Realizing the Untapped Potential of Youth

Improving Communities Through Lifting Tomorrow’s Leaders

Monday, October 22, 3:45pm – 4:45pm

Organized and moderated by Justin Christy, strategy and learning manager, Bush Foundation.

Presented by DeAnna Cummings, founder and CEO, Juxtaposition Arts; and Julie Garreau, executive director, Cheyenne River Youth Project.

Despite their high potential to power community change, youth voices are frequently ignored or overlooked. Thought to be “inexperienced” or “not ready,” youth are not often appreciated for their unique ability to see across systems, think beyond barriers and navigate dense, political landscapes. Recently, following events in Parkland, Florida, we saw the impact of youth voices rising against gun violence, which made the issue even more vivid in our hearts and minds. This inspiring movement has left many with the question—why don’t we turn to youth voices more often?

This session will focus on accessing, developing, and empowering youth voices and helping young people develop agency and leadership skills through art- and culture-based approaches. Presenters from Juxtaposition Arts in Minneapolis, which works primarily with urban youth, and the Cheyenne River Youth Project, which serves Native youth on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota, will share their respective approaches and describe their incredible impact on youth and community. These youth-centered, problem-solving powerhouses operate at the nexus of art, culture, education and community through imaginative partnerships and resourceful practices. Attendees will learn more about how to support this type of cross-cutting work, which often falls between funder portfolios.