Critical Mentoring in Space

Now more than ever, young people need a place of their own. They need healing spaces, they need affirming spaces, and they need spaces filled with love. Spaces they can lead in, spaces where they can learn, grow and thrive. Where they are free to grow, share and wield their power as tomorrow’s leaders. 

Given the recent boom in the real estate market, young people are fast losing ground to the forces of gentrification and industrialization. But they aren’t just losing ground to economic or real estate forces, they are also losing ground on various social issues; mass shootings (including school shootings), mental health, a resurgence of white supremacist violence, LGBTQ+ hate crimes and so much more. Coupled with the fact that local cities are not prioritizing youth-centered spaces because of industrial expansion, this leaves young people particularly vulnerable and leaves schools as the only places where young people can convene. 

In working toward bringing critical mentoring to life, it is essential that we begin to build “home-places” focused on providing critical mentoring support for youth. We must provide our young people with loving and affirming spaces, opportunities to freedom dream, and resources to shape their futures. Not just a box where activities take place, but a warm and inviting space for young people to connect, to heal, to build, to organize, and to lead. Like so many other youth-led and developed spaces, this home must serve as a place for young people to be drivers of innovation, creativity, and community. This does not mean that we have to acquire perfect spaces to do your work in, but it does mean we must work to innovate within our spaces and to re-think what spaces should look and feel like when we are acquiring properties for our work.