AJ's Always Thinking

Title: Banter for Breakfast: Youth Power, and Resistances in an (Un)Regulated Space Crust: Qualitative  Sauce: Constructivist with touches of a critical lens Toppings: Participant observations, semi-structured interviews, artifact analysis Utensils: Data is analyzed through multiple frameworks, including students’ relationships with power, class, and gender, as well as the historical and cultural norms that shape these dynamics. Box: Findings were shared through rich narrative descriptions, providing multiple points of view and deepening understanding of the social dynamics under study.

Who is being looked over in the conversations about youth and supporting them?  Although it can be hard, how can we make sure all youth have the opportunity to be reached?  What initiatives, ideologies, or agendas are being pushed onto young people that may not truly serve their best interests? What are the youth of color feeling about their place in society? Can we have/create a space where students can explore various interests without being forced into one specific lane?  Why are creative spaces important for youth? In what ways can adult artists from different backgrounds collaborate to better serve the next generation? How can we as youth workers and educators support young artists and affirm that their talents and dreams can be a main thing in their career, not just some hobby?  How do we find the balance between supporting dreams and helping students acknowledge and accept reality?  Is mentorship necessary for the success of young people?  What are s...