From assets to agents of change: Social justice, organizing, and youth development
Shawn Ginwright, Taj James
2002
2002
Abstract
Few would disagree that young people today face formidable
social problems. While policymakers and researchers might point
to the familiar data on teen pregnancy, violence, and high school
dropout rates, we believe that barriers to democratic participation
are the greatest challenge facing youth. Political participation has
been the cornerstone of America’s democratic ideals, and yet for
women and communities of color, it has come with substantial
costs. Similar to blacks prior to 1954, today’s young people face
intense economic isolation, lack political power, and are subjected
to pervasive social stigma. In response, young people throughout
the country are mobilizing to demand a voice in public policy
and are transforming institutions to be more accountable to their
communities
Article
Abstract
Few would disagree that young people today face formidable
social problems. While policymakers and researchers might point
to the familiar data on teen pregnancy, violence, and high school
dropout rates, we believe that barriers to democratic participation
are the greatest challenge facing youth. Political participation has
been the cornerstone of America’s democratic ideals, and yet for
women and communities of color, it has come with substantial
costs. Similar to blacks prior to 1954, today’s young people face
intense economic isolation, lack political power, and are subjected
to pervasive social stigma. In response, young people throughout
the country are mobilizing to demand a voice in public policy
and are transforming institutions to be more accountable to their
communities
Social Movements
Youth Activism
Keywords
Community Organizing, Democracy, Informal Learning, Nonformal Education, North America, Policy, Race
Theme
Popular Education; Adult Education; and Social Movement Learning