Moving Forward Vol. 2

Moving Forward vol. 2 Moving Forward Moving Forward vol. vol. 2 2

MOVING FORWARD IS A YOUTH-BASED

MOVING FORWARD IS A YOUTH-BASED

(13-18YO) HEALING INITIATIVE THAT DRAWS ON

(13-18YO) HEALING INITIATIVE THAT DRAWS ON INDIGENOUS PRACTICES TO HELP YOUNG INDIGENOUS PRACTICES TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE IN MERCED COUNTY FIND PEOPLE IN MERCED COUNTY FIND

Welcome reader, we are honored and pleased to share with y’all the second edition of our Welcome reader, we are honored and pleased to share with y’all the second edition of our Moving Forward zine Moving Forward is a leadership development program that is Moving Forward zine. Moving Forward is a leadership development program that is intended to support system-impacted (i e foster care, incarceration, undocumented, etc ) intended to support system-impacted (i.e. foster care, incarceration, undocumented, etc.) youth of Merced, ages 13-24. In this edition, we are highlighting young people attending youth of Merced, ages 13-24. In this edition, we are highlighting young people attending Weaver Middle School and Tenaya Middle School, and sharing their experiences regarding Weaver Middle School and Tenaya Middle School, and sharing their experiences regarding our weekly talking circles. Our talking circles utilized the Joven Noble curriculum to center our weekly talking circles. Our talking circles utilized the Joven Noble curriculum to center conversations around relationships, culture, stereotypes, and a general understanding of conversations around relationships, culture, stereotypes, and a general understanding of learning how to keep our palabra (word) with community and loved-ones. As you read learning how to keep our palabra (word) with community and loved-ones. As you read through this zine, we hope you can recognize the sacredness that resides in our community. through this zine, we hope you can recognize the sacredness that resides in our community. The vulnerability that is shown in this zine is a beautiful depiction of the talented young lives

The vulnerability that is shown in this zine is a beautiful depiction of the talented young lives existing in the rural forefront of California’s San Joaquin Valley. existing in the rural forefront of California’s San Joaquin Valley

Being able to bring the Moving Forward program to two of the most important middle schools in Merced, Weaver Middle School and Tenaya Middle School, is of much importance schools in Merced, Weaver Middle School and Tenaya Middle School, is of much importance and sacredness for us, as they are the two that serve South Merced. Wrapping up these and sacredness for us, as they are the two that serve South Merced Wrapping up these two cohorts prompted a sense of relief knowing that the youth from both of these schools two cohorts prompted a sense of relief knowing that the youth from both of these schools will one day be the decision makers of Merced will one day be the decision makers of Merced.

Being able to bring the Moving Forward program to two of the most important middle

After seeing the success of the Joven Noble Curriculum at Weaver and Tenaya Middle School, After seeing the success of the Joven Noble Curriculum at Weaver and Tenaya Middle School, we hope to begin a new school cohort in Los Banos Valley Day School in order to bring this we hope to begin a new school cohort in Los Banos Valley Day School in order to bring this type of healing and knowledge to another set of young people. This curriculum, through the type of healing and knowledge to another set of young people. This curriculum, through the act of education, love, and vulnerability, has helped young people discuss important topics act of education, love, and vulnerability, has helped young people discuss important topics that relate to their lives and how to live their lives rooted in love for themselves and one that relate to their lives and how to live their lives rooted in love for themselves and one another. Young people have shown us their wisdom, empathy, and vision and it is our honor another. Young people have shown us their wisdom, empathy, and vision and it is our honor to help lead them and walk with them in this journey. Alongside our talking circles and to help lead them and walk with them in this journey. Alongside our talking circles and ceremonies, Moving Forward will be leading a research campaign around cannabis policies in ceremonies, Moving Forward will be leading a research campaign around cannabis policies in Merced schools and the effect of these, in order to promote alternatives and solutions. We Merced schools and the effect of these, in order to promote alternatives and solutions. We invite you all as part of our larger community to join us as we continue building and uplifting invite you all as part of our larger community to join us as we continue building and uplifting community, as well as revitalizing and reclaiming our identities and sacred healing practices. community, as well as revitalizing and reclaiming our identities and sacred healing practices

