The Roots Initiative Summer Liberation Lab
"The Summer Liberation Lab helped me learn more about what's happening in our community and how we can be part of the solution. Through our community impact project, we presented our ideas on how to make our neighborhoods better to elected officials and they actually listened."
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-Jade Nutall (6th Grade)
Genius Meets Liberatory Design
Deliver
Dream
Define
Develop
What We Do In The Lab
The Roots Initiative Summer Liberation Lab is where the brilliance of young minds converges with liberatory design to forge a reality where everyone can thrive. This bridge program is meticulously crafted to empower Black youth by providing the support needed to breathe life into Community Impact Projects aimed at addressing civic and social issues in their communities and city.
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Over the course of the six-week lab, leaders have the opportunity to apply concepts and practices learned in the AL3 Leadership Fellowship, and acquire valuable skills, including research, analysis, problem-solving, design, and project management. They also develop essential interpersonal skills such as teamwork, communication, conflict resolution, and a deep understanding of collective work and responsibility.
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The overarching goal is to instill in these young leaders the importance and impact of youth-driven, transformative change. The Summer Liberation Lab not only equips them with practical skills but also fosters a sense of agency and the belief that their contributions can materialize into meaningful and lasting positive change in their communities.
By the end of the Summer Liberation Lab, young leaders will have learned:
Research, analysis, problem-solving, design and project management
Teamwork, communication, conflict resolution and collective work and responsibility
The importance and impact of youth-driven, transformative change
