15 and the Mahomies Grant
|
In September of 2020, Youth Volunteer Corps Kansas City (YVCKC) was one of the 15 charitable organizations selected for a grant by Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, Patrick Mahomes’ foundation, 15 and the Mahomies. With this financial support, YVCKC created a Racial Equity Project Series. Youth in Kansas City have been inspired by Patrick and his continued support of youth initiatives and racial justice.
|
About the Project Series
Youth volunteers throughout the Kansas City metro area are learning about social justice and volunteering on projects with a focus on racial equity. This special series is coordinated by Youth Volunteer Corps and funded by Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ charitable foundation, 15 and the Mahomies. During these projects, YVC volunteers learn about and reflect upon topics such as privilege, stereotypes, equity, and racial injustice. Then, volunteers work together to create action steps to fight for social justice and inspire others to make a positive change in their communities.
As one of our four fundamental goals, we have an ongoing commitment to promote among youth a greater understanding and appreciation for the diversity of their community. This Racial Equity Project Series builds upon YVC’s statement responding to racial injustice. Furthermore, this series demonstrates YVC’s dedication to developing inclusive, empathetic, and compassionate young people. We commit to engaging in challenging conversations and taking action to promote racial equity.
This is an ongoing series, with projects available on our Volunteer page! Direct questions to Danielle Small!
As one of our four fundamental goals, we have an ongoing commitment to promote among youth a greater understanding and appreciation for the diversity of their community. This Racial Equity Project Series builds upon YVC’s statement responding to racial injustice. Furthermore, this series demonstrates YVC’s dedication to developing inclusive, empathetic, and compassionate young people. We commit to engaging in challenging conversations and taking action to promote racial equity.
This is an ongoing series, with projects available on our Volunteer page! Direct questions to Danielle Small!
Privilege Walk
YVC volunteers participated in a Privilege Walk for their first project in the Racial Equity Project Series. The youth participants lined up for the project to symbolize the “starting line” of life. From there, they were asked a series of questions. They replied by taking steps back and taking steps forward. Questions were about anything from race and gender, to if they had ever experienced food insecurity or had to contribute to household bills. At the end, everyone was asked to look at where other people were standing and share feedback about how equity impacts each of us. The starting line for life is not the same for everyone.
"Remember the Titans" and Youth PSA
In the second project of the Racial Equity Project Series, YVC volunteers watched “Remember the Titans,” a movie about a football team coming together during the racial integration of a high school in the 1970s. The youth volunteers paused frequently throughout the movie to discuss stereotypes and ways they, too, can come together to combat racial inequity. Following the conversation, participants were asked to make statements that could be shared as a PSA, reminding others that they are not alone and that we all have the power to make a positive change.
YVC S.T.A.R. Discussion Series
YVC volunteers from Reading, PA, and Kansas City are joining together for a six-part virtual discussion series about racial equity. This youth-led initiative is hosted by YVC S.T.A.R., which stands for "Stand Together Against Racism." The series aims to engage youth in educational conversations and increase awareness about issues of racial equity. These discussions are initiated and facilitated by youth, and cover topics such as systemic racism, implicit bias, and police brutality. Participants are encouraged to challenge their ways of thinking and reflect on what action steps they can take every day to fight for a more equitable and just society. These discussions are held on Saturdays in March and April from 1:00-2:30 P.M. CT. Visit our Volunteer page to register for the next discussion.
In the News
|
|
|
|