youth voices

one thing i love about my job
is being in a setting that respects
when youth speak

i've been multiple meetings in the past few months
when youth share their voice
or are asked on their observation or opinion
and a hush comes upon the group
because the youth speak truth
of what adults need to hear

it humbles adults
and the group gets strengthened
by the honesty, clarity, and forthrightness

i hope we all give opportunity
and value the strength and insight of our youth
and children for that matter

really i love when people feel empowered
to share their voice

this week i was humbled by
three youth at the governor's summit
on eliminating disproportionate minority contact
in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems
they spoke plain and clearly
on how we need to improve systems
i felt like we've failed them
and i moved me to action
on how to resolve some problems

last week four youth in lake county
that gave perspective of how they view the world
in their communities
they also shared their interest and desire
in being part of a mainly adult group
in resolving social issues

two weeks before that it three youth in jefferson county
silenced adults on what the "real" issues are currently
for youth in their school and area

give time and space to hear important voices
often the voices we don't think to ask
need to be at the table the most
adults (we) don't always know best
ask opinions of those
who we think we're supporting
more insight will be gained
go to the source
and don't presume anything