Youth In Crisis: What Can We Do?

Youth In Crisis: What Can We Do?

The pandemic and calls for social justice are causing great distress for many of our youth. Along with confronting the usual challenges of childhood and adolescence, they’re experiencing uncertainty regarding their education and isolation from their friends and community. The widespread and highly publicized protests for racial justice have compelled many of them to get involved. As recently reported on the front page of San Jose Mercury News (July 7, 2020), our youth are increasingly experiencing higher levels of “anxiety and depression”.

The crisis may have a devastating impact on youth feeling alone and voiceless. What will be the effects on youth who have traditionally been most at risk? Can we re-imagine and redirect community resources in a way that will be more responsive to this crisis? Are there creative approaches to healing the stress that our children are experiencing?

Join us in dialogue with students, service providers, and educational advocates to explore how our community can support the emotional well-being of our youth.

Featuring:

Leon Beauchman (XX), Counselor, East Side Union High School District; President, Santa Clara County Alliance of Black Educators; and Former Board Member Santa Clara County Office of Education

Youth Leaders from Californians for Justice, led by Taryn Ishida (XXVIII) will share their experiences with distance learning and their recommendations for educators, policy-makers, and community leaders to support education equity and students’ social-emotional well-being.

Catherine Aspiras, Program Manager, School Linked Services, Santa Clara County