Feel free to reach out and stay connected via our instagram @moving209forward

Feel free to reach out and stay connected via our instagram @moving209forward

ALTERNATIVE FORMS OF HEALING, ALTERNATIVE FORMS OF HEALING, MENTORSHIP, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, MENTORSHIP, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, POLITICAL EDUCATION & PERSONAL GROWTH. POLITICAL EDUCATION & PERSONAL GROWTH. Program

TENAYA & WEAVER MIDDLE SCHOOLS TENAYA & WEAVER MIDDLE SCHOOLS

Weaver Middle School proved to be a school full of very insightful young people that are

Weaver Middle School proved to be a school full of very insightful young people that are enduring things that they are not sup eing impacted enduring things that they are not sup eing impacted by things that students at othe h y by things that students at othe h hey are being disrespected. are being disrespected

What took more effort was What took more effort was convincing them that they convincing them that they were sacred and that they were sacred and that they deserve better than what deserve better than what they are receiving in their lives. they are receiving in their lives.

The experience of sitting-in circle at Te y om ard

The experience of sitting-in circle at Te y om ard has done a few times and what almost always comes up is how connected the young has done a few times and what almost always comes up is how connected the young people are to each other. They are very supportive of each other and have a strong people are to each other. They are very supportive of each other and have a strong sense of what we call comunidad. It reminded me of a time when all I and my friends had sense of what we call comunidad. It reminded me of a time when all I and my friends had were each other. They did not seem to keep any secrets from each other. They’re were each other. They did not seem to keep any secrets from each other. They’re cognizant of what they have had to endure in their lives and continuously made cognizant of what they have had to endure in their lives and continuously made commitments to grow as individuals and work towards breaking generational cycles of commitments to grow as individuals and work towards breaking generational cycles of violence. This made our conversations go smoothly and have a great impact on the young violence This made our conversations go smoothly and have a great impact on the young people and those closest to them. people and those closest to them

SCAN THIS CODE TO READ

SCAN THIS CODE TO READ

MOVING FORWARD: VOLUME 1!

MOVING FORWARD: VOLUME 1!

WHAT IS EL JOVEN NOBLE? WHAT IS EL JOVEN NOBLE?

El Joven Noble Rites of Passage, Character Development Program, is a El Joven Noble Rites of Passage, Character Development Program, is a youth-development, support, and leadership-enhancement program that youth-development, support, and leadership-enhancement program that provides a process, and a vehicle, for the continued “rites of passage” provides a process, and a vehicle, for the continued “rites of passage” development of youth, ages 10-24. It recognizes that youth need other development of youth, ages 10-24. It recognizes that youth need other men/women, their family, and community to care for, assist, heal, guide, men/women, their family, and community to care for, assist, heal, guide, and successfully prepare them for true manhood/womanhood. The and successfully prepare them for true manhood/womanhood. The program incorporates an approach and curriculum that are based on the program incorporates an approach and curriculum that are based on the philosophy of La Cultura Cura, or Transformational Healing and philosophy of La Cultura Cura, or Transformational Healing and Development. Consistent with this is the belief that rooted in every Development. Consistent with this is the belief that rooted in every culture, there are protective teachings, traditions and expectations that culture, there are protective teachings, traditions and expectations that can assist young men/women across their “rites of passage” bridge. At its can assist young men/women across their “rites of passage” bridge. At its base, the Joven Noble Program incorporates the indigenous, culturally- base, the Joven Noble Program incorporates the indigenous, culturallyrooted concept of “El Joven Noble” or the Noble Young Man/Woman and rooted concept of “El Joven Noble” or the Noble Young Man/Woman and the value of developing and maintaining one’s sense of “Palabra” the value of developing and maintaining one’s sense of “Palabra” (Credible Word). In addition, it is believed that in order for youth to be (Credible Word). In addition, it is believed that in order for youth to be able to develop in this way, they must have positive living examples in able to develop in this way, they must have positive living examples in their lives as guides, teachers, counselors, elders, and supporters. With their lives as guides, teachers, counselors, elders, and supporters. With this is mind, it is the eventual goal of the program to employ and/or this is mind, it is the eventual goal of the program to employ and/or incorporate young men and women from the community who have gone incorporate young men and women from the community who have gone through the teachings and have been mentored and trained to deliver through the teachings and have been mentored and trained to deliver direct presentations. More importantly, it is essential that adult men direct presentations. More importantly, it is essential that adult men (Compadres), and adult women (Comadres) serve as guides, teachers and (Compadres), and adult women (Comadres) serve as guides, teachers and examples in the program to reflect appropriate manhood /womanhood examples in the program to reflect appropriate manhood /womanhood development. The overall program incorporates a four-phase development. The overall program incorporates a four-phase developmental process, specialized segments (Fire ad Water: Violence and developmental process, specialized segments (Fire ad Water: Violence and Substance Abuse) to address specific areas of need, as well as a Substance Abuse) to address specific areas of need, as well as a parent/family component (Cara y Corazon: Face and Heart) that assists parent/family component (Cara y Corazon: Face and Heart) that assists parents in reinforcing the teachings, as they heal and grow alongside parents in reinforcing the teachings, as they heal and grow alongside their youth. Each participant is guided progressively through the phases, their youth. Each participant is guided progressively through the phases, providing additional teachings with more responsibility. providing additional teachings with more responsibility.

