As we grapple with the unrest in our community, address our grief and fears, and reach for a more equitable future for all, let’s stay in tune to our youth and how they are processing these events and the long-standing inequities and violence against people of color that have fueled ongoing protests. This is heavy stuff that is distressing to all of us, especially our young people. 

We challenge you to take a moment today to check in with youth and young adults in your household and community circles. Take time to listen, allow them to vent and process, and help them find constructive ways to channel their energies as change-makers. Our youth are critical voices in the conversation to chart our course forward to a more equitable and just society. Let’s engage their voices, inspire their constructive action, and keep hope alive. For those of you who need additional tools to engage our youth, below are some resources that may be helpful to you as parents, guardians, caregivers, and other professionals  who work with youth and children (with credit to our Youth Development Center of Excellence, and the equity team at Sound Transit):

Helping children at home: 

• Talking about Racism and Bias - Resources for Parents and Caregivers
• How to Talk to Kids About Violence
• Helping Children Cope with Tragedy Related Anxiety
• Starting to Talk About Race with Kids
• Watch the 60-minute special on "Coming Together: Standing up to Racism" with CNN and Sesame Street on Saturday, June 6.

Additional ways to help:

• At a minimum, we should be actively and openly voicing support and compassion for those in our Y family who are lifted when we stand in solidarity with them. 
• Learn more about systemic equity 
• Get involved locally with Our Best (City of Seattle program aimed at expanding opportunity and improving life outcomes of young black men and boys.) 

Things white people can do for racial justice:

• 75 Things White People Can do for Racial Justice
• How White Parents Can Talk About Race