The Civic Engagement for Systemic Change Workshop included 10 youth participants and three trainers (at far right). These youth participants are part of the AFSC-sponsored Pan-African Youth Alliance and come from Findley University, University of Dayton, University of Toledo and Wright State University in Ohio. AFSC Dayton / AFSC
The main goal of a recent AFSC-sponsored Civic Engagement for Systemic Change Workshop was to create awareness and educate youth leaders about their collective power and voices to advocate for equal access to opportunities that would foster their social mobility in Ohio. The workshop was also designed to prepare youth leaders for study tours to the Ohio Governor’s Office of Opportunities for New Americans (GOONA). The proposed study tours will particularly empower the young people of African descent to pursue their dream career and entrepreneurship training opportunities in Ohio.
On the whole, the workshop was well received as evidenced by the following comments from youth participants:
“I learned how to increase social mobility within our community/organization.”
“I learned about types and methods of organizing for social change and stability.”
“I learned the importance of unity and community development for Africans in the diaspora.”
“I learned how we can change society in terms of reforming oppressive laws, organizing victims at grassroots, developing community structures and providing needed services.”