El Joven Noble - "The Noble Youth" - is a comprehensive indigenous based, El Joven Noble - "The Noble Youth" - is a comprehensive indigenous based, youth leadership development program that supports and guides youth youth leadership development program that supports and guides youth through their “rites of passage” process while focusing on the prevention through their “rites of passage” process while focusing on the prevention of substance abuse, teen pregnancy, relationship violence, gang violence of substance abuse, teen pregnancy, relationship violence, gang violence and school failure. and school failure. *Although the below uses masculine pronouns to *Although the below uses masculine pronouns to describe the work, this program is offered to all genders. describe the work, this program is offered to all genders.

is a person of their word. is a person of their word. has a sense of responsibility for their own well being and that of has a sense of responsibility for their own well being and that of others in their circle others in their circle rejects any form of abuse... physical, emotional, mental or spiritual, to rejects any form of abuse... physical, emotional, mental or spiritual, to themselves or others themselves or others takes time to reflect, pray, and include takes time to reflect, pray, and include ceremony ceremony in their life in their life is sensitive and understanding is sensitive and understanding is like a mirror, reflecting support and clarity to one another is like a mirror, reflecting support and clarity to one another lives these values honestly, and with love lives these values honestly, and with love

Jovenes Con Palabra - "Youth With Word" Jovenes Con Palabra - "Youth With Word"

They keep their word

They keep their word

They don't do anything to hurt themselves or others

They don't do anything to hurt themselves or others

They take responsibility for their actions

They take responsibility for their actions

They are a positive example to others

They are a positive example to others

A noble person.. A noble person..

WHAT IS EL JOVEN NOBLE? WHAT IS EL JOVEN NOBLE?

WEA V E R WEA V E R

HOW DOES VIOLENCE AFFECT CHILDREN AS THEY GROW UP? HOW DOES VIOLENCE AFFECT CHILDREN AS THEY GROW UP?

When I was younger I didn’t live with my mom, so When I was younger I didn’t live with my mom, so I lived with my I lived with my grandparents. I never struggled or anything like that, but my grandma grandparents. I never struggled or anything like that, but my grandma and grandpa would fight a lot over important stuff at my old house. My and grandpa would fight a lot over important stuff at my old house. My older brother would keep me comfortable while they would be fighting in older brother would keep me comfortable while they would be fighting in the other room. I would be ok, I would just go outside the house and just the other room. I would be ok, I would just go outside the house and just walk around for a bit. They would come looking for me all the time and I walk around for a bit. They would come looking for me all the time and I would just come back after they talked and apologized to each other. would just come back after they talked and apologized to each other.

