Moving Forward Moving Forward
Fall 2023 Fall 2023
Moving Forward A YLI Program
Moving Forward is a youth-based (13-20 years old) healing initiative that draws on indigenous practices to help young people in Merced County find alternative forms of healing, mentorship, professional development, political education and personal growth. Guided by the Joven Noble Curriculum, the program organizes talking circles that encourage participants to share their personal experiences and opinions on different topics that specifically affect Black, Indigenous and communities of color
During the program, young people document their experiences through media workshops that include poetry, writing prompts, photography, journaling and much more These lead to the collective creation of a ‘zine, which delicately uplifts the unique stories of each participant’s healing journey.
This program encourages youth leadership and youth power. In addition to offering healing methods and experiences to young people in Merced, Moving Forward also provides monthly stipends, internship opportunities, and strong interpersonal relationships.
Editors Note
In partnership with YLI and Tenaya Middle School, located in the heart of south merced, youth were able to discuss new information, participate in weekly circulos, and have thoughtful dialogue with each other.
Not only did they gain cultural knowledge, they were able to enlighten staff members about issues that they see present in Merced county amongst young people.
Palabra
In the session about Palabra, youth got to discuss what having Palabra, or Credible Word means to them.
In their artwork, youth listed values of palabra that are important to them, as well as the effects of not being true to your palabra.
Dedication
honesty
loyalty
keep your word promises
Partner Relationships
In this session, youth discussed how to recognize unhealthy relationships and how they can affect us.
Youth had the opportunity to analyze the qualities of healthy relationships, and qualities of unhealthy relationships.
support manipulation
self love
respect
Moving forward is a program from Youth Moving forward is a program from Youth Leadership Institute. Youth Leadership Institute Leadership Institute. Youth Leadership Institute strives to build communities where young strives to build communities where young people and their adult allies come together to people and their adult allies come together to create positive changes in their communities create positive changes in their communities that promote social justice and racial that promote social justice and racial eequality. quality. for more information, visit for more information, visit yli.org yli.org
