moving forward spring 2024
Moving Forward A YLI PROGRAM
Moving Forward is a youth-based (1320 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.
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.
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.
our spring 2023 cohort
with the help of teacher alba Espinoza, we were able to take the joven noble curriculum to valley community continuation School in mErced. Here, we met with youth once a week in order to participate in the joven noble curriculum. This zine shares their experiences and reflections across 15 weeks.
This circle has been a very big learning lesson for me, probably learned more from the youth about the lives of young people in merced than any other cohort i have done the past few years.
I repeatedly heard phrases like, " I don't know, no one has ever asked me a question like that before '' . What that tells me is that we as adults are not developing the spaces needed for young people to transcend their mindset. In addition, this cohort once again did not disappoint when it came to having knowledge and wisdom on topics like having Palabra. Their lived experience has shown them what happens when adults break their palabra to them. They have also seen the impacts of toxic relationships by being exposed to them by the adults within their proximity. They are also very much in the know when it comes to being stereotyped because they are stereotyped by the community when they are given clothing items that brand them in a way that allows for adults to know they go to a continuation school.
Lastly , this cohort had the courage to learn about a culture that they were not raised around. This showed their willingness to see a world much bigger than they have here in Merced.
I hope you enjoy this zine as much as we like sitting in a circle with the youth.
Con Safos Jesse Ornelas
Walking into a classroom seeing children structure in lines reminded me of boarding schools with the obedience of don’t speak out of. Creating a circle gave the children a voice to express how they feel and where they want to go. With the help of one teacher that got involved gave them a feeling of family and the courage to speak their truth. The circle Brought unity, trust, and culture that planted a seed to find their roots of who they truly are and to continue to cultivate their community.
-Naiche Dominguez
Duringthiscohort,inoticedhow intentionaltheywereaboutkeepingtheir wordbasedonthesignificanceofpalabra. forexample,tinceehadpromisedherpeersa waterslideforourschoolBBqday.Noone thoughtmuchofitbecausetheyarecostly torent.onthedayoftheBBq,tinceehada hugewaterslidedeliveredtoourschool. whenquestionedaboutit,shestatedshehad tokeepherwordandgetthemthatwater slide.Allinall,theylearnedtolovetheir rootsandtheirskin.they‘reproudofwho theyareandwheretheycomefrom.
-AlbaEspinoza
This was my first time sharing space with a Moving Forward cohort of young people guided by the El Joven Noble curriculum and witnessing their growth over the course of the program. I had the privilege of seeing our young people open up more each week and of listening to elders alongside them at Mexica New Year in San Jose. I’ve learned just as much if not more from them as they’ve learned from each other, from identifying harmful stereotypes to visualizing the warriors in our communities.
-Susy Puente
this cohort was my first time sitting in circulo. the stories and experiences shared while participating in this group are some that i will never forget. i am thankful to the youth of valley continuation school for allowing me into their space, and i am excited to see what is in store for the program in the future.
-julissa rivas
Noble Man
The Joven Noble Curriculum defines a noble man as: someone who has a sense of responsibility for his own well being and that of others in his circle someone who rejects any form of abuse to themselves or others takes time to include ceremony in his life someone who is sensitive and understanding someone who reflects support and clarity to others someone who lives these values honestly and with love
What I think Noble man means is someone who does what they say and someone who always keeps their word and a person you can trust/ count on.
-Victor Casarez
When I think of a Noble Man I think of my grandpa. I also think of this song.
-Allen Berry
“Ocean
views, small circle it's the chosen few I wrote it down and I followed through.”
Nipsey Hussle
warrior for my people
What is a warrior? to some it is someone who is physically strong. To others a warrior is a protector. In this lesson, we asked youth to think about what a warrior looks like to them. what character traits does their warrior have? what kinds of things does their warrior do? how does a warrior impact their community? Here is what they had to share.
A warrior’s sacrifice is not just a choice, But a duty that calls with a resounding voice, To defend what’s right, and stand for the weak, To fight for justice, and the truth to seek.
In battles fierce, with sword in hand, The warrior charges, ready to withstand, The onslaught of foes, and the pain they bring, With courage and strength, like a mighty king.
But the greatest sacrifice the warrior makes Is not just in battles, where their life’s at stake, It’s in the moments when they choose to serve, To put others first, and their own needs preserve. They offer their time, their skills, and their heart, To those in need, who are torn apart, By war, by famine, by suffering and pain, The warrior steps in, and brings hope again.
