Promoting CommUNITY - For Teens
Overview
This inspiring educational series (a parallel offering to the adult series) invites middle- and high-schoolers to explore ways to build awareness, compassion and kindness in their everyday lives. Each month centers around a new theme, offering opportunities to connect beyond our differences, foster meaningful relationships, and grow as better friends, allies and community members. We will explore the monthly themes in two meetings per month, taking guidance from:
Guest Speakers. We'll hear from cool guest speakers who bring fresh insights on each month’s theme, helping us better understand and support one another.
Book Clubs. We'll dive into curated reads tied to the monthly topic, sparking thought-provoking and heartfelt conversations. Participants must purchase or source library copies the books*.
Together, let’s gain the skills to be active allies and create a stronger, more unified community. Join us and be part of something meaningful!
Timeline
Info session on Tuesday, Jan. 28, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Kalapuya Community Room—drop-in only, no registration needed!
Semester 1 will take place from February through May 2025
Semester 2 will take place from September through November 2025
Themes
February: Understanding Racial Equity (details below)
March: Gender Equity and Empowerment
April: Disability Awareness and Advocacy
May: Ageism and Age Discrimination Awareness
September: The History and Experience of Refugees and Immigrants in America
October: LGBTQ+ Inclusion
November: Interfaith Dialogue and Religious Inclusion
Non-Y members are welcome to attend any or all of these sessions, but will need to sign up for a free Community Membership in order to register.
Upcoming Meetings
Semester 1, Theme 1: Understanding Racial Equity
Join us as we talk about what racism really is—how it shows up in everyday life and in bigger systems. We’ll explore things like implicit bias and microaggressions, how they affect people, and simple ways we can all help make a difference. We’ll also break down the difference between cultural appropriation and appreciation, and how we can better respect and honor different cultures.
Speaker Meeting
- DATE: Thursday, Feb. 6, 4 to 5 p.m. in the Corner Hut (Youth Wing)
- COST: Free
- SPEAKER: TBD
Book Club Meeting
DATE: Thursday, Feb. 20, 4 to 5 p.m. in the Corner Hut (Youth Wing)- COST: Free
- BOOK*: The Sum of Us (Adapted for Young Readers): What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee
Summary: The future can be prosperous for everyone, but only if we address the problems of racial and economic inequality.
McGhee believes that all people, of all ages and all backgrounds, need to rethink their attitude toward race and strive together to create opportunities that benefit everyone.
This book is a call to action. McGhee examines how damaging racism is, not only to people of color but also to white people. She offers hope and real solutions so we can all prosper. An expert in economic policy, McGhee draws lessons both from her work at a think tank and from her travels around the country talking to everyday Americans fighting for a more just and inclusive society.
*Tsunami Books has generously partnered with the Y to offer a 20% discount to the first 10 customers who purchase The Sum of Us (Adapted for Young Readers) from them! Just mention the YMCA book club when you check out.
