NN4Y’s National Youth Advisory Council was proud to partner with the Children’s Rights Summit (CRS). CRS brought together social justice leaders, in-house counsel and children’s rights advocates to find rights-based solutions for children and their communities. I participated as a lived-experience expert in one of the three injustice kitchens.
Gender Injustice Kitchen
One of the many highlights of the Children’s Rights Summit included activities that took place at Facebook Headquarters. Words cannot express what an honor it was to present my Gender Injustice experiences alongside experts of the topic. We can research statistics, facts and even experiences of unjust systems as they relate to gender, but nothing tops an individual sharing their personal story. They say opportunities as such have no impact on “big time” attorneys, providers, advocates and others… right? From blank stares to limited engagement; to positive statements and questions to follow no matter the reactions, one thing is for sure, everyone left with more tools for their work bag, more knowledge for their cause. Following the panel many professionals had questions, concerns, ideas, teary eyes, and smiles.
Youth Justice Simulation
Many people may know that youth involved in child welfare or juvenile justice systems confront many different institutions that do not collaborate with one another; they are not on the same page. The youth justice learning simulation put on by Baker & McKenzie was nothing less than incredible. And that is a statement coming from a former homeless youth who has not only experienced the many frustrations that come with the journey of seeking supportive services, but also as a Social Worker. Through this experiential learning simulation, participants got a taste of what it’s like to be involved with many different systems as a young person and how support from lawyers can have a positive impact on young persons’ lives. This experience was very insightful, well put together and much needed. The best way to understand youth is to see yourself in their shoes which can also assist with being able to show empathy toward their situations. As an expert I taught, as a provider I learned from the experts, and together we made a difference.
