Memphis Youth Workers on
Developing Students
ALEX
MIDDLETON
The type of work I do allows me to immediately create a space in which youth create their own means of accountability. I’m simply
there to give students tools to learn more about themselves, social justice issues, and how to collaborate in diverse communities. Our
mutual respect for each other breeds a connection that is fun, personal and empowering. My work has value to me because every
time I work with students I get the chance to see the importance of fresh perspectives. When students are given safe spaces to voice
their opinions and brainstorm ways to better the systems that affect their lives, their work is innovative and relevant.
HARDY FARROW
I try to empower youth to think beyond what
they thought they were capable of achieving. I
push them to examine what they love in the
context of what our city needs. I make
personal connections by taking the time to hear
each story, listen to each student when they
have issues, and try to develop a true level of
empathy for what they go through. I've learned
that you have to be patient with people
because everyone has different obstacles to
overcome. I've learned that every child needs
an advocate and someone who can push them.
TIFFANY MISHE, Speak Poetry Memphis
I first confessed to being raped in a poem
before a classroom of students. After that,
the whole room opened up about their
trauma. I've done that workshop for three
years now and it always leaves classrooms
full of "troubled kids" in tears, opening up
about their troubles. By sharing my
personal story and connecting with youth,
they feel free to do the same.
I base my work on what I needed to hear as
a youth. "Yes, you can make it! I did, you
can, I am here to help you!"
MAHAL
BURR
The most important thing is that your actions must prove that you see youth voice as bringing invaluable insight into issues that you
as an adult do not have without them. If you want youth to see themselves as talented, their passions as worth investing in, and their
voice worth being raised, then you need to prove to them that you will value their talents, support their passions, and listen and act
with their wisdom as youth. Youth are very smart. You make personal connections by making clear that you see them as someone
you can learn as much from as they can from you. This is the same with all people. We build personal connections with those who
value us, not pity us or treat us as lesser.
BERTRAM
WILLIAMS
The most important thing I do is recognize kids’ humanity. In a world where young people, especially those of
color, are bombarded with false information about their history, inherent value and ability, they naturally gravitate
to those who see the light in their eyes. This recognition is not rooted in amusement or empathy, but in inspiration
and respect for the young people who deal with the triple evils of ageism, classism, and racism every day and still
wake up, smile, laugh, and try. These kids give me hope.
DANA WILSON
Doing REAL work is the best way to support the
development of youth voice. If our curriculum
focuses solely on theoretical or rehearsed project
scenarios, we get theoretical and rehearsed
responses from youth. When we look at real
issues that students experience in their
community, we have the opportunity to grapple
with complexity and nuance, to appreciate
different ways to construct knowledge, and the
learning matters to the individual.
Food is also a great place to start.