- Morgan Marvella - Morgan Marvella

When I was a kid I was treated with disrespect, was never paid attention

When I was a kid I was treated with disrespect, was never paid attention to, and was abused for nearly 2-3 years by my mother and her boyfriend. to, and was abused for nearly 2-3 years by my mother and her boyfriend. One day, I had gotten in trouble and as a consequence they made me

One day, I had gotten in trouble and as a consequence they made me kneel in the corner for a whole day. I slept in the corner that night. I was kneel in the corner for a whole day. I slept in the corner that night. I was not in a loving and stable home. When I was a kid, I did not understand not in a loving and stable home. When I was a kid, I did not understand what was going on around me. I wanted love but never felt it, not even if what was going on around me. I wanted love but never felt it, not even if I did things I thought were “right” by my mom. I just want everyone to I did things I thought were “right” by my mom. I just want everyone to understand my pain and what I went through. Neglect causes me and my understand my pain and what I went through. Neglect causes me and my sister to always fight and complain about all of the little things in life. sister to always fight and complain about all of the little things in life. If I saw someone in my position, I would encourage them to not be afraid If I saw someone in my position, I would encourage them to not be afraid to stand up for what they want. If someone is treating you badly then to stand up for what they want. If someone is treating you badly then don’t be afraid to stand up for what is right for you. Don’t hide from your don’t be afraid to stand up for what is right for you. Don’t hide from your fears or problems because, in my experience, that will just make life fears or problems because, in my experience, that will just make life harder for you. If I could change my past, I would stand up for myself in a harder for you. If I could change my past, I would stand up for myself in a way that no one else did. - Anonymous way that no one else did. - Anonymous

A HARD LIFE AS A KID A HARD LIFE AS A KID WHEN WE HURT WHEN WE HURT OURSELVES & OTHERS OURSELVES & OTHERS

Violence creates a scar. Violence creates a scar. Ripples beneath the surface, Ripples beneath the surface, Difficult to speak. Difficult to speak. Roughness catches sunlight, Roughness catches sunlight, More beautifully, More beautifully, I flow. I flow.

- Nicole Lalumiere - Nicole Lalumiere

When kids get abused, they get older and When kids get abused, they get older and can let their anger out on their siblings or can let their anger out on their siblings or others. I chose this topic because me and others. I chose this topic because me and my brother lived in an abusive house, so I my brother lived in an abusive house, so I know what it felt like. As kids get older know what it felt like. As kids get older they also won’t be able to speak up and they also won’t be able to speak up and stand up for themselves. stand up for themselves.

-Eduardo Ramirez -Eduardo Ramirez

WHAT WE CAN DO TO MAKE SURE WE WHAT WE CAN DO TO MAKE SURE WE

DON'T HURT THE PEOPLE IN OUR LIVES? DON'T HURT THE PEOPLE IN OUR LIVES?

Apologizing is something people can’t do so easily but when you hurt

Apologizing is something people can’t do so easily but when you hurt someone the thing you do is apologize. Well, I hope you do. Like talking someone the thing you do is apologize. Well, I hope you do. Like talking smack to someone and then after you feel bad and you say sorry - that smack to someone and then after you feel bad and you say sorry - that damage you did before you said sorry is still there. Apologizing is the best damage you did before you said sorry is still there. Apologizing is the best way to say you didn’t mean to do that. Saying sorry takes a lot of way to say you didn’t mean to do that. Saying sorry takes a lot of courage. It’s not too easy to apologize to someone. - Jessup Sanchez courage. It’s not too easy to apologize to someone. - Jessup Sanchez

WHEN WE HURT OURSELVES & OTHERS WHEN WE HURT OURSELVES & OTHERS

Violence is causing harm to another person physically or emotionally; when Violence is causing harm to another person physically or emotionally; when someone gets physically beat or hit over and over. Another type of someone gets physically beat or hit over and over. Another type of violence is verbal, hurtful words will make people sad. Even if violence was violence is verbal, hurtful words will make people sad. Even if violence was caused by your own family it is still hurtful and when people don’t do caused by your own family it is still hurtful and when people don’t do anything to help, it just makes you even more sad. I can commit to living a anything to help, it just makes you even more sad. I can commit to living a violent free life by remembering that I do not want to harm others. violent free life by remembering that I do not want to harm others.

- Autavain King - Autavain King

WHAT IS VIOLENCE? WHAT IS VIOLENCE?

We can forgive but we will not forget. We can forgive but we will not forget. When we are hurt we go silent. Why?

When we are hurt we go silent. Why?

It’s not because we are scared, it’s because in that moment we remember

It’s not because we are scared, it’s because in that moment we remember all the pain that we felt because of you. all the pain that we felt because of you.

