Observations of a Teacher

Youth Development 2020 

In 2020, we are experiencing twin pandemics of racism and Covid 19.  The Covid 19 pandemic has made visible and worsened the persistent traumatic stress environment (PTSE) within which Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) have learned to negotiate and survive. The uptick in the attacks and murders of Black people have similarly made visible the persistent racism and racist structures within our society.  

Shawn Ginwright, a professor of Education and African American Studies at San Francisco State University, is calling for a national day of healing.  He says, "What we need now is the courage to correct everything that stands against unity. This pandemic is our best reset button, and a cosmic opportunity to re-imagine our society, where all of us are bound joyously together by the principles of love and justice."

What is not so visible right now is the impact of the 2020 pandemics on Youth Work and Youth Workers.  For many young people, especially young people who are BIPOC, youth work spaces are often places of that help them navigate traumatic social conditions and policies.  Youth Work spaces can be important spaces of hope and healing, places where young people can begin to re-imagine our society. What is happening in youth work spaces right now?  This is an important question, and yet the landscape of youth work right now is foggy and not so clear.

This blog is a space for us as a class of youth workers and allies to document the stories of 2020 youth workers and educational spaces, including youth work.  Some of us will write personal stories, documenting our experiences as youth workers and educators in 2020.  Some of us will write about youth work spaces, possibly even including home schooling and family care giving, that we have observed or know about.  And some of us may interview and write down stories and observations of others -- youth workers or youth in the community.