ABOUT YAC
No Longer Empty’s Youth Action Council (YAC) is a program for youth, ages 14-19, to explore the intersections between art and social justice, led by Curator-Artist-Educator, Augustina Warton. The program focuses on diversity, equity, and cultivating socio-political literacy and professional development, with all activities based on grassroots activism, communication, and critical thinking. This year, YAC began with a focus on the challenges and potential solutions within the topics of mental and disability justice. In response to COVID-19, the program pivoted to virtual meetings where the youth worked to specifically address the current pandemic through creating NLE NYCapsule.
Y.Ex Program Goals
The curriculum for Youth Action Council is designed to be a youth-centered learning program that offers participants the opportunities and platforms to expand their critical thinking, civic leadership, potential as thought leaders, and empower their voices through:
-
Developing an understanding of their desired role within their communities.
-
Expanding their self-determination skills in social justice and political literacy.
-
Learning to identify primary and secondary sources as tools for activism.
-
Understanding how to unpack and apply pedagogical frameworks and texts.
-
Planning community programs to address mental health and disability justice.
-
Cultivating community networks and dialogue that aim to build bridges.
-
Experiencing first-hand art activism strategies that can be applied to their programming