All violence does is make silence. When silence comes it is not just silence,

All violence does is make silence. When silence comes it is not just silence, it’s so many emotions that have been built up beyond recognition. it’s so many emotions that have been built up beyond recognition. When those emotions show it’s so powerful that not even When those emotions show it’s so powerful that not even Heaven or Hell can stop them. Heaven or Hell can stop them.

- Ethan Richards - Ethan Richards

WEA V E R WEA V E R

WHATISAHEALTHYRELATIONSHIP? WHATISAHEALTHYRELATIONSHIP?

Ahealthyrelationshipiswhentwopeopletrusteachother.Andthey Ahealthyrelationshipiswhentwopeopletrusteachother.Andthey don’thavetogothrougheachother’sphoneorseewhatthey’redoing don’thavetogothrougheachother’sphoneorseewhatthey’redoing 24/7.Iftheygothroughtheirphoneit’salossofloyalty.Iftheydon’t 24/7.Iftheygothroughtheirphoneit’salossofloyalty.Iftheydon’t trusttheotherpersonoutinpublicoranywhere,it’snotahealthy trusttheotherpersonoutinpublicoranywhere,it’snotahealthy relationship. relationship.

IFYOU’REINAHEALTHYRELATIONSHIP,HOWDOESTHATAFFECTYOU? IFYOU’REINAHEALTHYRELATIONSHIP,HOWDOESTHATAFFECTYOU?

IfIhadagoodboyfriend,hewouldwanttobearoundme.Iwouldfeel IfIhadagoodboyfriend,hewouldwanttobearoundme.Iwouldfeel relievedthatIhaveagoodboyfriend.Hewouldnottalktoothergirlsor relievedthatIhaveagoodboyfriend.Hewouldnottalktoothergirlsor lookatthem.Iwouldfeelimportant. lookatthem.Iwouldfeelimportant.

WHATARESOMEQUALITIESIT’SIMPORTANTFORAPARTNERTOHAVE? WHATARESOMEQUALITIESIT’SIMPORTANTFORAPARTNERTOHAVE?

IIwouldwantthemtohaveagoodpersonality.Iwouldwantthemto wouldwantthemtohaveagoodpersonality.Iwouldwantthemto havegoodfriends.I’dwantthemtohavegoodparentsthattakecareof havegoodfriends.I’dwantthemtohavegoodparentsthattakecareof them. them.

WHATQUALITIESDOYOUHAVETHATWOULDMAKEYOUAGOODPARTNER? WHATQUALITIESDOYOUHAVETHATWOULDMAKEYOUAGOODPARTNER?

IIhaveagoodpersonality.Iamfun.Iliketodostuff,likegoouttothe haveagoodpersonality.Iamfun.Iliketodostuff,likegoouttothe store.Iamveryloyalandhonest. store.Iamveryloyalandhonest.

IFADULTSHAVEHEALTHYRELATIONSHIPS,HOWDOESTHATAFFECTKIDS? IFADULTSHAVEHEALTHYRELATIONSHIPS,HOWDOESTHATAFFECTKIDS?

Ifmymomhadahealthyrelationship,Iwouldfeelhappyforherand Ifmymomhadahealthyrelationship,Iwouldfeelhappyforherand knowhe’stherightone.Kidswouldtalktotheirparent’spersonandget knowhe’stherightone.Kidswouldtalktotheirparent’spersonandget morecomfortable.Ifthatperson morecomfortable.Ifthatperson makesyourparenthappy, makesyourparenthappy, theycouldalsomakeyouhappy. theycouldalsomakeyouhappy.

WHEN WE HURT OURSELVES & OTHERS WHEN WE HURT OURSELVES & OTHERS

Violence is a very traumatic experience. Violence is a very traumatic experience. It can leave you with physical and It can leave you with physical and mental scars for life. Violence affects children as they grow up by leaving mental scars for life. Violence affects children as they grow up by leaving them with trust and commitment issues. Victims of violence can be left them with trust and commitment issues. Victims of violence can be left mentally unstable and go on to avoid building relationships with people mentally unstable and go on to avoid building relationships with people out of fear that they might experience traumatic events again. out of fear that they might experience traumatic events again.

