The Beginnings of a Community

By Natasha Ladhani, Capacity Building Manager at NYCET

With the completion of our first two sessions, the 2021 Youth Organizing Institute is officially underway! We have been preparing for this program since the end of 2020, so to have it launch is incredible. So much thought, heart, and soul went into the formation of this program. We are carrying on from the legacy of team members, allies, peers, and mentors who have been advocating for and organizing with youth for years. It is truly special to continue their work and put our own spin on youth development.

During the first week, we spent time unpacking language, particularly the following words and phrases: leadership, civic engagement, community, and power. As we discussed our vast array of perspectives, it quickly became clear that each of us are bringing our own lived experiences and expertise to the group. 

We also introduced the idea of self-healing as it pertains to movement building. A core tenant of the YOI program is encouraging and holding space for self-reflecting, self-preservation, and self-healing. This manifests in breathing exercises, journaling prompts, and even snacking and napping. Our society cannot progress if we as individuals are burnt out. 

Even though the program is being conducted over Zoom, I am still so excited to experience the community of our fellows. There’s something special about convening with individuals who aspire, hope, and imagine a better world for us all. I feel so rejuvenated after hearing from the youth what they hope to gain from the program and how much they are looking forward to the remaining training sessions. I have no doubt that the next 9 weeks will fly by!