Moving forward Volume 4
Moving Forward a program of yli
Moving Forward is a youth-based (13-20) 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. We collaborate closely with Indigenous community elder, Maestro Robert Castro, from Youth Outreach and Leadership Institute (YOALI), who consistently advises and participates in the development of the program. Through this collaboration, Moving Forward also engages in and organizes ceremonies, such as sweat ceremonies, Day of the Dead, Winter Solstice, and Spring Equinox.
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. Currently, Moving Forward is participating in a youth-led participatory research project. The focus of this project is cannabis policies in our Merced schools, identifying where the system is failing so that the proper adjustments can be made.
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.
editor ’ s note : Los Banos Day School Joven Noble cohort
In partnership with yli and Day School staff, collectively we were able to bring new information, weekly circulos, and thoughtful dialogue with Teen Boys. These are 100% Latino youth with little knowledge of culture and limited awareness of our Virtues. These young Men did respond well to the culturally based teachings provided. The process gave us a glimpse of the current issues Youth face in Merced County. The successes were a result of a very involved and compassionate teacher who also attended the circulos. Not to mention YLI staff who not only are talented and charismatic , but are community givers, meaning by their nature, they invest a great deal of themselves in the work-and it shows.
My personal reflections are that a thoughtful staff there at the school (Mainly the Principal and theteacher who hosts and participates) make the difference. POC youth face systematic oppression at many levels, this cohort helped, but in reality it’s a scratch in the surface of what’s truly needed.
-Robert Castro
Quien Somos
In this session, youth get the opportunity to discuss and understand what culture means to them. They examine what they’re proud of from their culture, the different forms culture can take, where they learned about culture in the past, and expectations/ experiences that might arise.
Sergio A Eustaquio
Johnathan Jair
Rosales
Orlando Rubalcaba
Gender roles
In this workshop, youth learn the principles to being a noble person by discussing manhood and womanhood. They learn about being a man and a woman, learning from adult figures - both positive and negative, and discuss gender expectations. Youth then choose a principle to being a noble person to commit to this week.
El Otro Yo Partner Relationships
After learning about culture and gender roles, youth discuss how intimate and partner relationships can look, how to identify unhealthy relationships, how being around unhealthy relationships affect us, and what we can learn from them. Youth get the opportunity to envision and list qualities they would like to see in an ideal partner and they get the opportunity to think about why those characteristics are important to them.
Jeremiah Resendiz
JR Salinas
Eddie Tumacder
Omar Gonzalez Hernandez
Warrior for my People
In this circulo, youth define what a warrior is, share examples of warriors in their life, and discuss the role of a warrior in their families and communities. We also discuss personal rights of youth, what happens when our rights are violated, local examples of social movements and warriors, and contributions that people have made in the Americas. Youth get the opportunity to envision what they would like to see in an ideal society and to plant the seeds of what legacy they want to leave.
Michael Garcia
Ms. Gomez
Ojo de Dios
In this more more hands-on learning session, youth create their own Ojo de Dios based on the teachings of the Huichol people that used Ojo de Dios for protection. In this activity, youth color code their strings by giving their own personal meaning to each.
Leonel Sandoval Lopez
I learned that Ojo de Dios represents your family and people you love.
Michael Nava
Ojo de Dios was fun. I liked making it, it made me feel proud that I made it myself and I got to learn more about my culture and their beliefs.
Fabian Sanchez
scan here to Learn more about moving forward And check out past zines here
Shoutout to the youth of los banos who made this zine possible !
Moving Forward is a program of Youth Leadership Institute. Youth Leadership Institute builds communities where young people and their adult allies come together to create positive community change that promotes social justice and racial equity.
To find out more, visit yli.org
