National Youth Advisory Board Updates

March has been a busy month for the FSP National Youth Advisory Board (YAB). Take a look at their activities as they strategically move into Phase II of their action plan which focuses on social injustice and advocacy.

YAB took this time as an opportunity to hone in on their Y.O.U.R.S. initiative. Started by Ms. Bland, YOURS stands for You Owning Up (to your) Responsibilities (to the) System. YAB members served as onsite facilitators focused on getting unregistered and eligible 18-year-olds hyped about participating in the voting process. They also took part in a mock trial that dealt with real social injustice issues and other activities during the 59th anniversary of the commemoration of Bloody Sunday and the march from Selma to Montgomery.

Civic education and engagement are requirements for YAB. Members fulfilled this obligation recently by participating in full-day hosted events at the University of Alabama Law School and the State Capitol. They tackled real issues related to social injustices and voter suppression. In addition, YAB had the awesome opportunity to interact with original foot soldiers who participated in the 1965 movement that made history.

Back to Selma, YAB jumped in to support FSP’s 3rd-anniversary activities. In five days, the group added the following accomplishments to their growing list:

1. Completed a service project painting a shelter for homeless citizens
2. Traveled to two cities for professional development
3. Hosted a parent welcome reception
4. Facilitated a panel discussion with the Alabama Conference of Black Mayors
5. Sat in a courtroom and defense, prosecution, and jury
6. Marched in the annual Jubilee parade
7. Greeted attendees at the Excellence Brunch of Salute Selma
8. Marched in the Annual Bridge Crossing and remembrance of Bloody Sunday

This deserves applause, appreciation, and support. Kudos to our YAB for showing up and showing out! Your financial support helps us keep the dream alive for YAB!