YOUTH WORK IS SOCIAL JUSTICE

        The podcast episode "Healing Work Through Understanding Our True History" features a conversation between host Chris Nguon and Dr. Cory Greene, co-founder of the organization How Our Lives Linked All Together (H.O.L.L.A.). Cory discusses the evolving nature of healing work and its intersection with social justice, particularly within Black and Indigenous communities. He reflects on the growing awareness of healing as a political process, noting how it has gained more attention in recent years. However, he warns that this attention, especially from institutions, can lead to the co-opting of healing practices, particularly when the people meant to benefit are not in leadership roles. Cory emphasizes the importance of grounding healing in historical context and community leadership, highlighting the need for genuine transformative justice. He also addresses the dangers of restorative justice being co-opted by systems of oppression. He suggests that true healing must challenge these systems by acknowledging their impact on marginalized communities. The episode delves into the complexities of healing work, history, and activism, urging a deeper connection to legacy and elders to navigate these issues effectively. 

    Cory mentions how healing can be seen as ancestral continuity. He highlights that healing justice work is deeply connected to ancestral roots. It’s not just about present-day activism but about honoring and continuing the legacy of ancestors who have engaged in resistance and healing for generations. In a way, I agree that there are people we carry with us who have experienced so much for us to be here at this moment. The work that he's doing with young people through his organization, centering youth in the healing justice work is commendable. Helping youth recognize that things aren't okay and that they have every right to speak out against injustices and inequities that are plaguing our communities is important. In the reading New Terrain in Youth Development: The Promise of a Social Justice Approach takes that idea and expands on it. Critical consciousness in young people allows them to get "closer to our humanity" and become "agents of our own development". Youth are not dumb and they are aware of all the hardships their families, friends, and even themselves have gone through, and being able to have the language and knowledge to identify where it all stems from is an empowering thing.  Helping youth become self-aware, socially aware, and globally aware is crucial to fostering change and guiding them to fight for that change. Adults in education and youth development should make it a point to help young people acknowledge their own hurt from society and teach effective ways to heal and stand strong. Many kids in this generation have so much pent-up anger and resentment towards the world, society, and frankly, white people and the systems created by white supremacy that it results in an increase in violence, depression, anxiety and so much more.  Knowledge is power and when a young person fully understands themself, the issues they face, and how to disrupt the norm, they're unstoppable. As youth workers, we should strive to educate and mentor our students to want to be disrupters and advocates for the future they desire to have and for the present that isn't supportive for all.