It took this last opportunity to step into the role of CEO at yli for me to see that my identities truly matter. I have to step into them and own them and amplify them, so that others can see themselves in me.
I think youth should be able to vote on policies and laws that directly affect us. We canāt get the best results if we donāt include the input of every age group. Young people need to continue to speak out – to claim our right to freedom of speech to speak our minds.
I believe that itās really important to push yourself beyond your comfort zone and seek out the lessons you have to learn. And I think my generation is really equipped to do that. From what I see, weāre a lot more open minded, inclusive, and willing to fight to make sure we can be ourselves.
It was remarkable to watch and experience young people working together. The 15 committee members, ranging from 15-25 years old, came from very different areas of the state, and from different experiences and backgrounds. They had never met before this meeting, and yet, they were instantaneously able to create rapport and a feeling of safety.Ā
Youth have special bonds with people our own age, and we can often bond over the smallest things. That leads to getting organized.Ā
In order for youth to sit āat the table,ā they need support and encouragement. Both adults and youth need to learn how to listen to and respect one anotherās words.
Young people have a lot to say. And weāre not having as much influence in the policy world as we should. By putting policy people in conversation with young people, I felt like I might be able to bridge that divide.Ā
I wish other young people could have the feeling I had – like I can do the same thing that any adult can do in terms of decision-making, advocacy, and social justice. Iāve always been told by adults that I can have a say in what happens, that I can have an impact, but itās never felt real.
