YoUthROC works in direct partnerships with youth, schools, districts, and organizations.
In 2024, YoUthROC’s research used artful and movement sessions to explore hidden curriculum and the messages that students in north Minneapolis and in urban schools receive. Our next step is to identify ways for identities, cultures, communities, and affinity groups to be more accessible to students in our schools.
In 2023, the YoUthROC team worked with a local school partner by developing two concepts through their participatory research: “youthful joy” and “restorative practices.” Their collaboration resulted in a “Restorative Joy” cohort and PD session that they facilitated with both teachers and school board members. Since that time, their school and district leaders have further engaged in actions that support both community-building and joy.
In 2022, YoUthROC asked, “How do young people create sustainable change through networks or coalitional work? On the path to exploring that question, we worked to build relationships and reciprocity with our community partners. As such, we developed YPAR Series Events: Intro to YPAR (November), From Action Research to Social Action (January and March), and a YPAR CoLab (May). Want to learn more about current YPAR series events? Contact [email protected] via email.
In 2022, YoUthROC is asking, “How do young people create sustainable change through networks or coalitional work? On the path to exploring that question, we always aim to work in reciprocity with our community partners. As such, we are continuing to develop our YPAR Series Events, which now include a fall Series I: Intro to YPAR, Series II: Research to Social Action (Feb-April), and Series III: Curriculum for Social Change (May-June).]
YoUthROC’s 2020 project asked, “In an uprising, how do youth move?”
Using autoethnography, historical artifact cataloging, social media analysis, and focal groups, the team developed a curriculum about youth in social movements for groups focused on anti-racism and ethnic studies. The website with lessons will be made public in 2022.
YoUthROC’s 2019 project asked, “What does it take to develop accessible and sustainable spaces that center BIPOC youth?”
Based on findings from interactive surveys and focal group interviews, the team created an important curricular framework and guide. To center BIPOC youth in school and community space, YoUthROC recommends: 1. Creating kinship and shared purpose. 2. Nourishing assets and youth agency. 3. Addressing issues and taking action. Download YoUthROC's Research Process and Recommendations.