Youth advocacy refers to youths’ positive development through experiences and processes that can influence their social and political attitudes and behaviors. Youth advocates typically work alongside adults and peers fighting for issues, such as health, civil rights and justice reform (Woolworth, 2014). Advocacy experiences can take place in a variety of places, such as public organizations, non-profits and the private sector – all with the goal of working for change and solutions.

Civic engagement refers to multiple ways that youth identify with the common good and become engaged members of their communities (Flanagan & Faison, 2001). Civic engagement through 4-H helps empower young people to be well informed citizens who are engaged in their community and the world. Being involved in civic activities, youth can learn about community affairs, build decision-making skills, gain civic literacy skills and even gain confidence and understanding in order to make positive connections and relationships within their community.

In light of elevated conversations around race and racism, this session shares an avenue for adults to provide space for youth to voice their thoughts, concerns and ideas in a brave manner that seeks to bridge, and not divide.

In this session members of the Virginia and North Carolina Coming Together for Racial Understanding teams begin laying the foundation for listening to understand as a key step towards acknowledging one another's lived experiences. This acknowledgement, without debate or rebuttal, is essential to feeling heard and moving productively forward towards racial understanding.

The presenters and panelists discuss ways to reach, serve and support youth from all racial and ethnic backgrounds in programming efforts.

A panel of youth share their ideas and perspectives on the current conversations about race and racial justice, including the role of youth in supporting community healing. Current programming examples in Virginia and North Carolina that amplify youth voice using various art forms and digital media are also shared.