- Tyanna Goodteacher - Tyanna Goodteacher

In my experience, when a child grows up in violence they become more

In my experience, when a child grows up in violence they become more violent. As they get older they believe that violence is acceptable violent. As they get older they believe that violence is acceptable behavior. If a child grows up in a violent home it affects their relationships behavior. If a child grows up in a violent home it affects their relationships and makes kids want to be around people they can trust who won’t make and makes kids want to be around people they can trust who won’t make them feel threatened. I want to make sure that I commit to living a life them feel threatened. I want to make sure that I commit to living a life free from violence by trying to stay away from the wrong crowd and free from violence by trying to stay away from the wrong crowd and thinking responsibly when it comes to certain situations. thinking responsibly when it comes to certain situations.

- Javari Woods - Javari Woods

RELATIONSHIPS... RELATIONSHIPS...

There are a lot. There’s family and friends, and just dating

There are a lot. There’s family and friends, and just dating relationships. They are not all gonna be good, but they are relationships. They are not all gonna be good, but they are not all gonna be bad because everyone is different and not all gonna be bad because everyone is different and people go through different things. I have mostly had a people go through different things. I have mostly had a great relationship with my family, but sometimes we fight great relationship with my family, but sometimes we fight and argue. The bad relationships sometimes hit hard. 2 and argue. The bad relationships sometimes hit hard. 2 months ago I was in a relationship with someone from my months ago I was in a relationship with someone from my school and was happy with them, but we broke up and I school and was happy with them, but we broke up and I was really hurt. 2 weeks after we broke up, we got back was really hurt. 2 weeks after we broke up, we got back together. This happened again 3 times and every time I together. This happened again 3 times and every time I would hurt and hurt more. When we broke up for the fifth would hurt and hurt more. When we broke up for the fifth time she tried to come back and I stood my ground and time she tried to come back and I stood my ground and told her no. I’m not just gonna let you come back whenever told her no. I’m not just gonna let you come back whenever you want and just use me whenever you’re bored. We you want and just use me whenever you’re bored. We barely talk now, which is good for me. Good relationships barely talk now, which is good for me. Good relationships include loyalty, trust, thinking of the other person’s include loyalty, trust, thinking of the other person’s feelings, being considerate, and setting good boundaries. feelings, being considerate, and setting good boundaries.

Velasco - Segundo Velasco

One thing I’m thankful to my family for is showing

One thing I’m thankful to my family for is showing me love and caring for me love and caring for me. I’m thankful to my mom for taking care of me, making sure I’m well, me. I’m thankful to my mom for taking care of me, making sure I’m well, and making me a better person. My culture is Mexican and that has made and making me a better person. My culture is Mexican and that has made me a proud person - in my experience we have wonderful personalities full me a proud person - in my experience we have wonderful personalities full of energy! We are also very community oriented and show up for each of energy! We are also very community oriented and show up for each other when we need support. One of the most important lessons I learned other when we need support. One of the most important lessons I learned from this program is that even though some people have experienced from this program is that even though some people have experienced hardships, they are still able to have a smile on their face. I am thankful to hardships, they are still able to have a smile on their face. I am thankful to myself for being a good person and having a wonderful mother. myself for being a good person and having a wonderful mother.

- Angel Buscio - Angel Buscio

WARRIOR FOR MY PEOPLE WARRIOR FOR MY PEOPLE

My name is Faith and this is my interview with my mom about what makes My name is Faith and this is my interview with my mom about what makes a person a warrior. a person a warrior.

WHAT IS A WARRIOR?

WHAT IS A WARRIOR?

A warrior to me is someone who is strong emotionally and mentally,

A warrior to me is someone who is strong emotionally and mentally, someone who can overcome things [that] are thrown at them. someone who can overcome things [that] are thrown at them.

WHAT KIND OF IMPACT DO PEOPLE HAVE WHEN THEY STEP UP TO HELP

WHAT KIND OF IMPACT DO PEOPLE HAVE WHEN THEY STEP UP TO HELP THEIR FAMILY AND COMMUNITY? THEIR FAMILY AND COMMUNITY?

You never know who needs a helping hand, a little help goes a long way. You never know who needs a helping hand, a little help goes a long way.

WHO ARE FAMOUS WARRIORS OF PAST AND PRESENT?

WHO ARE FAMOUS WARRIORS OF PAST AND PRESENT?

