{"id":14448,"date":"2020-06-16T19:48:19","date_gmt":"2020-06-16T19:48:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.chill.org\/?p=14448"},"modified":"2022-05-06T19:49:59","modified_gmt":"2022-05-06T19:49:59","slug":"tackling-anti-racism-with-youth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.chill.org\/blog\/tackling-anti-racism-with-youth\/","title":{"rendered":"Tackling Anti-Racism with Youth"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Whether you\u2019re a young person looking to learn about anti-racism and racial inequity or a parent, guardian, or youth worker looking to tackle these issues with young people and help to raise them to be anti-racist, it\u2019s not always easy to know where to begin. To help, we\u2019ve pulled information, advice, and resources from a number of sources and complied it all here for your reference.<\/p>\n

PARENT, GUARDIANS, AND YOUTH WORKERS<\/h3>\n

Issues of anti-racism and racial inequality may seem difficult to begin with young people, but the most important thing is that you don\u2019t shy away from them.<\/p>\n

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  1. \n

    The first step is to educate yourself in order to address any underlying biases you may have and to prepare yourself to accurately teach and answer questions as they arise. For a list of helpful resources to educate yourself, see our blog post called Resources to Help Understand and Tackle Racial Injustice<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    Start the conversation young. Studies show that young people begin picking up positive and negative attitudes and biases from adults as toddlers, by 5 or 6 they start to see themselves as part of a racial group, and by 9 or 10 racist attitudes can start to take hold. Encourage youth to share their observations and curiosities respectfully, and have open conversations. Also remember that it\u2019s never too late to begin anti-racism conversations with older kids and teens as well. Age shouldn\u2019t be an excuse to let things be.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    Acknowledge and celebrate differences. Promoting a \u201ccolor blind\u201d approach can lead to ignoring issues of systemic racism. Instead, acknowledge racial differences, celebrate them as positives, and also address the fact that racism is real.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  4. \n

    Expose youth to diversity by being intentional about seeking environments where they can experience it. Don\u2019t be disingenuous in your efforts, but consider opportunities for diversity like public parks, camps, play groups, or places of worship. Look outside your usual spots.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  5. \n

    Curate and utilize media that encourages anti-racism and diversity. Whether it\u2019s books, audio programs, videos, or toys, pay attention to what children are ingesting, and seek out and invest in products that include positive racial messages and characters of all backgrounds. (For a few suggestions, see the list below)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    RESOURCES FOR YOUTH<\/h3>\n

    These are just a few suggestions, and we encourage you to research an invest in resources beyond this list.<\/p>\n

    Books for Young Children<\/strong><\/p>\n