Banyan Community and Civic Bridgers began a new and exciting partnership this semester. Civic Bridgers champions civic engagement at all levels and has developed a new teen civics focused curriculum that Banyan youth are taking for a test run. This new youth curriculum, Beyond Civics, is meant to encourage teens to become bridge builders. Bridge builders are people who engage in civic life to help organize people around a central purpose while embracing a multiplicity of perspectives. Civic Bridgers’ theory of change encourages pluralism with clear boundaries around the central purposes of a common humanity, intellectual humility, and shared accountability.
At Banyan nine youth are joining two facilitators on this 10-week learning journey. Jasmine Nguyen and Jessica Agudo, a Banyan Scholar, are introducing these meaningful discussions. Jessica shares why she wanted to be a part of this pilot program:
“I wanted to help with this class because growing up in Banyan I gained a passion for giving back to others and supporting my community. I enjoy being a role model for other kids, actively listening to them, and engaging with them through the civics program to better understand their needs and provide support in any way I can.” – Jessica, Junior at Augsburg College studying Sociology
One of the group activities is asset mapping the community. Asset mapping is the process of visualizing resources, strengths, and opportunities within a defined community. Assets could be a non-profit organization or a person with unique skills. Perhaps there are physical assets in the neighborhood or groups of people with shared goals that could be uniquely helpful. An active local business or a digital community forum could also be meaningful assets.
“Community means to me a group of people who encourage each other to participate in community events and help each other to make the community better and keep it clean,” Bryttany’s (8th grade) co-created definition of community. Everyone has a part to play in a healthy community. Everyone has a voice and assets to share. Banyan Community is grateful for Civic Bridgers’ work, partnership, and advocacy.
There is no such thing as a “safe space” —
We exist in the real world.
We all carry scars and have caused wounds.
This space
seeks to turn down the volume of the world outside,
and amplify voices that have to fight to be heard elsewhere,
This space will not be perfect.
It will not always be what we wish it to be.
But
It will be our space together,
and we will work on it side by side.