MLK [JR], Ceasar Chavez, Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, Lincoln. MLK [JR], Ceasar Chavez, Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, Lincoln.

HOW CAN YOU COMMIT TO BEING A WARRIOR OF PALABRA?

HOW CAN YOU COMMIT TO BEING A WARRIOR OF PALABRA?

Ummm......if you do what you say you’re going to do then people will

Ummm......if you do what you say you’re going to do then people will know you’re reliable, trustworthy and can be counted on. know you’re reliable, trustworthy and can be counted on.

I like to hear that this is how my mom perceives a warrior because that’s I like to hear that this is how my mom perceives a warrior because that’s how I perceive them too. We have similar perspectives. In my eyes, my how I perceive them too. We have similar perspectives. In my eyes, my mom is a warrior. She’s a perseverer, she’s smart, and she stays kind even mom is a warrior. She’s a perseverer, she’s smart, and she stays kind even when I wouldn’t be able to. I look up to my mom, she’s a strong woman. when I wouldn’t be able to. I look up to my mom, she’s a strong woman. - Faith Smith - Faith

Smith

HOW DO YOU DEFINE AN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP HOW DO YOU DEFINE AN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP? ?

I would define an intimate relationship as having trust in the relationship I would define an intimate relationship as having trust in the relationship and being close... and just feeling safe with one another. and being close... and just feeling safe with one another.

WHEN WE SEE UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS, HOW DOES IT AFFECT US?

WHEN WE SEE UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS, HOW DOES IT AFFECT US?

It can ruin our perspective on relationships or it can ruin relationships

It can ruin our perspective on relationships or it can ruin relationships for us in general. It could also make us insecure. for us in general. It could also make us insecure.

WHEN WE SEE POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS, WHAT DO THEY TEACH US?

WHEN WE SEE POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS, WHAT DO THEY TEACH US? They teach us what it’s like to be, how we’re supposed to be treated, They teach us what it’s like to be, how we’re supposed to be treated, what relationships are like, and what they’re supposed to be like. what relationships are like, and what they’re supposed to be like.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO MAKE SURE WE DON’T HURT PEOPLE IN OUR LIVES?

WHAT CAN WE DO TO MAKE SURE WE DON’T HURT PEOPLE IN OUR LIVES?

We can make sure not to drag our family or friends down We can make sure not to drag our family or friends down with us and to help them whenever they’re needed. with us and to help them whenever they’re needed.

-

WHEN WE HURT OURSELVES & OTHERS WHEN WE HURT OURSELVES & OTHERS

There are many forms of violence. Some types of violence and abuse include There are many forms of violence. Some types of violence and abuse include physical violence, which occurs when someone uses a part of their body or physical violence, which occurs when someone uses a part of their body or an object to control another person’s actions. Sexual violence occurs when an object to control another person’s actions. Sexual violence occurs when a person is forced to unwillingly take part in sexual activity. Emotional a person is forced to unwillingly take part in sexual activity. Emotional violence can change the nicest person into a broken person. For myself and violence can change the nicest person into a broken person. For myself and my friends, being the victim of violence has affected us by normalizing pain my friends, being the victim of violence has affected us by normalizing pain and abuse. and abuse.

As a result of normalizing violence in our lives, sometimes we react to

As a result of normalizing violence in our lives, sometimes we react to things in ways we don’t expect. things in ways we don’t expect.

Sometimes, when there is tension in my home, it affects my mood and Sometimes, when there is tension in my home, it affects my mood and makes it hard for me to control how I interact with others. I don’t always makes it hard for me to control how I interact with others. I don’t always blame the people who put me through violence, I have learned that blame the people who put me through violence, I have learned that sometimes when they are harmful it might be because they haven't sometimes when they are harmful it might be because they haven't learned any better from their homes. I have learned to forgive them and learned any better from their homes. I have learned to forgive them and work on myself. I want to be kind and understanding. I will communicate work on myself. I want to be kind and understanding. I will communicate with people without raising my voice and make sure to continue working with people without raising my voice and make sure to continue working to live a violent free life for myself and my siblings. to live a violent free life for myself and my siblings.

Malikeye Serna - Malikeye Serna

Maddysun Lema - Maddysun Lema