This Voices of Youth commentary looks at how social media is fueling divides within the Democratic Party and argues that progressives can find strength in their differences by focusing on shared values and community-based action.
This Voices of Youth story focuses on teenagers' experiences with racism in their schools, describing the casual use of slurs and stereotypes as both painful and normalized among peers trying to fit in. While some youth express hope for change, others feel racism has become more insidious and less overt.
High school burnout goes beyond stress, driven by academic pressure and personal struggles. Support from teachers and the community can make a crucial difference.
“When I was coming out in 2018, I felt safe to do so within my friend group partly because of the media we were consuming, which was slowly including more queer characters, and the conversation about queer actors and artists became much more public."
"This is a judgment-free opportunity to receive fresh food. They don’t need to be a member of our church, or any church. They don’t need to meet any income requirements or qualifications. They simply need to want food.”
Through participatory defense support and community collaboration, Bent Not Broken aims to disrupt the systemic juvenile injustice cycles in Kalamazoo.
New rules prohibiting cell phones and hoodies at Kalamazoo Public Schools have some students wondering why. Voices of Youth's Braylon Youker speaks with students and KPS Superintendent Dr. Darrin Slade to find out more.
With a year under his belt, Kalamazoo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Darrin Slade has instituted some stricter student conduct rules and is pleased with the success. But he says there's still a ways to go.
Participating in student council offers students experience in leading, governing, collaborating, volunteering, and more.
Voices of Youth Sophie Baldwin speaks with Doug McLaughlin, executive director of Kalamazoo Watershed Council, to learn more about the pollutants in the Kalamazoo River and what impacts they have.
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