‘No Young Person is Disposable’: Ambassadors reflect on visions for youth justice
October marks Youth Justice Action Month, and this year we wanted to hear directly from our Ambassadors about what support they wish they’d had as youth, and the vision they have for youth justice today. Read on to hear what kind of world they’d create for our young people!
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Page Dukes
What would you tell your younger self?
Find your people! Plug in to a supportive community, find your power and your path. Also, believe in your goodness, but let go of any pressure to be perfect. Even when you fail, you are still good. You can stumble and still fly.
What do you want to tell young people today?
The way things are, the way they’ve been, is just that; they do not have to be this way. Decide what kind of world you want to live in, and build it together!
How would you like to reimagine youth justice?
We must take responsibility for restoration when kids cause harm, for the world we created for them to live in, and for the harms we perpetuate against them in the name of “individual accountability.” Offering every kid what they need to live a better life and build a better future for themselves, their families and their communities, not compounding the harm with the trauma of incarceration.
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Shannon Ross
Your ego is your greatest enemy and understanding how to not carry pain and anger with you is the key to experiencing your potential and life at it’s best. Growing up is like a mountain, and not being able to see what’s on the other side can make the struggle feel unbearable. Lean on and reach out to others for help because we NEED you on the other side and you deserve everything great you will find.
I would like youth justice to reflect what each of us needs, wants, and tries to foster in our own families: compassion, listening, and coming together rather than pushing away.
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Andrew Hundley
What would you tell your younger self?
You are loved and admired, and you are great just the way you are!
What do you want to tell young people today?
Every generation is greater than the one before them, and you are no different. Don’t compromise on your principles, demand fairness and equality, and achieve what those before you could not.
How would you like to reimagine youth justice?
No young person is disposable. Youth justice should mean that all young people have value and purpose, and we invest in their promise. This means we give everyone the opportunities and resources to achieve their dreams.
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Kent Mendoza
What would you tell your younger self?
Kent, you are a hero. You are what the world needs. You are the solution to people’s questions because you represent and care about your community, family, and friends and they look up to you. You are the guiding compass to your friends, don’t shy away from your eagerness, curiosity, and get used to feeling uncomfortable because that’s where you shine the most, you’re going to show other kids that there is a better road. Don’t you worry about the pressure, the noises surrounding you making you feel doubtful and incapable, because you are actually more than capable, you’re going to surpass your own dreams. You don’t need to have all the answers now, you don’t need to be a perfect person, all you need to do is believe in yourself, your own instincts and thinking because you have great ideas inside your mind. Don’t stop painting, Don’t stop skating. Don’t stop being the kid that you are. Enjoy your youthful moments, appreciate your family, don’t hold back from being you, stay open minded, don’t be afraid and just do it all. Take over and make it happen, prove them wrong! You are what the world needs, you are a hero.
What do you want to tell young people today?
To all the youth who feel like they’re all alone, with their own thoughts, in their own struggles, questioning the world and life, and that feel like no one understands you, you are not alone. Don’t let those things define your curiosity and creativity in wanting to create and do new things in your life. Do whatever makes you feel happy, try the things you are eager to try, experience the moments that you want and don’t hold back or stop yourself from trying something new. Be weird, be unique, be yourself, and ignore those who try to bring you down. You have so many years ahead of you so you only have time, use that time wisely and invest in your growth. You don’t need to hang with toxic crowds to experience adventures, fun moments, and be young, you can do all that with the right people around you. Don’t let the media, materials, and clout be the compass to your passion and the things you want to do, do things that bring happiness to you, your lovers, ones, and your community. Don’t get distracted in wanting to satisfy others nor compare yourself to others. You are unique that way you are, keep that going!
How would you like to reimagine youth justice?
Reimagining Youth Justice means creating opportunities for all young people to be supported and guided through the many adversities and uphill scenarios they experience in their development. To reimagine youth justice, I would like to see our county agencies fully understand youth development in order to change the way they perceive and view youth and humanize them, setting and creating policy that builds up from youth development and care principles and not just punishment and confinement.
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Twyana Davis
What would you tell your younger self?
To not let people force their negative opinions on you, but watch for the ones who are genuine. Some will fake it like they care, but they will never be able to fake it like they are there.
What do you want to tell young people today?
To the younger generation I’d say, learn to see with your eyes closed. No matter how hard things may be for you, trust the unfolding of life. It will get better if you keep a positive outlook.
How would you re-imagine youth justice?
I choose to re-imagine a world where youth justice looks differently than it does now. I see a world where adults can hear their inner cries before it’s too late. And if a wrong choice is made, youth get the help they need instead of a prison cell.
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Waleisah Wilson
What would you tell your younger self?
I would tell my younger self that I AM worthy of being loved, that I am beautiful, to not devalue myself and it’s ok to tell an adult when being abused.
Lastly I would tell my younger self that despite the hardships, there is pain in my purpose and that trouble won’t last always. Things WILL get better.
What do you want to tell young people today?
I would tell young people today to make good choices even if you are the only one making them and stay a child and in a child’s place as long as you can. There is more than enough time for adult things later.
How would you like to reimagine youth justice?
I reimagine youth justice as it should be for adults….restorative, rehabilitative and balanced with mercy.