Insights From Former Youth Leaders in Social Justice Activism

• In Event: Rearticulating Student Voice and Activism

Abstract

This presentation will offer findings from a funded study featuring in-depth duoethnographic interviews with 20 former student activists. The research includes a critical analysis of the impact of engaging in social justice research from the perspective of actual student leaders, long overlooked as informants in shaping our understandings in curriculum in this area. The researcher seeks to better understand the many complex ways that taking a leadership role in fostering the acceptance of diversity can impact individuals. The study provides valuable insights to current researchers, educators, and school activists alike on a number of relevant topics, including the recruiting and retaining student activists, effective implementation of projects, resisting community backlash, mediating administrative issues, collaborating with community agencies, and using technology.

Author

• Darren E. Lund, University of Calgary