Youth Leadership Track

The Youth Leadership Track is dedicated to engaging and empowering both youths and service providers in conversations about harm reduction with culturally grounded practices. It offers a space to explore the nuances of identity-based harm within communities, institutions, and personal relationships. The summit further delves into trauma-informed strategies such as critical awareness, peer support skills, and bystander interventions.

Sessions

Session 1

10:00am - 10:50am

A. Asian Misrepresentation in Media & the Cycle of Violence - Room 2405

  • Ariana Cruz, AFSSA

This session will examine how perceptions shaped by Asian representation in media can impact the cycle of gender-based violence. We will dissect media portrayals and their potential ripple effects in real life.

B. Blooming: Future Visioning as Resistance - Room 2404

  • Sandy Lam & Casie Luong, Collective Heights

Blooming: Future Visioning as Resistance is a reflective workshop that encourages participants to imagine how they might transform themselves and the world through writing activities. During this session, participants will complete introspective work and community sharing.

 

Session 2

11:00am - 11:50am

A. Crafting Communal Understanding of Intersections - Room 2405

  • Lilli Hime

B. Digital Advocacy in the Survivor Justice Movement - Room 2404

  • Parisa Mahmud, AFSSA

In an era where technology is reshaping how we advocate for change, this session explores the evolution of digital advocacy from the #MeToo movement to the present day, and its profound impact on the survivor justice movement. This presentation delves into how social media and digital platforms have transformed the landscape of advocacy, empowering survivors to share their stories, catalyze social change, and demand justice. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how digital platforms can be utilized in amplifying survivor voices, mobilizing communities, and shaping policies to create safer, more equitable societies.

 

Session 3

1:50pm - 2:40pm

A. I Belong Here: Use of Storytelling in Finding My Voice and Community - Room 2405

  • Meghna Bhat Ph.D.

Storytelling can help us connect with our roots, find a sense of belonging, and strengthen ties with our communities. Writing our true stories and listening to other's stories can be instrumental in discovering our voice and empowering us to be agents of change. In this interactive session, our facilitator, Dr. Meghna Bhat will first guide participants to map and envision a moment of their life using prompts and write their story. The purpose of this workshop will be two-fold: (1) how to capture a moment of their life and write a draft of their story, and (2) practice deep listening skills. Participants can share a brief synopsis of their written stories with peers and the group. Although sharing of stories is not required, participants are highly encouraged to use this opportunity and space to practice this tool.

B. Accountability and Repair - Room 2404

  • Jae Lin, ReSpec

 

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