An #ActuallyAutistic Tour of the Spectrum

Presented by
Jessie Calero

This workshop is a crash course on autism, the autistic community, and the neurodiversity movement. Led by an autistic self-advocate, this workshop will break down stereotypes and misconceptions about autism in order to help clarify who we are, what we think about ourselves, and how we perceive and interact with the world. It will also provide participants with the tools to support autistic friends and family and the language to advocate alongside us.

Art and Social Justice

Join a local artist to talk about how to use art (all forms) to make a statement for social justice.  Then, participants will actually create a piece of art during the workshop.

Bias and Breaking Down Stereotypes

Presented by
Esther Hernandez

This workshop will help students learn about how bias plays out in our daily lives and can either produce or prevent stereotypes. The workshop will use some fun exercises with significant audience participation.

Finding Your Voice and Skills for Conflict Resolution

Presented by
Danny Fisher, Columbia University Conflict Resolution Program

Everyone experiences conflict—over who we are, what we believe, and so many other things. Sometimes that conflict grows until it harms or even ends those relationships. It doesn’t have to be that way. We will discuss conflicts that you are experiencing and effective ways to deal with them. We will use small-group discussion and practical tools to help each other address conflict in positive ways.

From Ally to Accomplice: A Love Language

Presented by
Nikki Archuleta, YCD

In this presentation we will discuss the importance of our individual and collective power when we decide to move from the space of stationary ally to a fully active accomplice. As well as what these roles look like and how they are different. We will also discuss how when we enter that space we have the opportunity to change the world. It is not enough to just listen, it is our moral obligation to act. To be an accomplice is an act of revolutionary love.

The History of Native Boarding Schools in New Mexico

Founded with the intention of assimilating Native American children, students at these schools were separated from family, and forbidden from speaking Native languages, or practicing traditional customs. Education was often limited to training as domestic and industrial workers. Children from New Mexico were also sent to schools that were located out of state. Join this session to learn about New Mexico’s history of boarding schools on Native people, and their impacts lasting to today.

Human Trafficking of Youth in New Mexico

Presented by
the New Mexico Human Trafficking Task Force

This training will explore the root causes of the crime of trafficking and the myriad of intersecting identities, vulnerabilities, and social and systemic inequalities that can lead to trafficking. Understanding root causes and complex trauma is key to recognizing the crime in its many forms. Youth will be guided through a trauma-informed framework to connect personal and community aspects to at-risk experiences.

Islam and Islamophobia

Islamophobia is the discrimination and oppression of Muslims. This workshop will serve as an open forum for students and adults to ask questions freely as they learn some of the common myths and misconceptions surrounding the Islamic faith and Muslim people. This session will also help participants understand how xenophobia against any race, religion or ethnicity should not be tolerated.

Responding to Homophobia and Transphobia

Presented by
Teen M’Power

In this workshop we will discuss transphobia and homophobia, both in the classroom and in everyday life. We will review statistics and survey responses as well as discuss how homophobia and transphobia affect us, and what can be done to combat them. This is the perfect session for LGBTQ+ youth, adults, and allies!

Search for Truth: Exploring Lesser-Known Religions

Panel discussion

Join this session to hear from Muslim, Sikh and Hindu religious leaders, to break down misconceptions and stereotypes about their faiths, as well as learning about how we can work together across faith communities for social justice.

Thinking about the Inclusion-Exclusion Continuum

Presented by
Sreyashi Chakravarty, New Mexico Highlands University

We will start the workshop with an introduction of the inclusion-exclusion continuum, followed by reflective exercises encouraging participants to share personal episodes with both inclusion and exclusion in a setting of their choice. Attendees will walk away with a better understanding of how to identify and create more inclusive spaces, and how to take action for inclusion!

Undoing the Manbox: Healthy Masculinities and Healthy Relationships

Presented by
Together 4 Brothers

Youth and adults will share and learn in a creative format about how gender binaries and the “manbox” hurt all of us. Youth facilitators will also share and provide tools for healthy relationships and masculinities including learning about assets, boundaries, communication, consent, expectations, gender spectrum and storytelling.

What it Means to be an Immigrant Today

Presented by
New Mexico Dream Team

There is so much talk about immigration, but how often do you hear immigrants’ personal stories? Join this session to hear from a panel of immigrants who will share why they migrated and what their experience has been like.

Be a Part of YCD’s Next Chapter: Building and Sustaining an Inclusion and Justice Club in Your Community

Starting and growing a youth-led inclusion and justice club isn’t easy, but is so important to establish nurturing, inclusive spaces in our communities across Colorado. Join this session to learn how starting a YCD chapter can provide you with the support, training, and curriculum you need for a successful, sustainable youth-led club.  Let’s build equitable and inclusive communities together!

Liberty and Justice for All: Decolonizing Our Schools

This workshop will start off with a brief overview of the history of education in the United States so we better understand the context of colonization and erasure of marginalized stories in our education system. We will look at some of the inequitable outcomes these practices have led to, and participants will have an opportunity to share their own insights. Then, we will explore what decolonization looks and feels like in terms of inclusive curriculum and culturally responsive educator practices.