Our Community Safe Space: A Youth Participatory Action Research Project by Cincinnati's Teen Think Tank (Poster 57)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Seven
  In Poster Session: Youth Teams in Education Research Poster Session

Abstract

Due to the high prevalence of poor mental health experienced by teens during the COVID-19 pandemic, the recent rise of antisemitism, and anti-LGBTQIA+ movements, we engaged in a youth participatory action research (YPAR) project from May 2021 to August 2022 to design a community center in an underserved urban area located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Our project documents the research and design process we undertook to develop a space for people to access resources, gather safely to discuss difficult topics, and build supportive social networks. Over the course of the project, we engaged in a variety of data collection methods, including, conducting a Group Level Assessment, vision boards, photo documentation, and survey responses from event attendees. We also engaged in numerous brainstorming and design sessions. Since August 2021, our space has brought a total of 1,500 visits from community members and forty organizations, including LGBTQIA+ support groups and mental health services. When surveyed about their experiences attending events at the community center, approximately 200 teens responded that they felt accepted and safe; felt better about their social life; and felt better able to deal with stress. Our research seeks to prioritize the voices and wisdom of teens in educational and community-based settings, and for teens to be viewed as co-researchers, co-designers, and co-changemakers.

Authors

• Allison JoAnn Lester, University of Cincinnati
  Presenting Author

• Atlas Suarez, Youth Teams in Education Research
  Presenting Author

• Abigail Rubinstein, Youth Teams in Education Research
  Presenting Author

• Shahnaz Hassan, Youth Teams in Education Research
  Presenting Author

• Safa Ahmad, Youth Teams in Education Research
  Presenting Author