America's Service Commissions’ Post

Love this. And--as adults leading and facilitating in youth-focused organizations and systems--let me ask you this: How often do you experience being centered in your professional spaces, organization, community, system or network? How often are YOU -assumed to have a voice? -breaking silences? -being heard? -co-constructing knowledge with peers and colleagues? -handed the mic? -building solidarities with colleagues, partners, peers? Really--check on this with yourself. And, check on this with your colleagues. Consider how your race and social identities factor in to your responses. It is our belief that adults who have not or do not experience cultures of belonging and centeredness in their work, struggle to create spaces that center youth voices and belonging. If you haven't experienced it...If you don't know what it feels like...it's difficult to do it with young people. Our work in advising, consulting, capacity building, coaching is to help create spaces where adults feel, experience and practice the ways of being we say we care about.

New on the blog! Amplifying young voices: Empowering the youth of Wales. Dan delves into the importance of valuing young people, the barriers hindering their participation, and some actionable steps we can take to amplify their voices and create meaningful change. 📖 https://buff.ly/45hBhMx

📷 In just a few days, we will be learning, networking, and advocating with over 1,100 social work students, leaders, elected leaders, and professionals throughout California at 2024 Legislative Lobby Days! Share your experience with NASW-CA and tag us in all of your Lobby Days adventures! - Image description: Text reads "help us capture Lobby Days 2024! Step 1: Share your photos and selfies. Step 2: Tag @NASWCA. Step 3: Use the hashtags #LLD2024 #NASWCA"

In reflecting on our shared journey as a society, it’s important to consider how our relationship with the past impacts our present and future. Our efforts to preserve history and attain historical justice are crucial, but we must also remember to balance these endeavors with the needs of today and aspirations for tomorrow. From a political perspective, while it’s essential to rectify past injustices, we must ensure that our policies also address the immediate needs of our communities and lay a strong foundation for future generations. Our focus should not solely be on correcting the wrongs of the past, but also on creating a just and equitable society today, while forging a path for a sustainable future. From a philosophical viewpoint, this balance between past, present, and future is integral to our experience of time and life. As we navigate our collective journey, we must remember that our past shapes us, the present moment is where we have the power to enact change, and the future is where the results of our actions will unfold. In essence, let’s honor and learn from our past, strive to create justice in our present, and ensure our actions today lead to a better future for everyone. We are the caretakers of not only our history, but also the world our children will inherit. #BalancingPastPresentFuture #CreatingABetterTomorrow

Thrilled and honored to be a part of this panel! Please save the date and join the conversation for an insightful discussion. Details below ☺️

🌈 DIVERSITY ||| Decades of research show the benefit of diversity for organizations, communities, and society. When faced with restrictive legislation, organizations and individuals can take bold action to defend progress and safeguard diversity efforts. People with different social identities have different experiences, leading each of us to create a unique view of how things work. – © APA ||| Learn more about the benefits of diversity for individuals, organizations, communities, and society: https://at.apa.org/z2r

In our newest blog, we asked Josephine Amusa, policy advisor to House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, about her career journey to Capitol Hill. Read more below to hear her thoughts on the importance of uplifting women of color in policymaking:

Two-thirds of young people in our 2023 study of 13-to-25-year-olds participating in Christian youth-serving organizations said their interactions with adults are “often” or “always” meaningful. How would the young people in your organization answer this question? Find out with Compass: https://buff.ly/4enx1kg

In 1948, amidst the devastation of war, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights emerged as a beacon of hope, declaring the inherent rights of every individual. Today, we celebrate this landmark document and rededicate ourselves to its transformative vision. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the Declaration remains more relevant than ever. From tackling climate change to advancing social justice, its principles offer a road map for building a world where freedom, equality, and dignity are realities for all. Join us as we pledge to uphold the Universal Declaration and move forward, united in our commitment to human rights.