Proving Them Wrong: Reproductive Justice, Engagement, and Advocacy for and by Pregnant and Parenting Youth

• In Event: 15.061 - MTCC Roundtable Session Two
  In Roundtable Session: 15.061-7 - Critical Approaches to Research

Abstract

This on-going study examines the experiences and engagement of pregnant and parenting youth (PPY) attending an alternative school in Chicago in order to identify the sorts of instructional approaches and activities that can promote their social justice-oriented advocacy and leadership skills. This project used youth participatory action research (YPAR) and qualitative methods, involving a team of young parents in designing and implementing research projects and media campaigns aimed at better understanding the experiences of young parents. Findings have revealed that PPY gain valuable knowledge and skills from their participation in engagement and advocacy projects in which they have opportunities to address issues relevant to their lives and communities and serve in leadership roles.

Author

• Laura Ruth Johnson, Northern Illinois University