66.042 - "We're Not Just Changing Diapers, We're Changing the World!" Young Parents Transforming Their Communities

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

The purpose of this session is to examine and discuss programs and initiatives aimed at young parents, and how these can be used to promote their advocacy skills and foster success. This presentation will bring together researchers, educators, practitioners, and youth to discuss issues relevant to the lives of young parents. Topics that will be covered include the use of Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) with young parents, challenging negative stereotypes about young parents, mentoring programs for young mothers, and reproductive and birth justice movements and advocacy efforts. This session will provide evidence and information documenting how young parents’ involvement in research and advocacy efforts can contribute to enhanced notions of themselves as agents of change.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Critical Educators for Social Justice

Chair

• Laura Ruth Johnson, Northern Illinois University

Papers

• Using Youth Participatory Action Research to Challenge Stereotypes and Affirm Identities as Young Parents - Laura Ruth Johnson, Northern Illinois University

• Telling and Sharing Stories of Survival and Success: Intergenerational and Transformational Mentoring for Young Mothers - Danette Sokacich, Pedro Dr. Albizu Campos High School; Cynthia Brito, University of Illinois-Chicago; Roxane Padilla, Proyecto Atabey; Elizabeth Ruth Alaniz, Proyecto Atabey

• Advocating for Reproductive Justice and Birth Justice in Our Schools and Communities: The Role of Young Parents in Shaping and Transforming Policy - Tiffany Pryor, Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health