At YOCCF, we know that culture change is one of the most powerful tools to advance racial and social justice. Through authentic storytelling and creative expression, we can shift perspectives, dismantle harmful systems, and envision new realities.
As we complete our first year resourcing youth leaders and supporting their work at the intersection of arts, organizing, and narrative change, we’re energized by the growth we’ve seen take root. Here’s a look at the seeds planted and the change starting to bloom:
Grantee Level Outcomes
Shared Understanding: Our grantee partners have cultivated a shared language and a fertile understanding of narrative change strategies. This is akin to the nutrient-rich soil where YOCCF’s core concepts can truly take root and thrive.
Skill Development: Organizations with long experience in arts and activism are already incorporating YOCCF’s approaches. Other, newer organizations recognize the connections and are looking forward to implementing these ideas into their work.
Youth Empowerment: About two-thirds of our grantees have started sharing knowledge, skills, and tools to empower youth within their organizations and across departments. The remaining are making ground towards this critical goal.
Cohort Level Outcomes
Knowledge Sharing: While cohort members have gained significant skills from their participation in capacity building trainings, they are eager to cross-pollinate learning about each other’s strategies and supporting aligned initiatives.
Community Building: YOCCF aims to provide a space for collaboration and an interconnected community of practice. Grantee conversations have aligned, trust is taking root, and collaborative strategies are beginning to bloom.
Collaboration Strategies: Our movement partners have seeded ideas for joint culture change campaigns. With structured support, we can cultivate an environment for these collaborations to manifest their full potential.
Looking Ahead: Tending the Garden for More Vibrant Growth
As we reflect on grantee feedback and areas for improvement, a few key opportunities have emerged:
- Creating more in-person spaces for ideas to take root through intentional networking
- Increasing youth leadership through trainings, symposiums, and workshops
- Providing additional resources to help translate learnings into tangible action
- Facilitating collaborative efforts to tend joint campaigns from seedling visions to thriving realities
We know that by nourishing youth creativity and bold voices, we open doors to innovative ideas, resilience, and joy. When artists and activists intertwine, powerful new narratives can blossom.
Culture change fuels our work by envisioning the alternative realities we’re fighting for. With continued funding and support, we can nurture the conditions for these visions to take root, spread, and reshape our social landscape. The seeds have been planted. Together, we will ensure our communities thrive!