Develop Global Youth Leaders in NYC and DC!

Dear Friend,

Global Kids students have remained committed and resilient throughout the winter months. They have demonstrated persistence in their commitment to academic success, human rights advocacy, and partnership building, exceeding expectations at every step of the way

In-School and Afterschool Programming

• In the first week of the new year, Global Kids hosted students from the Japanese youth development organization, Katariba, bringing their summer exchange program full circle. Through the student trip, Japanese youth reflected on themes of multiculturalism in NYC schools by engaging in activities with various GK programs and students throughout the week. They participated in Global Kids’ Undesirable Elements youth arts program where they learned cultural dances and rhythms from different parts of the world and learned what it meant to turn the descriptor “undesirable” around to be used as a source of empowerment. They visited Curtis High School in Staten Island where they shadowed a GK Leader to gain insight into the life of a typical NYC public school student. They also engaged in cultural exchange activities as a group in GK’s afterschool space. The program ended with a potluck dinner where former Japan Trip participants brought dishes from their own cultures to share with the students and educators from Japan.

• We are thrilled to announce that Global Kids has launched a new Citywide Afterschool Program. The Hack for Impact Lab is Global Kids’ latest digital media program and will serve as a civic design studio through which students gain 21st century skills and acquire digital learning tools. Students will address a local or global challenge by leveraging technologies such as Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Scratch and MIT App Inventor.

International Adventures

• Morocco Trip: The morning after this year's presidential election, four Global Kids students and one educator traveled to Marrakesh, Morocco to participate in the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP22. The group went to as many UN events as possible, but learned that youth were often not included in the major United Nations climate meetings. GK Leaders Kate and Mai reflected, “While we often felt left out because of our age, we found other ways to learn, grow and make our voices heard." From informal chat sessions with fellow climate activists at their youth hostel to marching in a 350.org sponsored climate rally to leading interactive workshops on climate justice issues for fellow youth climate activists at the American School in Marrakesh, the GK Leaders made their voices heard. One of the highlights of the trip was a luncheon with Ambassador Dwight Bush at the US Embassy in Morocco. After their packed week of climate change activist work, the group took an overnight trip in the Sahara.

• Click here to read Kate and Mai's blog post about their roles as youth activists at COP22 on The Huffington Post.

• Read Courtney's, Karoline's and Kate's COP 22 reflections on the youth climate activist blog, First Here, Then Everywhere.

• And check out photos from the trip on our Flickr page.

Upcoming Programming

• 29th Annual Global Kids Youth Conference: Students are busy designing workshops for this year’s conference theme of “Discrimination.” The workshops will include an icebreaker, a main activity led by students that promotes discussion, and a guest speaker. We anticipate over 600 youth and educators to attend The Annual Youth Conference.

• Youth Climate Justice Activism Gathering & Panel Discussion: In March, 2017, students and community leaders will gather for a lively conversation on the power of youth activism in environmental justice campaigns at Global Kids’ headquarters in Manhattan. This panel will serve as an opportunity to join in solidarity with other youth activists and share community organizing strategies in the field. The event will host a panel of passionate community leaders who have worked with young people and/or recognized the role of young people as change makers.

• COP22 Marrakech Talk Back: Also in February, the four program participants that traveled to Morocco in November 2016 will present on their experience at the Climate Change Conference, answer questions from community members, and share plans to continue their work in the field of climate justice. The event will be held at Global Kids’ headquarters in Manhattan and will be open to board members, students, parents, educators, and community members.

Community Building

• Global Kids Post-Election Teach-In: In response to concerns about the presidential election results, Global Kids hosted a "Teach-In" with our high school students, staff and expert speakers.  The event created a space for the youth and adults to discuss their concerns and learn about their rights. Racism, immigration, Russian relations, Muslim registry, deportations, prejudice and foreign policy were among the many issues the students raised during the evening. The audience heard from Rocio Silverio, Kinship Coordinator, Black Alliance for Just Immigration (and a Global Kids alumna); and Rama Issa-Ibrahim, Lead Advisor-Community Relations Bureau, NYC Commission on Human Rights. At the end of the event, students articulated to us  support and guidance they want from Global Kids in the coming years.

We are so proud of the work our young people have already accomplished this year and cannot wait to see the rest of the school year unfold! Keep up with the adventures on Global Kids’ Tumblr page and keep a close eye out for updates on our Annual Youth Conference!

Links:

• Our Roles as Youth Climate Activists at COP22