-Eddie Lopez
ojo de dios
an ojo de dios is an offering. each color on the ojo de dios is meant to represent a different person in your life. our youth sat in circulo and thought about those important to them while making their offering, and choosing their colors.
que dicen? What is said about who we are?
In this session, youth get the opportunity to reflect on the stereotypes that might impact their culture. They think about what those stereotypes might be, as well as how those stereotypes can harm communities.
Stereotypes impacted me by getting judged or being judgemental towards someone. Judging someone can make someone feel some type of way. Sometimes you won’t notice how you’re stereotyping.
-izzy
quien somos? who we really are
we asked youth to take a moment and think about themselves, their families, and their homes. this session gives them the opportunity to get in touch with who they are and what stories they have to offer.
Myfamilyispeoplewhohavebig heartsandiswillingtoalwayshelp thoseinneeds.
Myfamilyispeoplewhoaren’tblood. MyfamilyispeopleIcangotofor help.
-Tincee
I’mfromahousewheredomesticviolencewasokay. I’mfromahouseholdwhererunningthestreetswas normal.
I’mfromahouseholdwheregettingcalledabitchis normal.
I’mfromahouseholdwhereyourhousebecameatrap. I’mfromahouseholdwherewewentdayswithouteating. I’mfromahouseholdwherenothavingafatherisnormal.
-izzy
I’m from where if you don’t fight back your people are going to get on you.
I’m from somewhere where my people drink outside.
I’m from somewhere where all our cousins lived together.
I’m from somewhere where parents will cuss you out.
I’m from a household where parents hit each other and think its okay.
I’m from a town where kids do grown things.
-Alex Iamfromahousewhereweatepotatoesevery wayyoucouldmakeem.
Iamfromahousewherethere’salways arguments.
Iamfromaplacewherecrimeisglorified. Iamfromahousewheretherewasnoheat. Iamfromasinglemotherhousehold.
-Eddie
My name is Alba. I am from a single mother home. We didn’t have much of anything, just made the best of everything and never felt alone.
I am from a town, where wearing the wrong color can get you shot down.
I am from a neighborhood where people on the street beg for something to eat.
I am from a place where people of my race are oppressed and misunderstood.
I will forever be an advocate for all of the underserved.
My family is trustworthy. My family is honest. My family is reliable, they got my back.
-ryan
I am from a household where there’s no alc, only fans. I am from where it’s normal to do grown things as a child.
I am from where it’s normal for your parent to curse you out.
I am from where the men of the house smoke and drink wherever.
I am from where it’s normal for teens to have guns. -allen
MyfamilyispeopleI’veknownmywholelife. MyfamilyispeopleI’vebeenthroughmake orbreaksituationswith.Myfamilyispeople thatwilllookoutformeintimeof desperation.MyfamilyispeopleIcantalk toaboutmyproblems.
-allen
Iamfromahouseholdthatlacksshowingemotionsand feelinglovedbyoneanother.
Iamfromahouseholdthatshowsangerasthemain outcome.
Iamfromahousethatitsnormaltoseetheirparent’shit andyellateachother.
Iamfromahousethatbeingbyyourselfisbetterthan spendingtime.
Iamfromahousethatyellingwillsolveeverything. -yessica
mexica new year
Our Moving Forward Youth had the opportunity to attend Mexica New Year in San Jose. At this event they had the chance to speak to elders of the community, watch performances, and learn about their culture. this is what they had to say about the experience:
My experience in San Jose was amazing. It was a very fun event and I enjoyed myself and the event. The culture is beautiful and I had an amazing experience.
-Izzy silveira
I liked the Mexica New year because it was something different and something new for me. I also liked the different stands they had of different things and the food stands. I liked everything about the trip and liked how we got out of Merced.
-victor casarez
good talks
forwardmovinggroup allsmiles! sittingin circulo
celebration
upon completion of the moving forward curriculum, our young people had a celebration. this celebration included a certificate on behalf of yli, and a real bird feather from uncle che. to finish the celebration, the youth were able to witness a performance from aztec dancers that was dedicated to them and their accomplishments.
teacher alba eddie
yessica
Allen Tincee
Victor pearl
TTHANKS HANKS
for reading for reading
