Civic Education
Shalia Ford, FOCUS St. Louis
ternationally with leaders. Our intent was to expand their view on the critical issues of our times by participating in forums where students can learn from and lead with their German peers. This partnership encourages students to think globally about issues of racial equity, climate change and sustainability while promoting youth participation in civic life locally where change can be realized. Founded in 1989, Youth Leadership St. Louis is an internationally recog- nized program that informs, connects, prepares and emp- owers St. Louis area youth to become civic and community leaders.
Ms. Ford, why did your organization decide to partici- pate in the German-American Sister Cities Youth Forum ?
FOCUS St. Louis is the premier civic leadership organiza- tion, preparing diverse leaders from high school to C-Sui- te executives to work cooperatively for a thriving St. Louis region. At FOCUS we educate leaders, connect leaders and facilitate the important conversations. Our decision to partner with the German-American Sisters Cities Youth Forum was in alignment with our vision and mission as well as aspirations to connect students nationally and in- The potential is great for continued youth engagement. Not only are youth able to con- nect during the virtual forums, but continue discussions between forums to foster under- standing and build lasting relationships.
What potential for local youth engagement do you see in transatlantic exchanges?
The potential is great for continued youth engagement. Not only are youth able to connect during the virtual fo- rums, but continue discussions between forums to foster understanding and build lasting relationships. At a recent forum, a youth leader from St. Louis exchanged contact information with a youth leader from Stuttgart to share more about their Action Research Project done through participation in Youth Leadership St. Louis . Youth-led ac- tion research is an approach to scientific inquiry and so - cial change grounded in principles of equity that engages young people in identifying problems relevant to their own lives, conducting research to understand the pro- blems, and advocating for changes based on research evidence. This exchange was great to hear and see! We anticipate learning of more of these exchanges and con- nections.
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Shalia Ford Director, Leadership Programs, FOCUS St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Web: Youth Leadership St. Louis
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