Twin Cities hosts Midwest Youth Summer Intensive

Youth connected with AFSC programs in St. Louis and Chicago joined Twin Cities young people in Minneapolis July 28-August 3 for our first-ever Midwest Youth Summer Intensive. Black and Palestinian youth gathered to learn more about the work of making positive change in our communities.

Participants gained practical skills in grassroots organizing, learned how to mobilize communities, engage in outreach, and sustain long-term movements. Organizers emphasized healing justice, creativity, and community building throughout this experience.

"I feel like this opportunity was one of the best of my life, and I would recommend it to anyone looking to make a change,” said one Chicago youth. “Just gaining the knowledge and spending the time I have with the Chicago team has me thinking about more ways for me to create a greater positive impact in the future.”

They added that McConnell Fellow Gus Hupp and Program Associate Destiny Harris “are both wonderful and so inviting; their energy is off the charts joyful. It’s definitely because of them that I loved this experience, and I would love to do this again. But even without them; the people, the lessons, the activities, and the food -- all of it has left me inspired."

Brynne Crockett, AFSC Twin Cities Program Director, said youth from her area echoed these reactions.

"What I enjoyed about this intensive was meeting new people and seeing what everybody had in common and differences," said one young person. "It was fun doing all the games and ice breakers and eating new foods, going to Valley Fair [amusement park] -- all fun experiences that any young person would love. It was amazing overall -- good vibes all the time."

Another youth added, "I enjoyed meeting new people, getting to know some of y’all. I enjoyed learning new things, learning about what’s happening in the environment, having fun. It was a really good experience. I would love to do it again."

A third person observed, "Summer Intensive was a fun experience and a wonderful program. Everybody is giving life advice, having fun conversations, understanding other people. It was a safe and fun space to be around and enjoy the summer with my peers from school."

Alex Jones, Program Coordinator in St. Louis, said it was a really good time for the young people. “We presented on Black and Palestinian liberation and the use of media and how it’s a tool for accountability as well as narrative change,” Alex said. “Overall, it was a great success. I would love to do it again. It’s important to continue working in solidarity with one another and continue these intra-regional connections.”