Y.O.U.T.H. is a program designed to bridge the generational gap. It is a group organized and facilitated by the younger generation (Teens & Twenties) where they are able to express issues which are important from their experiences. The older generation (Thirties &up) attend as guests to listen to issues, grievances, etc., and serve as a support system for the young brothers.
When input and assistance is requested, the “Old” lend their knowledge and wisdom without demeaning, condescending, and judgmental positions. The “Old” simply reflect on similar experiences that relate to the “Young’s” topic and explain how they handled or mishandled the same or similar situation.
The Y.O.U.T.H. model works because it gives the “Young” a platform to show their worth, without being scrutinized or micromanaged by the “Old.” It allows older men, who genuinely care about seeing the best in their younger brothers, the opportunity to have “Real Talk” with them like equals. When young men feel like older brothers can talk to them and with them, and not at them, then the generational gap is shortened. An example of a group session follows:
“Bout That Life”
The topic which one of the facilitators came up with is entitled “Bout That Life.” It touches on the subject of the gang culture. The issue which is raised the group this session concerns the hypocrisy for older brothers in prison to criticize and judge younger ones for being gang related, when the influence and indoctrination was taught to them by older brothers. Someone asked, “How you gon’ get down on me for being in the same mob you helped form and got tatted all on your body?”
So the discussion begins with the moderator making sure the rules of respect and order are complied with. The older brother gives real talk feedback about his views on the issue/ grievance. He states that he believes the younger brothers who are gang related shouldn’t be condemned and judged by the older brothers who were once affiliated themselves. He adds that the older guys share the blame for creating such a destructive entity, as well as for setting bad examples. He explains, however, through his own personal experiences with gang banging (being shot, stabbed, extorted, catching dead time in jail due to a case he caught in the joint for the mob, etc.) he learned that he had to change course in his life, or suffer the same fate as all of his fallen homeys who played the same game and lost.
The older brother cannot tell a younger brother, “You should do…,” or “You shouldn’t do…” or anything like that because that’s a rule. Instead, he would say “What I did was…”, “What I’ve see was…”, “What I’ve seen other brothers do was…” or something like that. These protocols set in place show respect to the younger brothers and their right to make their own decisions. What winds up happening is when and if the young brother is ready, he’ll come ask the older brother for some guidance and direction on his own.
The Y.O.U.T.H. model has proven to be very successful. More camaraderie was formed, communication between the “Young’ and “Old” flowed a lot smoother, bonds were formed and it resulted in positive change in the lives of all involved.
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